Zola linked with PL return

Former Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is being linked with a return to former club Chelsea.

The ex-Hammers boss has been out of work since being fired by club owners David Sullivan and David Gold (via Karren Brady) a year ago this month, despite having led West Ham to Premier League survival in 2009/10 - a task seemingly too big for the board's chosen replacement, Avram Grant.

Fresh reports today suggest that the Italian could now be heading back to Chelsea - a club where he remains revered for his time the re as a player- in a coaching capacity - a role some have suggested may be a better position for a man who has always felt happier being away from the spotlight.

Zola was hired by Scott Duxbury in Spetember 2008, just weeks after Alan Curbishley had resigned citing constructive dismissal. Initially he proved to be a huge success as he led United to a ninth-place finish during his first season in the managerial hot seat.

However the following season - his second and last - saw Zola struggle to deal with the pressure of being a Premier League boss.

Although he managed to secure Premier League football for the club for another season, the writing was on the wall for the former midfielder the day Gold and Sullivan, keen to work with their own managerial appointment, purchased a half-share in West Ham United.