Gianfranco Zola is in pole position to take over West Ham job after Roberto Donadoni has withdrawn his application. The Hammers had an Italian short list to replace the departed Alan Curbishley upon request of sporting director Gianluca Nani Roberto Mancini, Roberto Donadoni, Paolo Di Canio and Gianfranco Zola have been linked with the job. Donadoni decided to quit the race saying "However, it does appear that the board have not yet, after some time, come to an agreement and a conclusion on who the successful candidate should be. "It is important for me to feel that I have the full support of the club and I have therefore taken the decision to withdraw myself from the candidate shortlist for the club," he told Calcio Italia. Meanwhile West Ham refused to confirm the appointment of Zola. “Is Zola a done deal? No, absolutely not. I say officially he is a name we are talking about and a strong and fascinating candidate. "I think that the announcement could arrive at the weekend that the coach will take over the team by next week,” said Nani.
