GIANFRANCO ZOLA returns to London today after agreeing to become West Ham boss.
The ex-Chelsea striker is set to sign a three-year deal worth £4.5million at Upton Park. Zola, 42, feared a backlash from Hammers fans because of his Chelsea links.
And officials spent yesterday e-mailing positive comments from supporters to his Sardinia home to calm his concerns.
West Ham hope to unveil Zola as their first foreign manager today.
But he will not start work until Monday and his first game in charge will be at home to Newcastle on Saturday week.
He is set to be joined by Chelsea No2 Steve Clarke and ex-Blues fitness coach Antonio Pintus.
Zola left Chelsea in 2003 after seven years.
Hammers legend Billy Bonds, 61, said: I can understand his apprehension over the fans.
If he hits the ground running and gets six good games under his belt they will like him.