Sharp Zola’s love in Trist cheers Hammers

GIANFRANCO ZOLA’S first signing as West Ham manager is also proving to be his most significant.

Diego Tristan may be in the autumn of his career but he could still have a golden future in England. Two goals in the 33-year-old’s last three games, including the winner here, have given Zola plenty to ponder and the Hammers manager indicated after this hard-earned win he could be ready to hand Tristan a new deal.

If that was to happen it would be a remarkable change of fortune for a player who was released by Italian side Livorno at the end of last season. Tristan was on the road to nowhere but Zola decided to throw the former international a lifeline and he has taken his chance.