Sir Geoff Hurst backs Zola for Hammers success

But they need to be patient, to build for the future as they get their precarious finances in order.

He said: "It's been a difficult time. We all know the problems financially and what Gianfranco and Steve Clarke have done with this cloud hanging over the club is brilliant.

"But you've got to be realistic as a West Ham fan. If we can finish just above mid-table, play some good football, consolidate and have a couple of good cup runs that would be terrific. We need to very slowly build and try to creep into that top five.

"We know how financially impossible it is to compete with the likes of Manchester City, but if we can gradually sneak up, that for me would be terrific.

"Spurs and Man City have spent the money and you've got to compete with that. Without being too negative I'd like to see us sit where we are for a few years, play some good football as we are playing and continue to develop some fantastic players as we are still doing - most of whom are playing for the England team via other clubs, the disappointment is having to sell them all.

"The danger is supporters expecting too much because we had a good season last year. Qualifying for Europe is probably over-optimistic in the present circumstances, no matter how good Gianfranco is."

Sir Geoff, 67, is a big Zola fan and believes the Italian has done well in his first year in charge.

He said: "He's done a fantastic job, without a shadow of a doubt. Initally they had a bit of a slide when he took over and he had to get out of that slump, which can be very serious for a new and inexperienced manager.

"They get the press on their backs, the crowd on their backs, but he turned it round and finished up with a very good season.

"I think his appointment of Steve Clarke was a masterstroke as well. Somebody who has worked at a big club, is familiar with the league. A good number two is important to the success of a club. That appointment was terrific and he's done a brilliant job.

"I think the only danger is if they have another good season there will be other clubs sniffing to take Gianfranco away somewhere else. If there's a vacancy somewhere else, at one of the big four or five clubs, he could be on the list for what he's done at West Ham.

"I'm a great admirer of him on and off the field and I'm delighted he's at our club."

The England and West Ham legend was at last Friday's charity fundraising day at BGC Partners in Churchill Place, where he was raising money for children's charity Sparks.

He even managed to get one over the Germans, against whom he scored his famous World Cup final hat-trick in 1966, again in a trade with Deutsche Bank.

He joked: "I've done a couple of deals and raised about £2.50. I didn't have a clue but it was good fun. And Deutsche Bank? How inappropriate. I hope they lost money on it."

For more on the charity visit sparks.org.uk.