LONDON - GIANFRANCO Zola may be a relative novice in the managerial trade, but already the Italian has experienced more dizzying highs and stultifying lows than many of the most grizzled veterans.

In the space of just over a year, he has led West Ham to a top-half finish in the English Premier League, been forced to contend with myriad off-field financial problems and, most recently, negotiated a slump in form which put his own job prospects on the line.

That Zola has met all these scenarios with equanimity speaks volumes for his character and serves as confirmation of why he is still considered one of the brightest managerial prospects in the top flight.

Even during the most recent crisis - a nine-match winless streak which dumped West Ham in the relegation zone - Zola remained unflappable, insisting his team's fortunes would take a turn for the better, sooner rather than later.

His faith was justified by a last-gasp victory over Aston Villa last Wednesday and the former Chelsea striker can now confront Sunday's meeting with Everton, who are locked in their own dangerous downward spiral, with genuine enthusiasm.

'Football is about confidence,' he reflected. 'We know we have been playing well but not picking up the points we needed. That victory (against Villa) will give us a lot. The rest is all there. We know we have the qualities, we know that we can compete at high levels. The mood has been very positive and everybody has been lifted.' -- AFP