The Hammers appointed the Italian last week ahead of other more experienced candidates such as Roberto Donadoni, Michael Laudrup and Roberto Mancini.

Pearce, who spent two years at Upton Park before moving into management in 2002, said only time will tell if Zola will be a success.

The England Under-21 boss told BBC London: "It's a bold appointment as quite a few are of people who don't have much managerial experience.

"But the proof will be in the pudding. He's been a fantastic ambassador to this country, playing for Chelsea. I think everyone will wish him well.

"People speak very highly of him. Hopefully he'll be successful there. I only spent two years there but I enjoyed every minute of my time at West Ham and time will tell whether he's successful."