GIANFRANCO Zola hopes he can help recreate his own piece of FA Cup magic this season and get the West Ham fans lining the streets around Upton Park for a victory parade.

The Italian, 42, won the famous old trophy twice during his time as a player at Chelsea – the first, in 1997, only six months after his arrival in England from Parma when he scored four goals en route to the final against Middlesbrough.

Zola, who was appointed to his first managerial post in mid-September, would like nothing more than to emulate that success with his new club, but he must first overcome Hartlepool United today.

‘‘Winning the first FA Cup was the best achievement in my career, because it came as a surprise,’’ said Zola.

‘‘I did not expect the crowd to be so enthusiastic when we came out on the bus to celebrate down the Kings Road.

‘‘I remember my father was climbing up a lamp post to try to get the view of a bus. I will never forget that.’’ Zola maintains the FA Cup has lost none of its special appeal, despite perhaps not be treated in the same regard by some of the Barclays Premier League clubs.

‘‘It is a wonderful competition.

I like the formula where everyone has a chance,’’ he said.

‘‘I hope all the clubs, including the top clubs, value the competition because it is not just about them it is about all of the teams who play in it.

‘‘The value and worth of this cup has to be kept high all the time.’’ Zola added: ‘‘It would be fantastic to win it again as a manager.

I am sure I would enjoy it as much as when I was playing.’’ The Hammers have improved in recent weeks, now sitting eighth in the Premier League table following a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Striker Carlton Cole has found his form, scoring a goal in each of those consecutive appearances.

The 25-year-old was in the Chelsea youth ranks when Zola was leading the line at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian believes Cole is now showing much more maturity in his game.

‘‘A lot is down to the fact that he believes in himself more,’’ said Zola.