After opening his reign at the club with a 3-1 win over Newcastle last Saturday, Zola has endured an uncomfortable second week in charge.

The Italian had to fine Carlton Cole for a breach of club discipline after he was stopped by police while driving through London at 4.30am on Tuesday.

On Wednesday the Hammers lost 1-0 to Watford in the Carling Cup and Zola then discovered that striker Dean Ashton requires an ankle operation and will be out for a month.

Zola has also met with chief executive Scott Duxbury and, much to his relief, received assurances that the club's legal battles over the Carlos Tevez affair will not affect his transfer plans for January.

And in between all that, Zola has had the small matter of a Barclays Premier League game to prepare for at Fulham.

Zola said: "When you walk in as a manager you think you will be working on the pitch. There were many things I was not aware of and you realise you have so many other duties to attend to.

"It is something that is keeping me very busy. I am working very hard. My brain is very hot!

"This is a big job but that is why I like it."

In the time Zola has had on the training field, he has managed to make a quick and positive impression on the squad.

Against Newcastle, West Ham played an attacking 4-3-3 formation, which is alien to most of the squad but captain Lucas Neill believes that challenge has raised the intensity levels.

"A new manager brings new ideas and 'mister', as he likes to be called, has challenged us on the training ground with a lot of sessions that are new to everyone and a system unfamiliar to a majority of the team," said Neill.

"In response, the boys have been very committed and the intensity of training has reached another level, in a bid to not only impress but to perfect the new style and formation."

Zola's stresses could be eased if Craig Bellamy returns to action tomorrow after recovering from a groin injury.

The Wales international has hardly played for West Ham since moving from Liverpool last year but he still boasts an impressive scoring record, with five goals in eight starts.

Cole also faces a late fitness test after missing the Watford game to rest a slight foot problem, which explains much of Zola's disappointment that the former England Under-21 international was out on the town at such a late hour.

Nevertheless, Zola has been impressed by the transformation in Cole, both as a player and a person, since they were team-mates at Chelsea and believes he has England potential.

"I am disappointed with him but that doesn't take away all the chances that he has got," said Zola.

As former Chelsea players, Cole and Zola can expect a lively reception from the Fulham supporters tomorrow.

"I don't mind," said the manager.

"In fact, I will be happy if I am getting more abuse at the end of the game."