WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola embarked on his first pre-season at the club on Monday morning with renewed energy. The diminutive Italian was joined by his entire coaching staff for the first day of training and though most of the star names have been give

WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola embarked on his first pre-season at the club on Monday morning with renewed energy.

The diminutive Italian was joined by his entire coaching staff for the first day of training and though most of the star names have been given a longer holiday, the likes of Herita Ilunga, Savio and Scott Parker were there to be put through their paces.

"I had a very good rest and like everybody else, I recharged my batteries to start the new season," said the boss. "This is the most crucial time of the year. We need to make sure we work well, because it will have benefits for the future."

Valon Behrami was also on parade, jogging round the pitches at Chadwell Heath just four months after suffering the cruciate knee injury that ended his season.

England trio Rob Green, Matty Upson and Carlton Cole, as well as Jonathan Spector, Luis Boa Morte and new signing Luis Jimenez will join up with the rest of the squad next week for the pre-season trip to Austria.

West Ham start their pre-season campaign with a clash against Grays Athletic on Sunday at 3pm.

Although none of the resting internationals will be there, West Ham are expected to field a strong side.

Danny Gabbidon, James Collins, Jack Collison and Junior Stanislas may all play a part, while there could even be a first sighting in claret and blue of striker Terry Dixon as he continues his rehabilitation from a career-threatening knee injury while at Spurs.