Gianfranco Zola has spoken of his respect for Everton manager David Moyes ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with the Toffees.
West Ham United go into this weekend's game at Goodison Park eager to register a victory that would boost the their chances of a seventh-place finish and a spot in next season's UEFA Europa League.
Zola's side sit ninth in the standings, two points behind seventh-placed Fulham with two matches remaining.
Moyes has already ensured sixth-placed Everton will compete in Europe in 2009/10 after leading the Merseysiders to this season's FA Cup final.
The West Ham boss has admitted he would like nothing more than emulate the Scot's achievements by guiding the Hammers to a top-six finish next season.
"I value what he has done very much," said Zola. "He has done a great job there. It is one of the clubs we have to look up to. We want to be there and competing with the top teams and trying to find a way to sneak into a space. That is our project. Moyes has done a great job up there and we hope that we can do the same."
Zola has been hugely impressed with the team Moyes has moulded at Goodison Park, overcoming an injury crisis that has deprived him of midfielder Mikel Arteta and striker Yakubu for much of the present season to put together one of the Barclays Premier League's most consistent outfits.
"One of the secrets has been that he has created a great environment, a very nice working atmosphere," said the West Ham boss. "Also tactically he is aware, he has used his player and got the best out of his players and he is a good manager."
While Zola has been focused on Saturday's trip to Everton, he and midfielder Jack Collison took time out to attend the club's Disabled Supporters' Forum.
There, the pair spoke to fans about their hopes for this season and next, while also answering a wide range of questions about the club. Zola himself enjoyed the experience.
"They were all positive about West Ham and they are looking forward to seeing the club move to another level," said the manager. "We are lucky as we have a very nice atmosphere, very positive and enjoyable and nice. Things are looking very well in West Ham and want to make sure that things are like this for as long as possible."
Finally, Zola expressed his elation at the news that 2005/06 Hammer of the Year Daniel Gabbidon will return to full training next week.
"This is very very good news that he will be training with us next week. That will be a great thing for me. Looking forward to next season. that is good.
"I am not sure whether he will be on the bench this season as he has been out for such a long time but it will be fantastic to have him train with us."