West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes that no matter who he signs in January no-one can eclipse the signing of his assistant Steve Clarke.
Clarke left his post as assistant manager at Chelsea, where he spent eleven years as a player, to become Zola's right hand man when he took over from Alan Curbishley in September.
After a run which saw them go six league games without a win Zola has seen his team bounce back to go three league games unbeaten, keeping three clean sheets in the process.
Zola holds Clarke responsible after his work with the Hammers' back four, but the Italian is conscious that he may lose his number two in the future.
He said: "Talking to me about Steve Clarke is like talking to me about my father. He's such an important person for me, which is why I said since the day I took the job that I wanted him with me.
"I am a little worried about losing him. But my worries are completely overcome by the pleasure of seeing him going his way and having the success he deserves.
"I know one day he'll go into management and I'll be very sad. But I am going to be happy knowing he can do a great job. I would say he is my best signing."
Clarke was assistant to Jose Mourinho during his time at Chelsea and Zola admits that the pair still speak to one another.
He added: "They keep talking to each other. But I don't know if he gets tips from Mourinho. He knows a lot about the game and has given me his own tips."
Another important signing for the former Chelsea striker has been the appointment of Nikos Tzouroudis as head of the medical team.
Tzouroudis's arrival has coincided with the fact that most of Zola's squad have avoided injury, something which cannot be said of Curbishley's time at the club.
"We nearly have everybody back, so people aren't getting injured like they used to. It's another thing we're improving on and it's very important.
"The players are working well, and the physios are doing a good job. When you are fit and well trained, it's very difficult for you to get injured."
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