Gianfranco Zola is hoping to speak to former Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett, the Italian said yesterday after replacing him 24 hours earlier at the club that is seventh in the Championship.

“I was asked if I was interested a while ago but the phone call only came the other day,” said former Chelsea forward Zola.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to make due to how the other manager was doing. I decided to accept the job as I am a professional and hope to do a good job here.

“I will try to speak with Gary, this is not between me and him. Part of the job that we do is going through this. I will give him a call and extend my sympathies in the situation.”

Birmingham have not played in the Premier League since being relegated in 2011. They are owned by Chinese firm Trillion Trophy Asia who completed a buyout in October.

Zola, the former manager of West Ham and Watford, said he had been assured that funds were available to boost their promotion push.

“I believe the club wants to invest money to strengthen the squad. If they didn’t want to do this I wouldn’t be here,” Zola added. “I’m expecting January to be an interesting month.

“Before then I’ll be able to see what I’ve got and assess the situation.”