ROBERTO Donadoni dropped out of the race to become West Ham United's new manager as he was "not the right fit" for the East London club.

The former Italy national team coach was the Irons' second choice to succeed Alan Curbishley behind fellow countryman Gianfranco Zola after the pair were interviewed over the weekend.

However, 44-year-old Donadoni withdrew his application on Tuesday and today revealed his reasons for his decision.

"I decided to take my name out of the race because the feeling was that of not being the right fit for the type of programme they (West Ham) had in mind," the former AC Milan and Italy midfielder told calciomercato.com.

"I want to thank the London club. It gives me great honour to have been considered for the position."

Donadoni, who is currently unemployed after being sacked by the Italian FA after Euro 2008, has not ruled out coaching in England in the future.

"I don't exclude this possibility. The Premier League is a thrilling competition that has a lot of value," he added.

Italy Under-21 coach Zola, 42, is expected to be confirmed as West Ham's new manager later today before being unveiled at a press conference at Upton Park on Thursday.

The Hammers chose the former Chelsea star after discounting Scotsman John Collins and Italian coaches Francesco Guidolin and Mario Somma and being turned down by Croatia boss Slaven Bilic and ex-Denmark forward Michael Laudrup, who instead opted to join Spartak Moscow.