Wise Has ONE Friend At Upton Park - IF He Turns Up!

Wise, Newcastle's executive director, is massively unpopular on Tyneside AND at Upton Park (because of his Chelsea history).

But Zola expects his former Stamford Bridge skipper to turn up ... even though he has avoided Newcastle since Kevin Keegan walked out.

Even the surprise talks last week, when Keegan returned from Spain from holiday, were held in London.

Zola: "I'm looking forward to seeing him. It's a pity that we are playing a match like this where it is vital for us to get a good result and win. But it is always a pleasure. He was my skipper for many years and I always respected him.

"He has had a tough time and it's a pity. He is a good man although some people don't like him. But when he was with us he was always positive and always willing to take part and be on your side all the time.

"I don't know what he is doing there. He is probably tackling someone on the board. I was quite surprised because I know he was enjoying management but that is something you have to ask him."