Gianfranco Zola was named as the new manager of Premier League club West Ham United on Thursday. The 42-year-old former Chelsea and Italy forward takes over from Alan Curbishley, who resigned a week ago because of too much board interference. West Ham said Zola, who signed a three-year contract, was the unanimous choice of the board who had drawn up a list of “high calibre” candidates. “I am very delighted, it's a great honor to be given such an important job,” Zola said at a news conference at West Ham's Upton Park Stadium. “I thank the board for choosing me and (director of football) Gianluca Nani for supporting me.” Zola is expected to get his first taste of action against Newcastle United in 10 days' time with Kevin Keen taking charge of the first team in Saturday's league visit to West Bromwich Albion. The Sardinian, who has been in charge of Italy's under-21 team with Pierluigi Casiraghi, was preferred to former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni whom West ham said it also interviewed for the managerial position. Zola's appointment had been widely expected despite his lack of experience in club management. “I know I'm not the most experienced manager but I've been in football for 20 years and know what I'm talking about,” Zola, a cult hero at Chelsea in more than 300 games for the club, said. “I trust my knowledge of the game and believe the players will help me. I am confident everything will be alright.” “Football is joy,” Zola said at a news conference, flashing a wide grin. “I truly believe that the best part of the game comes when you are enjoying what you are doing. It is my philosophy to play offensive football if I can because I trust it. What we will need to do is make it enjoyable first for the players themselves and then the club. We will need to be a balanced team.” The 42-year-old former Italy playmaker became the 12th manager - and first foreign boss - in West Ham's history. Zola said he would have no problem consulting Gianluca Nani, the club's director of football, and the board over transfer deals. “If there's something to be done we will do it together, consider players and then decide whether we need to buy somebody or sell somebody,” he said. “But they will be working with me, not against me.” Pressed on who would have the final say, Zola replied simply: “Me.” Zola was one of Chelsea's most popular players during seven seasons at the Hammers' London rival. “I will never forget my first seven years with Chelsea,” he said. “I hope that my next few years will be as successful as the first seven, that's my aim.”
