Zola: I have the bubbling hammers

Gianfranco Zola Breeze at Upton Park yesterday vowing to make West Ham best smile. The Italian was unable to stop the transmission after he was presented as the club's new manager.

Previously used to dine at swanky London restaurant at the time with Chelsea, 42 years old, even promised to sample the delights and cake dough and jellied eels in the East End. "I'm not scared of it," he laughed. "I'm going to try, I will give it a go."

Zola is light-hearted approach came in stark contrast with his predecessor Alan Curbishley, whose personality is of someone allergic to humor.

The Sardinian counted his English has improved because it is no longer under the lack of mouth influence of former Chelsea team-mate Dennis Wise - who taught him swear words galore while grappling with the language.

Zola played even against their image as a lover of good football by pretending that he was planning to play ultra-conservative football. "I have already said the club I will play with 10 defenders, ha ha," he said, adding: "My philosophy is to play offensive football, if I may. We have to make nice for the players and the club." Despite of all laughter, Zola - who has signed a three-year deal worth around 40000 pounds a week - stressed that he was the man in charge at West Ham.

The admission of director of football and fellow Italian, Gianluca Nani, had a great influence on his appointment, Zola insisted that decide which players to bring in.

Asked who was responsible for transfers, he replied: "Me!"

He also said that he was not afraid of having to severely punish the players problematic. "You do not have to be tough with footballers," he added. "They have to rely on what you're doing, to see everything we are doing is for their benefit and that's what I'm going to try to do.

"Once the players realize that, I am sure that you will not need to tell them off. If so, I will do it - but hopefully not too often."

Zola, who resigned as coach of Italy Under-21 side to take on West Ham job, the club is the first foreign leader.

But he has not been a universally popular choice because of their inexperience and close association with the hated London rivals Chelsea. "I know that I am not the most experienced manager, but I've been in football 20 years so I know what I am talking about," countered Zola.

"I am ambitious and want one day to be in the Champions League."

Zola is set to appoint former Chelsea and assistant team-mate Steve Clarke to his coaching staff, with Clarke expected to leave Chelsea now and join Zola on Monday. Another Italian, Antonio Pintus, was confirmed as coach of fitness, with Zola admit that wanted to improve the condition of the players. Youth team coach Kevin Keen will take over tomorrow for the trip to West Brom.