New West Bromwich Albion boss Michael Appleton says he is delighted to be given the chance to lead the club following the weekend sacking of Roberto Di Matteo.
35-year old Appleton, a former Baggies midfielder whose career was cut short by injury, has been appointed as caretaker manager of the West Midlands club and admits he is very excited to be taking the reins in the Premiership.
"It's going to be fantastic. The circumstances behind it I would have liked to be a little bit different but it will be a proud moment for me," he said.
"I had to lose my playing career at what I thought was a young age. Since that day happened I've only ever wanted to be a manager. I didn't expect it to be this way or maybe this soon at this level but it doesn't faze me."
As for what will happen for the rest of the season or further into the future, Appleton said it wasn't his call as he is only concerned about this weekend's crunch game against fellow relegation battlers West Ham United at The Hawthorns.
"The chairman and the board will decide on those things," he added.
"Ultimately, I want to win the game, the players want to win the game and it's my job to make sure that I prepare them so we can get three points. Who knows after that?"
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