Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has taken over the reins at Championship club Birmingham City.

The Italian has replaced Gary Rowett, who was sacked by the Midlands club earlier in the day.

Zola, who has previously managed Al-Arabi, Cagliari, Watford and West Ham United, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the club.

Birmingham are currently placed eighth in the Championship and are only one point behind the playoff places.

Club Director Panos Pavlakis said: "We are delighted to welcome Gianfranco and his backroom team to the Club.

"His pedigree, philosophy and ambition fits with what we would like to achieve as we move in a new direction.

"Gianfranco has a wealth of top-level experience as both manager and player and we are extremely excited about his appointment."

OFFICIAL: Birmingham City has appointed Gianfranco Zola as new Manager. More details to follow shortly #BCFCpic.twitter.com/07bQ0j1U8l
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) December 14, 2016