Gianfranco Zola happily smiled and charmed his way through his first press conference as West Ham United manager yesterday.

"Football is joy. The best part of the game comes when you are enjoying what you're doing," he said. "So my first target will be to make it as enjoyable as possible for the players.

"Once they realise that I'm sure their performances will be better. The crowd will enjoy it more too.

"My philosophy is to play offensive football. I've always played that way because I trust it.

"It will be quicker for my philosophy to take effect than many people think.

"Once the players realise what I want from them and feel the freedom, it will happen quickly.

"But I haven't seen the players yet. I need to judge the situation with my eyes.

"I'm aware of the high expectations of West Ham fans. This is a challenge but I like challenges. I'm not afraid."