West Ham's board is convinced they guessed right in appointing rookie Gianfranco Zola as new manager, says chief executive Scott Duxbury.

"I agree the lack of experience is a question mark and there were people on the shortlist who had more experience," he said.

"But meeting him and talking to him at length about his football philosophy, it became clear there was no other choice.

"It wasn't about a taking a cheap option, he was the perfect option. His interview was so impressive that it was clear who we needed."