Di Matteo sure of success

New West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo is confident he can bring his philosophy of successful and winning football to the Hawthorns.

The Italian won plenty of admirers during his first season as a manager at MK Dons where, having just missed out on automatic promotion, they lost in the play-offs.

However, the former Chelsea midfielder did enough for the Baggies board to appoint him as Tony Mowbray's successor on Tuesday.

Di Matteo met with the players for the first time on Wednesday and he was confident that the club could make an immediate return to the Premier League.

"I'm very grateful to MK Dons and the chairman for letting me go to take up this opportunity," he told the club's official website.

Brave

"The chairman had to be brave last season to give me a chance and it worked out well for both of us.

"Now, I'm very much looking forward to taking the next step with West Bromwich Albion.

"I'm very happy to be here, it's a great club.

"I know there was disappointment last season but I think there is potential to do very well here. Me and staff can't wait to start and get to work with the players, and hopefully be successful here.

"My philosophy is to play successful and winning football. We have our view on how we would like to achieve that success.

"I think that turns out to be a positive style of football and we'll try to apply that to the Baggies this season."

Di Matteo confirmed that he would be bringing with him his assistant at the Dons, Eddie Newton, and head of sports science Ade Mafe.

Hard-working

"Ade Mafe has 13 years of experience as a fitness coach in the Premier League and Championship," he added.

"I've known him for a similar period. He's very knowledgeable and is a good person to have around.

"Eddie Newton has played at the highest level and has done a lot of coaching. He shares the same philosophy about football as I do and he is very trustworthy and very fair.

"All three of us are very hard-working people - and that's what you're going to get from us.

"I understand expectations are very high. There is a good team here and we will try our best to go back up again."