OFFICIAL: Zola appointed Watford manager

Watford have this afternoon appointed Gianfranco Zola as their new head coach on a two-year contract, replacing outgoing boss Sean Dyche.

Zola, 45, has been appointed after Dyche was sacked by the Pozzo family in order to make way for the Italian yesterday.

Speaking to The Official Site, Director of Football Gianluca Nani said:

'Everyone knows how Gianfranco Zola likes football to be played.

'I think Watford's fans can expect an exciting and attacking style from his team. Gianfranco represents this project perfectly.'

The former Chelsea forward`s first foray into coaching came in 2006 when he assisted fellow ex-international Pierluigi Casiraghi in coaching Italy`s U21 side. The pair took the Azzurri`s youngsters to the quarter finals of the 2008 Beijing Olympics where they were beaten by Belgium`s U21`s.

In September 2008, Zola took his first full managerial position, succeeding Alan Curbishly as West Ham United manager.

Zola spent two seasons in charge at the Boleyn Ground, delivering a 9th-placed finish in his first season at the helm whilst also integrating youth products and delivering a more exciting brand of football.

His second and final season in charge of the east London club didn`t go so well with a breakdown in communication between Zola and owners David`s Gold and Sullivan who attempted to sign and sell players over Zola`s head.

With a 17th-place finish secured and most importantly, Premier League survival, Zola was sacked two days after the 2009-10 season ended, paving the way for Avram Grant to be appointed Iron`s boss.

A fine player in his day as well, Zola won 35 full Italy caps, scoring 10 goals for his country during an international career which spanned six years.

During his seven-year association with Chelsea, the diminutive attacker was crowned the club`s 'Greatest Ever Player` whilst notching 59 goals in 229 appearances for the west London outfit.

Welcome to Watford, Gianfranco.

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