Di Matteo promises to stick with Baggies´ style

July 2, 2009

LONDON (AFP) – New West Bromwich Albion boss Roberto di Matteo promised Baggies fans on Thursday he would stay true to the club’s traditions of attacking football.

The 39-year-old former Italy midfielder, who made his name as a manager in the English lower leagues with MK Dons, has arrived at the Hawthorns following the club’s relegation from the English Premier League last season.

Di Matteo, who has replaced Tony Mowbray after he left to take over the reins at Scottish giants Celtic, said: “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 will turn out to be a positive style of football and we’ll try to apply that to the Baggies this season.”

Di Matteo has brought Eddie Newton and Ade Mafe from MK Dons as assistant head coach and head of sports science respectively.

He added: “All three of us are very hard-working people – and that’s what you’re going to get from us. There is a very good team here and we will try our best to go back up again.

“I’m very grateful to MK Dons and the chairman for letting me go to take up this opportunity. 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 know there was a disappointment last season but I think there is potential to do very well here.”