It’s a game that most football fans feel is the highlight of the season as Liverpool host rivals Man Utd this Saturday. Click here for the latest odds.

West Ham have confirmed Gianfranco Zola will be their new manager.

The Italian has signed a three-year contract with the Hammers and replaces Alan Curbishley who resigned last week.

The position represents the Zola’s first step into the management, having previously worked as a coach with the Italian U21 side.

The club have confirmed caretaker boss Kevin Keen will be in charge for Saturday’s Premier League clash with West Brom, with Zola set to take over on Monday.

“I’m delighted to be here. It’s a great honour to be involved in such an important job,” he said.

“I’ve promised I’d do my best for the club. It’s a club with tradition. I’m here to help to develop the talent and the team.

“I want to help the players individually and as a team, by passing on my experience and knowledge. I’ll do everything I can to succeed in this.”

The 42-year-old is not concerned that his lack of experience will affect him in his new role.

“I’m not the most experienced manager around. I’ve got ideas. I’ve been in football for 20 years. So I know what I’m talking about,” he continued.

“I’ll certainly give something to the club. Whether it’s enough? Who knows. I trust my knowledge and knowledge of the game.

“I think the players will help too. They’ll help me and I’ll help them.”

Zola had been working with Italy’s Under 21s ahead of his appointment.

“It’s very good working with the young players. At the beginning I was unsettled because I liked what I was doing, but I couldn’t say no,” he said.

“I’m very happy to have accepted. It’s a great opportunity and I’m sure I can do good for this club.”

The former Italy international has vowed to play attacking football.

“My philosophy is to play offensive football if I can because I trust it. We have to make it enjoyable for the players and then for the club and fans.

“Obviously we’ll have to be a balanced team, but the philosophy will be to play attacking football.

“For the moment I’ll bring a fitness coach Antonio Pintos and then I will start working with Kevin Keen and see how it goes.”

It’s a game that most football fans feel is the highlight of the season as Liverpool host rivals Man Utd this Saturday. Click here for the latest odds.