Watford finally confirm appointment of Gianfranco Zola
6:40pm Saturday 7th July 2012 in Latest Football News
By Frank Smith
, Deputy Group Sports Editor
Watford have finally announced the appointment of Gianfranco Zola as manager.
One of the Hornets' new owners, Giampaolo Pozzo, was quoted on Monday stating Zola was set to replace Dyche as the new manager.
However, Dyche was not officially sacked until yesterday evening and the club decided to delay the announcement of Zola's appointment until today.
The Hornets technical director Gianluca Nani told the Watford Observer: "Sean did an excellent job for Watford. But we believe Gianfranco Zola is the right person for this project."
He continued: "Everyone knows how Gianfranco Zola likes football to be played. I think Watford fans can expect an exciting and attacking style."
Nani refused to comment on whether the back room staff will remain in place, although we understand Dodo Sormani will be part of the coaching set-up.
Zola’s career in football is a glittering one that has spanned for more than 30-years.
His first professional club was Sardinian side Nuorese before a spell at Torres. His big break in Italian football arrived when he joined Napoli in 1989.
He would go onto make 105 league appearances for the Naples club before joining Parma in 1993.
After a three-year spell with the Crusaders, he was sold to Premier League side Chelsea.
He would go onto play more than 300 matches for Chelsea and was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 1997 and the Blues greatest ever player in 2003.
He ended his playing career in 2005 after two years back in Italy with Cagliari.
After briefly working as a coach with the Italian under-21 side, his first job in management was with West Ham. He led the Hammers to a ninth place finish in his first season in charge.
But his second campaign was a disruptive one behind the scenes and they only managed 17th place and he was sacked on May 11 2010.
Zola has signed a two year contract with Watford.
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