ROBERTO Di Matteo is relishing the challenge that awaits him at Albion as he bids to stamp his brand of 'successful and winning football' on the club.

The new Baggies head coach today took up his Hawthorns duties as he met the players for the first time.

"I'm very grateful to MK Dons and the chairman for letting me go to take up this opportunity," said Di Matteo.

"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 a disappointment last season but I think there is potential to do very well here.

"Me and my 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 brings with him Eddie Newton and Ade Mafe from MK Dons as assistant head coach and head of sports science respectively.

And he has assured Albion fans they will be pushing themselves to the limits to try and make a return to the Barclays Premier League

"Ade Mafe has 13 years of experience as a fitness coach in the Premier League and Championship," the new Baggies boss 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 very good team here and we will try our best to go back up again."

PIC: TAKING A VIEW...New head coach Di Matteo monitors his new charges in training