Roberto Di Matteo began life as Albion’s new head coach with a pledge of hard work and stylish football.

The former MK Dons boss met with the players for the first time as they arrived for pre-season training at Albion’s training ground.

The former Italian international, who has agreed a one-year rolling contract after pipping Preston’s Alan Irvine to the post, will give a full media briefing tomorrow.

But he broke off from his first-day duties to say: “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. 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, then 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.

“That’s a positive style of football and we’ll try to apply that to the Baggies this season.”

Di Matteo is bringing with him his back up team in assistant Eddie Newton and fitness coach Ade Mafe.

He added: “Ade has 13 years of experience as a fitness coach in the Premier League and Championship.

“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.

“All three of us are very hard-working people – 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.” A