Gianfranco Zola has revealed the footballing philosophy he intends to implement at West Ham United, one he hopes will win over any lingering doubts the club's supporters have that about his long-time allegiance to Chelsea

The Italian reached an agreement in principal last night to replace Alan Curbishley as manager and is likely to arrive in London this evening to complete the formalities of his contract. The former Chelsea forward, who is expected to be presented to the media tomorrow, may be a controversial appointment in some quarters, but he is already promising football that "will put smiles on faces".

"I only know one way to play: on the floor, attacking football, the way things should be done," he said. "I want to excite people, that is why we play isn't it?

"The Under-21s play the way football should be played. I try to put a smile on their faces and I can tell you they put a smile on mine with the way they play."

The 42-year-old is likely to arrive in London this evening to complete the formalities of his contract and although he is likely to encounter resistance to his appointment from some sections of the club's support, Zola has reassured supporters that his past loyalties to Chelsea mean nothing.

"I know there is a rivalry between Chelsea and West Ham, but that is not a problem," he said. "My playing career is my past.

"This is a new adventure for me. I spent seven years at Chelsea and they were seven of the best years of my career, I loved playing there but the fans must understand that I have a new career now and my playing career is in the past.

"The temptation to manage in England is too much, I love London, I love the lifestyle. Whenever I think of London, it has good memories."