West Brom 3-2 West Ham: Zola says he'll get angry to get Hammers winning again

Gianfranco Zola never lost his temper at Chelsea, according to Carlton Cole, but West Ham's new boss insists he will break tea-cups if necessary to bring success to Upton Park.

The Hammers' new Italian manager was in the stands at the Hawthorns after his shock appointment as Alan Curbishley's successor.

And with coach Kevin Keen incharge until Zola starts work today, the former striker was powerless to prevent West Ham's second defeat this season.

Striker Cole said his old Stamford Bridge mentor is probably the nicest man in football But diminutive Zola and Cole know he will have to throw more than his weight around to ensure the inconsistent Hammers improve on last term's 10th-place finish.

"He's such a nice guy, and I have never seen him lose his temper," said Cole, who came through the ranks at Chelsea before moving to West Ham in 2006. "But he must have done so at some stage and I'm sure he will again as a manager.

"He'll be taking the job seriously and if we're not playing up to par he'll have a go. I expect that from him."

Zola's football skills, endearing personality and virtually ever-present smile made him a huge Premier League favourite during his seven-year spell at Chelsea from 1996.

But he has put his reputation on the line by taking the West Ham job after gaining only limited coaching experience withItaly'sUnder-21 side since retiring in 2006.

The placid Italian insists he will be able to stamp his authority on his new squad.

"You can get the best out of people by getting their respect for what you do and I believe that is a good way to work," said Zola. "I will try not to smash any cups but if necessary I will.

"I am prepared to do whatever it takes to get the maximum from my players. If I need to get cross, I will."

Zola had barely taken his seat alongside West Ham's technical director Gianluca Nani when James Morrison headed the Baggies in front.

But Mark Noble tapped in a rebound from David Di Michele's header to level before West Ham took the lead when Lucas Neill volleyed in from close range.

And there was still time in a thrilling first half for Roman Bednar to equalise with a penalty. A draw then looked likely but Chris Brunt scored a late winner to lift the home side off the bottom of the table.

Zola now has a week to prepare the Hammers for his first game in charge at home to crisis club Newcastle this weekend.

And Cole is confident the Chelsea legend will soon win the respect of the Upton Park crowd.

"I think the fans are going to take to him," said Cole. "He'll do a great job because he's got so much passion for football.

"I've got so much respect for him. I'm not licking his bum - I'm just saying he's a model pro and I'm sure he's going to treat this job like he treated being a player.

"As a young boy coming through I looked to him for advice and he was always ready to give it. I was chuffed he was in the running for the job and now I am so happy he is coming to West Ham.

"The only shock will be calling him 'gaffer.'"

West Brom: Carson 8, Hoefkens 6, Barnett 6, Olsson 6, Robinson 7, Morrison 6 (Kim 64, 6), Koren 6, Greening 7, Brunt 7, Borja Valero 6 (Moore 64, 6), Bednar 6 (Cech 86).

West Ham: Green 5, Neill 6, Davenport 7, Upson 6, Ilunga 7, Behrami 6 (Faubert 65, 6), Parker 6, Noble 6, Boa Morte 6 (Etherington 79), Ashton 6 (Di Michele 19, 6), Cole 7.