Roberto Di Matteo: Villa will fight back
New boss Roberto Di Matteo has told Aston Villa supporters "the only way is up" as he begins work reviving their fortunes.
The Italian has been charged with taking the club back to the top flight following their relegation from the Premier League.
Di Matteo met with new owner Tony Xia at Villa Park yesterday. The pair are due to be formally unveiled to the press later this morning.
But, in an interview with the club's official website, Di Matteo said: "I'm very happy that I've been given the chance to work at this club.
"I'm excited and my backroom staff are excited - and we're looking forward to starting work.
"There's a new owner coming in and he has ambitious plans - exciting plans. I think that really rocked my boat.
"It's a fabulous club that's had some problems in the last few years. I think if we manage to turn it around it can be a very happy place and exciting place for the future.
"I think that happiness is important in sport and in life. Happiness is a consequence of success.
"If we manage to win games on the pitch, we'll give people a happy feeling when they're going home so our aim is certainly to give people some of that.
"We'll work tirelessly to achieve that. My message to the fans is that the only way is up!"
