New Brighton & Hove Albion boss Sami Hyypia says the ambition of the club was one of the key factors in his decision to take the job.
The 40-year-old, who was sacked as Bayer Leverkusen boss in April, replaces former manager Oscar Garcia, who stepped down after Brighton lost in the play-offs last season.
"I knew that they were serious and that's one of the main reasons I'm sitting here now," said the former Liverpool defender at his first press conference as Seagulls boss.
"I like people who have ambitions to go forward and hopefully I can bring the club forward in the next three years.*
"Where we will finish after three years I don't know but hopefully we'll go forward."
Hyypia was part of Liverpool's Champions League-winning side in 2005, as well as playing a key part in the Reds' historic FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup treble in 2001.
But the Finn says his playing record is irrelevant.
"What I have done before doesn't count," he said.
"But what does count is what I do from this moment and I'm willing to do everything I can to bring the club forward and to bring some success to the club."
Hyypia*was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen in April following a run of one win in 12 matches, but insists*the experience will stand him in good stead.
"My opportunity was unusual in that 10 months after I stopped playing I was*managing a Bundesliga club," he said.
"That was a good school for me. In practice you learn more than when you are*at school and I have learned a lot. Hopefully I can bring those things to this*club."
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The 40-year-old, who was sacked as Bayer Leverkusen boss in April, replaces former manager Oscar Garcia, who stepped down after Brighton lost in the play-offs last season.
"I knew that they were serious and that's one of the main reasons I'm sitting here now," said the former Liverpool defender at his first press conference as Seagulls boss.
"I like people who have ambitions to go forward and hopefully I can bring the club forward in the next three years.*
"Where we will finish after three years I don't know but hopefully we'll go forward."
Hyypia was part of Liverpool's Champions League-winning side in 2005, as well as playing a key part in the Reds' historic FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup treble in 2001.
But the Finn says his playing record is irrelevant.
"What I have done before doesn't count," he said.
"But what does count is what I do from this moment and I'm willing to do everything I can to bring the club forward and to bring some success to the club."
Hyypia*was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen in April following a run of one win in 12 matches, but insists*the experience will stand him in good stead.
"My opportunity was unusual in that 10 months after I stopped playing I was*managing a Bundesliga club," he said.
"That was a good school for me. In practice you learn more than when you are*at school and I have learned a lot. Hopefully I can bring those things to this*club."
More...