Paul Lambert: Wolves fanbase attracted me to club

The 47-year-old Scot has replaced Walter Zenga as head coach after an 11-day search conducted by Jeff Shi and Kevin Thelwell.

A beaming Lambert spoke of his delight at being offered the job – and his ambition of getting the club to the Premier League as soon as possible.

But a recurring theme during his unveiling at Molineux was the allure of being at a club with such a huge fanbase.

"I had a different feeling here," he said. "I think this club, with the fanbase it's got, has definitely got a chance.

"There's a really good feeling about it. The big fanbase always gives you a chance.

"I know the fanbase is huge. You've got that end behind the goal (the South Bank) – I always think if you've got a fanbase behind a goal it can suck the ball in for you at times. That's something we have to generate with the whole stadium.

"If we do that then we've got a chance."

The former Villa, Norwich and Blackburn boss has signed a one-year rolling contract at Molineux.

He was interviewed three times for the post and said that his ambitions matched those of his new owners – which includes not ruling out promotion this season.

"There are people that want to drive the club on," Lambert added. "It feels right and I'm ready for it.

"It's a brilliant opportunity because of the fanbase it's got.

"I don't want to be in the Championship, I want to get out of the league.

"If we can make headway and get a run out of it there are still a lot of games to go (this season. It's something we're going to try and go for.

"Jeff and Kevin are ambitious guys, the same as myself. I want to get out of the league.

"To get out the league you've got to play so many games at a higher level and you're going to have to have some guys where it's hard going and you have to come through them.

"Jeff and Fosun want to have success. This place is probably booming when it's had success and I'll do everything I can to get the same.

"They're ambitious people, which they should be. I want the same as them.

"It's got great infrastructure here – the training ground is excellent. And there's been great players here. You look at the statue down there, Billy Wright, one of the greatest players. Steve Bull, I remember watching him play.

"This isn't a club where there's no history attached to it. It's got a big history and a big fanbase and I'm looking forward to it."

Lambert said he had no plans to hire an assistant head coach yet. He will be supported by first-team coaches Stuart Taylor and Rob Edwards.

"I'll keep it as it is at the minute," he added. "As time goes on I'll have a look and see what's right and what's wrong.

"I've known Stuart for a long time. He got his Uefa pro licence and it's like anything else, I want young and hungry people who want to succeed.

"It's the same with Rob. Rob played under me at Norwich – it makes me feel old! Two young guys that want to do really well.

"Rob knows the club, which is a bonus and will help Stuart and myself. I'm looking forward to working with them."