ALAN IRVINE IS the new Head Coach of West Bromwich Albion.
The 55 year-old Scot, who had been working as the academy manager at Everton, replaces Pepe Mel and has signed a 12-month rolling contract.
Tim Sherwood had been the red-hot favourite to land the job but according to reports, Irvine, whose previous managerial experience amounts to spells at Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday, impressed the top-brass at The Hawthorns during a second interview.
Irvine had been in the mix for the West Brom job five years ago but the club decided to go with the youthful exuberance of Roberto Di Matteo instead.
After a playing career that included stints with Everton, Crystal Palace, Dundee United and Blackburn, Irvine began his coaching career at Goodison Park where he was assistant to David Moyes for a time. He took the Preston job in late 2007 but was sacked two years later.
A move to Sheffield Wednesday came about shortly after but his tenure was disappointing and he stayed at Hillsborough for just over a year.
He returned to Everton in the summer of 2011 to oversee the club’s youth programme and his training-ground nous is believed to be one of the key reasons behind West Brom’s decision to bring him in.
Irvine may have impressed the board but his first assignment will be to impress the club’s supporters. Following on from the underwhelming appointment of Mel, Irvine’s arrival won’t get them over-excited.
The Baggies narrowly missed out on relegation from the top-flight last season, finishing 17th having racked up thirty-six points from thirty-eight games.
