Baggies reveal new reserve coach

Tony Mowbray has completed his shake-up of the West Brom backroom team by promoting Michael Appleton to reserve-team coach.

The Baggies boss has been forced to make changes following promotion to the Premier League after Craig Shakespeare quit his role as the second string's coach at the Hawthorns to become Nigel Pearson's number two at Leicester City.

Peter Grant was drafted in to the first-team coach's position by Mowbray and 32-year-old former midfielder, Appleton, will now step up to take over as reserve-team boss, while also continuing to oversee the Under-18s.

Mowbray told Express & Star: "Since Craig Shakespeare left we've rearranged the coaching staff.

"Peter Grant has come in solely as first-team coach to work alongside me and Mark Venus (assistant manager).

"Michael is going to step up and look after the reserves and, with the support of the academy staff, the youth team.

"We hope by giving the lads, who are coming through to become young professionals, a familiar voice to listen to it will provide continuity.

"For Michael it is a new experience of marrying his work with youth team players to work with senior players. He's got strong opinions on the game, is good to work. With all my staff, I canvas his opinion on my team."

Appleton said: "I'm delighted to be made reserves coach and this is a good step up the ladder for me. Hopefully I can repay the manager's faith in me.

"My responsibility now is to look after all the players at the club aged between 16 and 21."