Chief Sports Writer Martin Swain leads the reaction as Albion spring a shock by choosing Milton Keynes Dons manager Roberto Di Matteo.

Albion’s future has been shaped and re-shaped in a whirlwind 48 hours.

This time, it looked for all the money that Alan Irvine would be leading the Baggies’ charge back towards the Premier League.

But, after blowing the Albion hierarchy away with a sensational sales pitch, the Hawthorns looks set to have a distinctly Italian feel to it next season.

Roberto Di Matteo’s interview set a snowball effect in motion which pushed him ahead of the queue and left Preston’s Irvine as second choice.

Albion have informed the former Everton assistant manager that they would be heading in another direction, sparking an immediate and bullish response from North End, celebrating that fact that Irvine wanted to stay in Lancashire.

Deepdale chairman Derek Shaw said today: “Alan is staying and I am absolutely delighted.

“Over the weekend I was approached by West Bromwich Albion.

“Sometimes it is very difficult to give a running commentary to our supporters via the media. I had to discuss things on Monday morning with our lawyers.

“Alan was given permission to speak to West Brom while he was away on holiday, but he has chosen to remain as Preston’s manager.

“We are extremely pleased, but I had to comply with the terms of the contract, which is extremely common in the modern day management contract.

“This is nothing unique to Preston North End.

“I know Alan and his representative did have some talks, but I believe Alan did not meet them face to face and he has chosen to remain at Preston which we are extremely pleased about.”

As soon as Di Matteo registered his interest in a managerial career, he has been touted as a future star, perhaps unsurprising following such a glittering playing career.

His time with Chelsea saw him pick up two FA Cups, a League Cup and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup medal after making 34 appearances for Italy.

When he was installed as MK Dons boss last year, it was clear that he would be just as impressive off the field.

His appointment was somewhat of a surprise for MK Dons, after Paul Ince’s Blackburn exit, but he hasn’t disappointed.

Pete Winkelman, the charismatic chairman of the Dons, took a gamble on the Swiss-born Italian and the season ended with a play-off semi-final defeat.

On his Dons appointment, he said: “It was the first time I’d even considered, let alone applied for, a manager’s job. I went out of courtesy, partially because I thought the interview would be a great experience.

“I turned up, I was myself as I always am, because I know I’m not a good actor, and I thought nothing would come of it.”

What kind of manager does Di Matteo want to be?

He simply says: “A successful one.”

What will be the style of a Di Matteo team?

He countered: “A winning style. I would like a winning team.”

In theory, Di Matteo ticks all the boxes. With Tony Mowbray’s legacy to manage, he will have to play a certain way for the short term at least.

But, the 39-year-old is very aware that a manager is ultimately valued on his results.

He said: “I don’t think you can be in this business if you are not ambitious. I am very ambitious.

“The competitive edge never goes away, so as soon as you do any kind of sport, you want to win and do well.

“I worked very hard to achieve what I did in my playing career. It’s about willpower, dedication, hard work.

“I was born with the desire.  My parents tell me I was always with the ball, sleeping with the ball. It was born in me somehow.”

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