Caretaker manager Nigel Pearson will remain in control until after Tuesday’s trip to Crystal Palace, while Mowbray will keep a watching brief on proceedings.

But the former Hibernian boss admitted he couldn’t wait to get his teeth into the Albion job, insisting it was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“At Ipswich, I coached under George Burley and Joe Royle knowing that I wanted to become a manager,” said Mowbray.

“I’m very, very grateful to Hibs for giving me that opportunity. I had two-and-a-half enjoyable years up there and I’d like to think it was a relatively successful time considering the way we got the club moving.

“But I felt I was ready for the next challenge. When the chance arose to speak to West Brom, a club steeped in great tradition, it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

“I spoke to the board this week and the talks went very well. I always think it’s important that the fit is right when a manager joins a new club. And I’d like to think this fit is right. The club are ambitious – and so am I.”

Mowbray has been welcomed to Albion by defender and Sporting Star columnist Steve Watson, who said the new manager’s arrival would intensify the competition for places.

“Clearly, he has impressed the chairman and the board to get what is a great job,”writes Watson tonight.

“All the boys are now looking forward to meeting him and I can promise him he has a great squad to come and work with.”

Hibernian confirmed Mowbray’s departure last night and said in a statement: “The club would like to thank Tony for all that he has done during his time at Easter Road and wish him and his family every success in the future.”

By Steve Marshall