Former Wolves hero Keith Downing has joined Albion as the latest member of manager Roberto Di Matteo’s new backroom team.

The 43-year-old former Molineux midfielder has crossed the Black Country divide to take charge of the Baggies’ main youth team.

The former Cheltenham manager has been appointed academy under-18s coach, taking over from Michael Appleton after his promotion to the first team set-up.

Albion sporting director Dan Ashworth said: “I’m delighted Keith has joined us.

“In the short space of time from Michael moving up to first-team coach and us employing Keith, we must have had up to 30 serious applicants for the job.

“They ranged from former managers, first-team coaches, youth-team coaches and aspiring youth-team coaches – it is a really sought-after job.

“I’ve known Keith for a while and he’s someone I’ve always wanted to bring into the club. He’s got a terrific work ethic.

“He’s very, very knowledgeable and has worked at every level of the game – youths, reserves, first-team coaching and first-team management.

“We have the best crop of young players we’ve ever had and we feel they perhaps just need that bit of polishing.

“Someone with the experience of Keith, who knows what it takes as a player and a coach to get in and around the first-team, will help the youngsters.”