West Brom unveil Alan Irvine as new head coach - As it happened

New Albion head coach Alan Irvine today pleaded with Baggies fans to give him a chance.

The 55-year-old was unveiled at The Hawthorns this afternoon as Pepe Mel's controversial successor.

The appointment was met with fury by Albion supporters who have accused the club of a lack of ambition.

Former Preston and Sheffield Wednesday boss Irvine joins from Everton, where he was academy manager, and has not yet managed in the Premier League.

Follow the press conference as it happened here:

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He was David Moyes' assistant at Goodison Park, before taking over at Preston in 2007, and this afternoon asked for patience from Baggies fans.

"Give us all the chance to show we can do the job. I understand I wouldn't have been the name on everyone's lips," said Irvine, who is joined by former Wolves man Rob Kelly as assistant head coach.

"I don't think any manager or head coach would dispute we stand and fall by results. My passion is for coaching. I took my first management job because I wanted to coach more.

"I was David's assistant for five-and-a-half years and I was heavily involved in everything which happened at Everton but David was very hands on and I was very passionate to coach.

"That's what inspires me. I am also extremely thorough, hardworking and diligent. I will try everything I possibly can to bring success to the club."

Tim Sherwood claimed this week that he turned the job down and Irvine distanced himself from the debate surrounding his appointment.

"I wasn't involved in that process and that decision. I was presented with this opportunity and I'm delighted to be here," said the Scot.

"I can't want to get started and working with the players and I'm really looking forward to the season."

Irvine's reign starts with a home game with Sunderland on August 16. "The fixtures have worked out nicely, it's a difficult end to the season but we have to play everyone," he added.