West Brom legend Bob Taylor: We've got the wrong vibes over Alan Irvine

Albion legend Bob Taylor today claimed Alan Irvine's appointment as boss sends out the 'wrong vibes' from The Hawthorns.

But the former star urged fans to get behind the new head coach.

Irvine was the shock choice to replace Pepe Mel, beating hot favourite Tim Sherwood. And Taylor believes the Scot's arrival on a short-term contract sends out the wrong messages about Albion's ambition.

'SuperBob' said: "Alan Irvine played football, he knows the game and I hope he does really well.

"But at the same time it's not what a lot of fans were expecting.

"If our club wants to move forward we need to be making big signings – not just with players, but on the managerial front as well, to show people we've got the intent.

"He's only got a one-year rolling contract, he's not bringing many people in with him, so it just gives the wrong vibes out.

"I feel sorry for Alan because he's coming into a hostile environment that's not of his own making.

"You wonder whether his hands are tied and we don't know how much money he's got to buy players."

Irvine will meet his squad for the first time on Monday when the players return for pre-season training.

And Taylor, who scored 113 goals in 324 appearances during two spells with the Baggies, believes fans must put their reservations aside.

"As fans and ex-players we have to get behind him and give him 100 per cent support," said Taylor.

"Everything is stacked against him at the moment. He's going to have to win the fans over. If you can do that they will back you 100 per cent."