Albion appoint Andy Thorn in scout shake-up

Albion have appointed former Coventry boss Andy Thorn and ex-Liverpool and Tottenham talent-spotter Mel Johnson as part of a scouting shake-up.

The pair have helped the Baggies finalise their transfer shortlist for this summer.

Thorn, who also had a brief spell as Kidderminster Harriers manager, has been given the task of monitoring targets in the north of England.

And Johnson, who helped Tottenham assess Gareth Bale before his move from Southampton, is looking after the south of the country. The duo are reporting to head of recruitment Mervyn Day and have already played key role in the Baggies' summer plans.

They have effectively replaced Tony Spearing and Stuart White, who left the club last season, although their roles have been amended.

Former Wimbledon and Crystal Palace defender Thorn, aged 48, spent a tough spell in charge of Coventry and lasted just two months as Harriers boss after replacing Steve Burr, but he is a highly-rated scout.

He was working for England boss and former Albion head coach Roy Hodgson assessing opponents before being appointed at Aggborough.

Johnson worked for both Spurs and Liverpool under former sporting director Damien Comolli and is credited with spotting talented Reds winger Jordan Ibe.

Meanwhile, the Baggies are expected to step up their bid for QPR winger Matt Phillips in the next few days after missing out on Demba Ba.

They will also turn their attention to alternative striking targets, with Liverpool's Rickie Lambert still an option if the Reds give him the green light to move on.

Meanwhile, Albion have snapped up highly-rated teenage goalkeeper Brad House from Arsenal.

The 16-year-old, who was released by the Gunners, has signed for the Baggies' academy.

House was named on the bench four times for Arsenal's under-18s last season

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