West Brom promote Jamie Smith to U18s coach

West Brom have promoted youth development officer Jamie Smith to the position of U18s coach.

Smith, who steps up from his current role working with the U12-U16 age group, fills the gap left by Aaron Danks who joined the FA.

The 41-year-old is a former Wolves trainee who also played full-back for Crystal Palace, Bristol City, Milton Keynes and Halesowen Town.

As a player, he worked under three England managers in Graham Taylor (Wolves), Terry Venables (Palace), and Kevin Keegan (Fulham).

Smith has his A and FA Youth Advanced licenses, and begins his new role on July 1.

Academy manager Mark Harrison said: "Jamie is stepping up from the 12-16s group where he has worked for a number of years and I believe he is a perfect appointment for us.

"He has a depth of experience and knowledge of the club and our DNA and a wealth of experience as a player - even if he did start with our local rivals!

"But he is a local boy who understands the area and in particular our recruitment dynamics.

"That's one of the advantages of appointing from within."

Danks was snapped up by the FA at the end of the season to work with England's youth teams.

He follows former Albion manager Roy Hodgson and ex-technical director Dan Ashworth to the national side.