Baggies confirm interest in Villa flop Alan Hutton

The Baggies said there is an interest in the 29-year-old Scottish international as they bid to shore up the full-back positions vacated by the departures of Billy Jones, Liam Ridgewell and Goron Popov.

Albion have signed Chris Baird and Craig Gardner, two versatile players who can play full-back but Hutton is regarded as a specialist.

But it's a deal which brought a sharp response on the social networks where Hutton's controversial tackle on Shane Long in a derby game three years ago has not been forgotten.

Long was taken out of the game for a month by the Hutton challenge.

Meanwhile, Gareth McAuley has given a vote of support for Alan Irvine after the new head coach's first day of training.

Irvine's appointment got a frosty reception from fans but threats of a revolt among season tickets holders have not materialised.

McAuley said: "He had a good chat with us, got his ideas across, told us what he expects of us and the type of coaching he delivers. It was all very positive and everyone wants to get on the training pitch now."

Albion accepted demands for the chance of a refund but the deadline closed with just 14 season ticket holders following through on that threat.

Irvine and Albion know they need to win further favour with more high profile signings but the

The Northern-Ireland international defender enjoyed his first meeting with the former Everton coach as the players returned to pre-season work yesterday.

"We've moved on from last season and it's all about looking forward.

"The page has changed and we have new goals.

"We let ourselves down a little bit last season and we're not happy with finishing 17th.

"We'll be looking to improve on that this season."

McAuley said of new signings Joleon Lescott and Chris Baird: "Lescott is a great signing for us and a great statement from the club.

"He's worked with the gaffer and the coaches before. He's a great player, an England international, and someone I'm looking forward to playing with.

"I've known Bairdy a long time. He's a great signing for the club, especially as he is so versatile."

Irvine said: "I'm really pleased with the way the first day has gone. The players have looked after themselves in the close season and reported back in good condition.

"We had the balls out in both sessions and the players trained really well, with a really good tempo and a lot of quality.

"By the end of this week we're aiming to get them where they were technically when they finished the season.

"Tactically, we're not going to achieve anything this week. The main focus is building them up gradually on the physical side and giving them lots of touches of the ball to get them where they need to be technically."