West Brom boss Darren Moore: I owe Tony Pulis a lot

Pulis was Albion head coach for almost three years while Moore was at the club, and the pair used to share car journeys to watch opposition teams and scout players.

But their relationship dates back 18 years to when Pulis was Moore’s manager at Portsmouth around the start of the century.

Whereas Pulis has managed more than 1,000 games over a 26-year period, Moore is just starting out on his journey and will take charge of only his 12th senior game at the Riverside on Friday.

And he’s paid tribute to the Welshman, who has been in contact with him since he was made caretaker boss last season.

“His experience is there for all to see, he’s had a wonderful career and is still having one,” said Moore. “He was very good for me.

“When I did my Pro Licence Tony presented me with the award. I’m very fond of him and still class him as a real good friend.

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to work with him. I owe him a lot in terms of my development as both a player and as a head coach.

“When I was in the caretaker role he messaged me a few times about the team,” added Moore. “I’m really grateful for that and I look forward to seeing him.

“We’ve shared journeys in the car over the years, going to watch games and players. He’s sent me on scouting missions, he’s developed me along the way.

"When he first came to the club (in 2015) he had me and academy goalkeeper coach Mark Naylor working really closely alongside him that first year.

“To see him transform the team at that time was very impressive. I’ve known him since we worked at Portsmouth in my playing career. It’s a friendship that’s gone on for many seasons.”

Pulis divided opinion during his time at the Baggies, but Moore has dismissed the notion that he is a ‘dinosaur’ of the game.

“If he is painted like that it’s a shame,” said Moore. “I don’t quite understand where that tag comes from.

“Whether it’s his longevity in the game or whatever it may be. The way he’s been adaptable over the many seasons is absolutely remarkable and he continues to shine.

“He still leads the way and there’s a lot of young aspiring coaches out there that I’m sure would look to him in terms of his experience. I certainly do.”

And Moore says he got on well with Pulis on a personal level.

"He’s a family man, who is unbelievably passionate about the game," added Moore. "He’s a people person.

"He’s got a wonderful side to him which one or two people might not see. He’s hard working and has a real determination and focus about him that’s second to none.

"He’s a very fit individual. The gym is no stranger to Tony. He keeps himself in the right physical condition. As an example for head coaches he’s excellent."

Towards the end of last season, Moore turned Albion's results around by taking the team back to the fundamentals espoused under Pulis. But this season he has started to put his own stamp on the team.

"He’s left a solid base and foundation here," said Moore. "Things are a bit different with the personnel and what we’re trying to achieve.

"The only way we’ll achieve that and change it is through continued work.

"That will take time but we’ll continue to work through the course of the season. Hopefully slowly but surely we’ll see that transformation will take place."