Appleton made reserve coach
Albion have promoted Michael Appleton to the role of reserve team coach as Tony Mowbray completed the revamp of his backroom team.
Albion have promoted Michael Appleton to the role of reserve team coach as Tony Mowbray completed the revamp of his backroom team.
The former Baggies midfielder, 32, will take over Craig Shakespeare's reserves duties but will stay in charge of the club's under-18s.
Shakespeare left last month to become Nigel Pearson's assistant at Leicester and his first-team duties have been handed to former Norwich boss Peter Grant.
Manager Mowbray said: "Since Craig Shakespeare left we've rearranged the coaching staff.
"Peter Grant has come in solely as first-team coach to work alongside me and Mark Venus (assistant manager).
"Michael is going to step up and look after the reserves and, with the support of the academy staff, the youth team.
"We hope by giving the lads, who are coming through to become young professionals, a familiar voice to listen to it will provide continuity.
"For Michael it is a new experience of marrying his work with youth team players to work with senior players. He's got strong opinions on the game, is good to work. With all my staff, I canvas his opinion on my team."
Appleton's promotion from the role of academy coach completes a new-look coaching staff at the Hawthorns for the return to the Premier League.
Grant has joined Mowbray and Venus at the hub of the backroom team, while fitness coach Dan Harris has moved from Birmingham to lead a new four-man sports science department.
Appleton said: "I'm delighted to be made reserves coach and this is a good step up the ladder for me. Hopefully I can repay the manager's faith in me.
"My responsibility now is to look after all the players at the club aged between 16 and 21."