Appleton's support for Clement

Albion coach Michael Appleton has lifted the lid on Neil Clement's retirement heartbreak and admits it will take his former team-mate time to adjust to life off the field.

Appleton, whose career was cut short by injury, has offered his ear to the 31-year-old as the former defender comes to terms with his own retirement, which was confirmed last week.

The former midfielder, now the Baggies' first team coach, believes separation from his team-mates will be the biggest wrench for Clement, who lost a lengthy fight with knee injuries.

He said: "It's sad. I know a hell of a lot about what he is going through and what he has been through in the last 12 months.

"I have spoken to him already and, although he has to want it himself, I have told him to stay in the game for as long as he can.

"He will take time to get used to the fact he is not training every day with the boys and the biggest thing is getting used to not going into the dressing room and having the banter.

"All of a sudden he will come into the club to work in the staff side of things with the academy, but you don't walk into the players' dressing room.

"That is one of the hardest things, because you have been so used to it and each Saturday will be really tough for him.

"I remember when I first finished, during the week I was able to cope with it but at the weekends it was tough."

Appleton's career was ended at the age of 27 by a freak training ground collision with team-mate Des Lyttle.

But the former Preston man, who stepped up from the club's academy to take on first team duties in the summer, believes his new career can serve as an example to Clement.

He said: "At his age, Neil should have a minimum of at least five years left in his career and it's not a nice situation to be in. But the one thing I tried to do, because I had good people around me, was stay positive.

"People might ask how you stay positive but six or seven years on I am doing an interview as first team coach, enjoying life and enjoying what I do.

"Once he gets his head around the fact he's not a player any more, he is level-headed enough to realise there are plenty of opportunities out there and plenty of people who have been through the same experiences."

Clement is set to take up a behind-the-scenes role at Albion's academy in the weeks ahead.