Darren Moore: I’ll crack whip if I need to at West Brom

Darren Moore received congratulations from all his players after getting the job full-time – but the new Baggies boss has warned them he won’t be afraid to crack the whip.

Moore has a bond with Albion’s squad following a remarkable turnaround in results at the end of last season and the 44-year-old has a reputation for being one of football’s good guys.

But at his official unveiling yesterday, he insisted he was no soft touch.

“What I will say is that anyone who knows me in the game, former players I’ve played with, ask them what I’m like and they will give you a true reflection,” he said.

“There is a side to me, like anyone else. As a player I wanted to win and I am no different as a coach, or a head coach. I am very determined and very competitive. Whatever attitude is needed to get clear messages, whether that be a scolding or more friendly, it will be done in the best interests of the individual and the football club.

“I have desire and a will to want to win and be successful and I want to do well for this football club.

“So if that comes across as Mr Nice Guy on the surface then great but if it comes across as having a certain tone to me at a certain time then good too.”

Several Albion players like Ben Foster, Chris Brunt, Jonny Evans and Grzegorz Krychowiak publicly backed Moore for the full-time job when he was caretaker.

Moore values his relationships with the players but he expects to change slightly now he is the full-time boss.

“All the players have messaged me, which is great,” he said. “I will catch up with them all (this week) in person or if not, a phone call.

“It’s a great bond we have. It does change because being the manager now I am tasked with leading the team going forwards but the relationships will remain, I’m a great believer in relationships, I think that is key.”

James Shan and Neil Cutler will both remain part of Moore’s backroom staff, but the new boss plans to appoint an assistant head coach in the next fortnight.