Former West Brom boss appointed to new national academy set-up role

Former Albion defender and head coach Darren Moore has been appointed new boss of the England under-20s national team.

The popular ex-Hawthorns centre-back and boss is back in the game after several months away following dismissal from his most recent role at Port Vale last December.

He has taken the reins at international level for the first time after spells in charge of five clubs, beginning with Albion for just shy of a year from April 2018, prior to Premier League relegation.

“I have huge pride in being appointed as a head coach for England and the honour of representing the country,” Moore said.

“I’m excited to work with some of the best young talent in English football, helping players continue their development and to fulfil their potential.

“There’s a real emphasis on developing and achieving together as a group. We want to create an environment where talented young players can progress individually while building a strong collective.”

Birmingham-born Moore, affectionally known as ‘Big Dave’ to Albion fans, will begin his management of England’s Young Lions with U20 Euro Elite League matches against Italy, France and Germany in the upcoming international break between September and October.

He added: “International football presents a different challenge and an opportunity for me to continue developing and growing as a head coach.

“I’ve worked with and developed many talented young players throughout my coaching career, so working with elite emerging talent feels like a natural fit.”

More spent four-and-a-half years as a popular defender with Albion between 2001 and 2006, during which he helped win promotion to the top flight twice, including as a consistent regular in his debut season of 2001/02. That season ended with an historic goal on the final day against Crystal Palace and a place in the PFA team of the year.

He played 116 games in all and managed Albion on 48 occasions.

Moore, who won two caps for Jamaica as a player, led Sheffield Wednesday and Port Vale to promotions as head coach. He also managed Doncaster and Huddersfield.