Hunt fills new Albion role

Albion have ended their season-long search for a Sporting and Technical Director by recruiting Simon Hunt from Southampton.

The little known right-hand man to Saints boss George Burley is the first to occupy a role chairman Jeremy Peace has been keen to fill since he took over at The Hawthorns.

Albion were planning to keep news of Hunt's appointment quiet until after Monday's play-off final, but Southampton's appointment of John Gorman as Hunt's replacement forced their hand. Hunt's formal introduction is being delayed until next week, but he is set to assume a key role in identifying and scouting future signings.

And he comes with the highest possible recommendation from Burley, for whom he has now worked at four clubs.

Hunt was Burley's chief scout and the Southampton manager admitted: "I am sad that Simon is going because we go back a long way but this is too good an opportunity for him to turn down."