And new boss delivers message for Baggies fans
ALAN Irvine admits he is ‘excited’ about the challenge ahead after yesterday agreeing to become Albion’s new Head Coach.
The 55-year-old Scot will arrive at The Hawthorns on the back of a 22-year coaching career across England’s top three divisions.
And, with a successful five full seasons as David Moyes’ assistant at Everton under his belt, he is relishing the chance to get his teeth into his first job as a No.1 in the Barclays Premier League.
“I’m absolutely delighted to get the job,” said Irvine.
“I’ve got a great deal of respect for the club right the way from the first team through to the Academy.
“The situation at this club is similar to what I went through at Everton when I went there with David.
“It is run very sensibly and, as a result of that, any head coach coming in has got a great chance of doing a good job.
“A number of the players who have had success in the Premier League with the club are still here.
“But it’s a small squad at this moment in time and, clearly, the first job is going to have to be to get some more players in.
“My passion is for coaching and I believe my strength is on the training ground, which is where we need to get the work done.”
Irvine will work closely with Baggies Technical Director Terry Burton and is determined to deliver for the fans.
“Terry is someone I’ve respected as a coach from a distance for many years and I’m looking forward to working closely with him,” he added.
“The Hawthorns is a place I have been as a visiting manager and assistant manager, and it is always difficult to get a result.
“The fans are extremely passionate, terrific in getting behind the team, and I’m sure it is a great place to work as a player or a coach.
“I’m extremely excited about the challenge and I’ll certainly give it everything I possibly can.
“I’ll work however many hours it takes to make things work.”