Chairman welcomes Hammond on board at The Hawthorns
NICK Hammond begins work as Albion’s new Technical Director this week delighted to be on board at an historic moment for the Club.
Despite a disappointing Hawthorns result against West Ham United on Saturday, the weekend saw Albion’s seventh successive Barclays Premier League campaign made mathematically certain by Norwich City’s defeat at Arsenal.
It means next season Albion will be the West Midlands only top-flight representative for what is the first time in the Club’s history.
Chairman Jeremy Peace welcomed Hammond’s arrival after an extensive search for the right candidate to take on a pivotal role in another hugely important summer for Albion.
He said: “We conducted a thorough search and Nick arrives as someone of great experience in this role. I believe that will stand us in good stead for what should be another busy summer transfer window.
“I’m delighted with his appointment. He rightly enjoys a very good reputation in the industry.”
Hammond steps into the role as the Baggies look to strengthen for the on-going challenge of Premier League football.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining,” said the 48-year-old whose own recruitment from Reading, where he had worked as Director of Football since 2003, was confirmed on Friday.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Chairman and the board and our Head Coach Tony Pulis.
“I have known Tony for many years and although this is a new relationship for us it’s not like we don’t know each other. And I have already spoken to him a couple of times and met with him.
“It’s not like I am being foisted upon him and I am certain we can work together for the positive benefit of the Club.”
Hammond will be meeting staff and players this week while getting down to business, but left behind a 16 year association with Reading that earned a glowing endorsement of his contribution from Royals manager Brian McDermott.
He said: “When any member of staff leaves a football club it is always difficult, but I have worked very closely with Nick Hammond throughout all my time at Reading.
"He was instrumental in the two promotions to the Premier League achieved during his tenure and, in my opinion, he is right up there as one of the very best directors of football in the game.”