ALBION's First-Team Coach Jimmy Shan is backing his 'professional and social relationship' with Darren Moore to come good this season.
Shan, on Darren's request, was part of the coaching team which contributed to an end-of-season revival in the last six games of the 2017/18 campaign.
Jimmy attributed the uplift in fortune to a strong relationship with 'Mooro'. And, having worked with the big man for the past seven years, he can't wait to continue his new role and get his teeth into the rigours of a Championship campaign.
"It makes it easer to settle into first-team football once you have that relationship with somebody and you know how they work," Jimmy told WBA TV.
"We go back six, seven years now. I know what Darren wants having worked alongside him in the final six weeks of last season. It makes a difference.
"We already have a connection, professionally and socially."
The 39-year-old was full of praise for the "humble" Baggies boss, citing Darren's man-management skills as cause for optimism in Albion's new era. But don't underestimate his coaching talent, Jimmy warns.
"Everybody has seen how humble Darren can be. He's a fantastic people person which will stand him in good stead in his managerial career.
"No doubt he'll be a fantastic man manager. He has a great way to be able to communicate with people.
"But in terms of a coach he's got lots of experience, lots of knowledge. He's got a good understanding of the game and how he wants to do things. He's got a belief and a philosophy in how he wants to play."
Jimmy's new role is yet another case of a committed Albion man coming to the fore. He's been part of the club for over a decade, first working with our under-7 side 12 years ago.
But his focus and working environment appears to have changed.
He added: "This is a great opportunity for me to test my wits against some outstanding coaches and managers over the next 12 months.
"I've worked at the football club for a long time within the academy system. I've watched nearly every home game over the last 12 years!
"I've always had the appetite to work at first-team level. The experience last season was incredible.
"I've worked through from the under-7 side to the First Team. The focus is different in development football. It's about bringing players through to the First Team.
"I'm looking forward to the new challenge and the pressure of three points."
