Albion are delighted to confirm the appointment of Leigh Downing as Senior Professional Development Phase Coach.
After spending the last three seasons managing the scholarship programme, Downing - who is entering his 16th year working at the Baggies - will now join the PL2 group to coach the club’s young pros.
Leigh enjoyed his most successful campaign with the Under-18 group last term - leading them to the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup for the first time in four years, with several first-year scholars going on to earn professional contracts.
This recent step up marks a “proud” moment in Downing’s coaching career, and ahead of working alongside fellow PDP Coach Deon Burton in the 21s setup, his aim is to continue shaping the future of Albion’s academy hopefuls.
“This is a really proud moment in my career and Albion is a club that’s been very good to me,” said Leigh.
“I was here as a player, then transitioned to become a coach - starting out in the foundation phase with the pre-academy, to then go through the age groups before leading the 18s.
“So to now have the opportunity to take on the 21s is something I'm really looking forward to and it comes at a good time for my coaching development.
“The club like how I work, have seen the good relationships I’ve forged with the academy players, and I think we have the same beliefs in how we see youth development.
“I see this as a chance to challenge myself at the next level and, ultimately, it’s about continuing to help improve our young footballers and make them ready for the first team.
“We’ll try and tie our work with the 21s into how the head coach wants to play, so if our lads are asked to train with them, then they know what they’re stepping into.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how that looks and working closely with the first team in this role.”
Pathways at Albion are regularly cited in young players’ development at the club, and Academy Manager Richard Stevens says Downing’s step up to the 21s proves opportunities to evolve are there for staff too - insisting this is the “right appointment” for the Baggies.
He added: “We went through a thorough process and Leigh was an obvious candidate.
“He’s been in the building for many years, knows the young players we have here, is Albion through and through, and now he wants to test himself in this new position.
“Players all want to play up in the next age group and it's no different for staff. It's important the staff at Albion can see there is a pathway for them if the route is there which, in this case, it has been.
“Leigh has been here for a long time, proven his coaching and leadership qualities across all age groups - from under-8s all the way through to, what will become the 21s.
“He’ll be working with Deon, who's been here for a long time, and I believe their strengths will work well together to benefit the players here.
“But Leigh's worked with all of the players in the 21 and 18s, so this is the right appointment for Leigh, the football club and the players.”
Downing will take charge of his first PL2 match when Albion host Aston Villa at Damson Park on Monday, August 25 (ko 2pm).
