Richard Beale has had a big impact on the progress of Albion's youngsters since arriving at the club. 

Academy Manager Richard Stevens recruited Beale to lead the Professional Development Phase programme in July 2021.

Beale's track record in developing young prospects was a key factor in bringing him to The Hawthorns, having spent 15 progressive years at Birmingham City as a Senior PDP Coach between 2004-2019.

In addition to assisting first-team operations for a short while during his time at Blues, Rich became Youth Team Manager at Aston Villa for under a year in the summer of 2019 after leaving St. Andrew's.

Senior responsibilities came around again for Beale when he joined former Albion academy coach Jimmy Shan as his assistant at Solihull Moors in March 2020. 

And after departing Moors with Shan early into the following year, Rich embraced the opportunity to return to youth development with the Baggies. 

Leading a team consisting of Senior PDP Coach Deon Burton and Lead Academy Goalkeeping Coach Boaz Myhill, Beale has enjoyed plenty of success in the Black Country.

From regularly ensuring the most promising pros get senior minutes, either in the first team at Albion or out on loan at other clubs, as well as ensuring the PL2 side compete and succeed with their targets. 

A memorable first campaign for Rich over the 2021/22 season culminated in the U21s lifting the Premier League Cup trophy after beating Wolves 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after regular and extra time.

The 2022/23 season saw Beale and his team secure more senior minutes for the club's latest prospects, and he'll be looking to build on those foundations for years to come at the Albion.