Saturday 2 December 2017 20:43, UK
Alan Pardew wants Gerry Francis to stay on and be part of his coaching staff at West Bromwich Albion, Sky Sports News understands.
Francis was first team coach under Tony Pulis at both Stoke and Albion, and his future has yet to be decided after Pulis' departure.
Pulis' other coaches - Gary Megson and Mark O' Connor - have left The Hawthorns now that Pardew has taken over.
Discussions are ongoing but Francis is keen to continue as first team coach under the new regime, and Pardew also wants him to stay on in that role.
Aside from settling his backroom staff Pardew has revealed he will be talking to Jonny Evans about a new contract.
Manchester City, Arsenal and Leicester all failed with summer bids for the Albion captain, who the Baggies value at more than £30m.
In a quirk of the fixture list Pardew's first game in charge will be against his former club Crystal Palace, who are managed by ex-Albion boss Roy Hodgson, on Saturday.
