Michael Appleton returns to West Brom as part of Jimmy Shan's coaching staff
Friday 26 April 2019 09:46, UK
Michael Appleton is returning to West Brom to join James Shan’s coaching staff until the end of the season.
Former West Brom midfielder Appleton, who has previously held the roles of first-team coach and assistant manager at The Hawthorns, will commence his role at the beginning of next week.
Appleton began coaching at West Brom's academy following the premature end to his playing career due to injury.
Caretaker head coach Shan said of Appleton's return: "To bring somebody in who has the wealth of experience Michael has can only be a huge aid to us.
"We've currently got three grass-based coaches in myself Jamie (Smith) and Steven (Reid).
"Appy is also a fantastic grass coach and he can come out and aid us in that aspect, but I think we can also tap into his wealth of experience, somebody who can come in and maybe look at the game with an emotional attachment, from a different lens.
"He can offer us something different."
Appleton was caretaker manager at Leicester before former boss Claude Puel arrived at the club in November 2017, and has previously managed Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn and Oxford.
He said: "Jimmy picked up the phone and asked if I was able to come in and help through a very important time at the club. He was keen for me to be there and to tap into myself and my experience of being in big games.
"I know Jimmy, Jamie and Reidy well. I spent 10 years at West Bromwich Albion as a player and a coach and I've got fine memories.
"I know a lot of people at the club and I look forward to getting back and seeing through what will hopefully be a very successful period over the next month or so."
