Kiely handed Baggies coaching job

Albion today officially handed stalwart Dean Kiely the task of running the club's goalkeeping department.

The 39-year-old has been formally appointed goalkeeping coach after taking on the job on a trial basis this season following the retirement of Joe Corrigan.

And the veteran of more than 700 first team appearances is hanging up his gloves yet either having signed a one year extension to his playing contract - which raises the prospect of his playing Premier League football as a 40-year-old next season.

Kiely, credited with a big input in Scott Carson putting his career back on track, admits he has turned down opportunities to quit the Hawthorns to commit his future to the coaching staff of a club which recruited him three years ago.

"I've had many of opportunities to move on and play somewhere else," said Kiely, who was on duty for the reserves this week.

"But when push comes to shove you've got to be happy in what you're doing. I'm perfectly happy doing what I'm doing here."

Kiely has helped Carson deal with the spill-over flak from his ill-fated England career and renewed criticism from some supporters this season whenever the promotion-bound Baggies have faltered.

And the former Irish international is relishing the chance to continue helping Carson who regards as "an immense goalkeeper."

"The fact I'll be doing the coaching and still retaining my player status is perfect for me," added Kiely.

"It gives me something to get my teeth into and a plan a vision of how I want to do things in the long run in terms of goalkeepers at the football club - and how I think they should be regarding their traits and personality.

"I like to think I have helped Scott. I feel he has grown this season. The good thing about Scott is that he wants to see himself growing and getting better and I want to take him to those levels.

"This is a good place to be. It gives me a similar feel to Charlton Athletic, which is where I had a lot of success.

"It's the people around the club that work here Monday to Friday that make it. It's a good place to work and we're moving in the right direction."