Richard Garlick backed despite reduced role at West Brom

Garlick has become the Baggies' director of football administration after Terry Burton was confirmed last night as the new technical director at The Hawthorns.

Burton will take charge of coaching and recruitment and oversee the search for a new head coach in a tacit admission by Peace that the Baggies made a mistake in replacing the highly-successful Dan Ashworth with ex-legal director Garlick.

Burton, who has vast experience as a coach and manager, has been recruited to provide more hands-on football knowledge in the Hawthorns hierarchy but Peace insisted: "Richard has worked tirelessly as sporting and technical director and remains a key member of the board.

"However, with the responsibilities of the position becoming increasingly wide-ranging, we felt it would be wise to split the role.

"The appointment of Terry, who has vast experience of coaching, developing young players and identifying talent, can only strengthen the club.

"It's great to welcome Terry back to the club. His knowledge and experience of the game is second to none. Terry made a lasting impression during his time here two seasons ago and comes highly-recommended for his new role. Terry knows the club well from his previous time here and we believe he can provide invaluable assistance to the board and coaching staff on all footballing matters."

Burton, who spent almost four months as Roy Hodgson's first-team coach at The Hawthorns, will officially take up his new role on June 1 after leaving his current job as Arsenal's head of youth coaching.

But he will be involved immediately in drawing up a shortlist for the head coach's role and interviewing potential candidates.

The 61-year-old said: "I really enjoyed my previous spell at Albion and I'm delighted to be coming back.

"It's a terrific football club and this is a new, exciting chapter in my career."