Di Matteo confirmed as Albion boss
Albion have confirmed former Italy international Roberto Di Matteo as the man to pick up where former manager Tony Mowbray left off.
Di Matteo agreed to become the club's new head coach on a 12-month rolling contract and has met with the Baggies players as they report back for pre-season training.
The Italian's title represents a significant departure from the customary 'manager' title usually offered the man put in charge of first team affairs.
Details of how the 39-year-old ex-Chelsea star will conduct his duties have yet to be clarified by Albion, but it is thought that while he will be in charge of all first team affairs.
Player recruitment will be decided by a much broader consensus at Albion, in which sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth will play an increasingly important role.
Di Matteo's long-time aide and fellow ex-Chelsea man Eddie Newton will be his assistant and Ade Mafe his fitness coach, while Albion have also confirmed that the highly-regarded Michael Appleton is staying on to work as first team coach.
Chairman Jeremy Peace said: "I am delighted with Roberto's appointment, which concludes an intensive selection process during which over 40 names were considered.
"We shortlisted two outstanding candidates and spoke to both of them after receiving permission from their clubs.
"Ultimately Roberto was the unanimous choice."
Di Matteo's first meeting with the players will be followed by his introduction to the media, before he gets down to the serious business of preparing for Albion's pre-season tour to Slovenia and Croatia.
