Mervyn Day predicts bright future for West Bromwich Albion

The 59-year-old former West Ham, Leeds and Villa keeper arrives having left his role as head of scouting and recruitment at Brighton at the end of last season.

And Day, who will work alongside new technical director Terry Burton and head coach Alan Irvine to identify transfer targets, said: "This is a magnificent opportunity for me and I'm really looking forward to it.

"I've known Terry and Alan for a number of years from coaching courses and being in opposition dugouts.

"There is a nice feel to the club, it's an exciting challenge and the infrastructure is here to go onto bigger and better things."

Day has effectively taken the place of controversial analyst Dave McDonough, who left last season season having risen to the role of director of technical performance and scouting and overseen an unsuccessful transfer window last summer and the appointment of Pepe Mel as head coach.

Day has also has coached in the Premier League, having worked as Alan Curbishley's assistant manager at Charlton and West Ham,

Burton said: "I'm delighted we've been able to appoint Mervyn.

"He's well-respected in the game and scouts who have worked under him speak highly of him as a man of integrity and trust.

"He comes here with a wealth of experience and knowledge and will undoubtedly help us identify players and improve our recruitment processes.

"Our aim is to de-risk the signing of new players.

"We've got some good people in the recruitment department who have worked tirelessly to identify players but we'll be constantly reviewing how we operate."

Day has also worked as FA senior scout, and chief scout at Leeds and Fulham, and coached in the top flight and the Championship during his time at The Valley and Upton Park.

Chelmsford-born Day started his goalkeeping career with the Hammers in February 1973 and won the FA Cup in 1975 – when he was the youngest keeper to have appeared in a final and was named PFA Young Player of the Year - before appearing in the European Cup Winners' Cup final the following season.

Spells at Leyton Orient, Villa, Leeds and Carlisle followed before retiring from playing in 1994, having made more than 750 appearances.

His first steps into management saw him promoted to the third tier and lift the Football League Trophy with Carlisle during the 1996-97 season.

Day worked under Alan Curbishley at Charlton for eight years between 1998 and 2006, helping the club stabilise in the Premier League.

And in December 2006 he followed Curbishley as his No.2 to West Ham, where the duo spent almost two years.

His return to Leeds followed before joining Brighton in November 2012.