Neil Cutler leaves Walsall for West Brom

Cutler has been an integral part of the coaching set-up at The Banks's, joining the club in 2013 as goalkeeping coach, since becoming one of Jon Whitney's key assistants since he took charge in 2016.

The 41-year-old helped develop talents including the likes of Neil Etheridge, Craig MacGillivray, Richard O'Donnell and recent man of the match performer Liam Roberts - and began his playing career at The Hawthorns, but never made a first-team appearance.

He also had spells playing with a number of other local clubs, including Aston Villa, Coventry City and Stoke.

Alan Pardew has been keen to bolster his backroom staff at West Brom following his appointment in November, with former goalkeeping coach Jonathan Gould leaving for Middlesbrough earlier this month.

Walsall have been paid a compensation fee from West Brom to secure Cutler's services.

“The club have been amazing to me over the past four or five years,” Cutler told the Walsall FC website.

“Everyone involved with the club has been fantastic.

“It’s been progression over that four or five years – I’ve learned so much, especially from the manager, who has been amazing.

“The fans have been fantastic to myself as well. So when it came to making that decision, it wasn’t easy.

“But going to the Premier League with a team like West Brom – who were my club when I was growing up – was an offer I just couldn’t turn down.”

Manager Jon Whitney expressed his gratitude to Cutler, wishing himall the best as he makes the move to The Hawthorns.

“I class Neil as not just an associate but a really good friend. Sometimes opportunities come along in football that you just can’t turn down, regardless of how much you’re enjoying your current job." he said.

“West Brom are his childhood club and it’s a chance to run out at places like Anfield and Goodison in his first few games.

“I’m losing a really good coach – and he’s been more than just a goalkeeping coach – but this is an opportunity now for someone else to come in.

“I wish Neil all the best and it’s a chance for him to show the Premier League how good he is.”