West Brom appoint Ian Pearce as head of recruitment

Pearce, a former Premier League winner with Blackburn Rovers, joins Albion from Brighton - where he was working as the Seagulls' head of UK recruitment.

In a statement issued by West Brom, the club claims that the move signals the start of an 'overhaul' of the recruitment team at The Hawthorns.

Sporting and technical director Luke Dowling was excited by Pearce's decision to join Albion's back-room staff.

“Ian has got a good background and he brings good experience and ideas to the role." Dowling said.

“With his work ethic, I also believe what he looks for and sees in players will work for us. He was very keen to join us - this is a really, really well-liked club and he understands the way we need to operate.

“He has rejected offers to go to other clubs but this challenge really appeals to him. He’s very forward thinking and has a keen understanding of how management of a football club works and where we want to go.”

The former defender began his playing career at Chelsea, before making the move to Blackburn in 1993. He also had spells at West Ham and Fulham.