West Brom confirm former Aston Villa man Gary Walsh as new goalkeeper coach

The former Manchester United and Middlesbrough keeper, who played alongside head coach Darren Moore at Bradford City, has replaced Neil Cutler, who left for Villa in November.

Walsh has also coached at Wigan Athletic, Derby County, Hartlepool United, Hull City.

The 50-year-old has been working Sam Johnstone, Boaz Myhill, Jonathan Bond and Alex Palmer.

“I’ve only had a couple of sessions but I’m impressed with all four,” said Walsh.

“Sam has grown and grown since coming down from Manchester United first to Villa and now with Albion.

"Boaz is Boaz – and Albion are fortunate to still have him. He wasn’t well when I trained with him but he’s got himself very fit, he’s very committed and he’s still got that hunger.

“I tried to get ‘Bondy’ while working at Hull and I was impressed with young Alex too. He completes a strong four.

“We want to get back to the Premier League and we’ve got to work at a high tempo which reflects that level. That’s the way I’ve always done it.”

Moore said: “Gary was an obvious choice to take up the role. He has vast experience and know-how and has worked at the top levels in the game.

“He obviously knows Sam well from working together at Aston Villa but he also knows Boaz well and once tried to take ‘Bondy’ to Hull in a previous job.

“We’re very happy to have him join us and he will be a valuable addition to the coaching team.

“I must also pay tribute to Mark Naylor who has been nothing short of outstanding in the interim role.

“He took over at a very difficult time and kept the guys’ at the top levels required of them.

"‘Nails’ always made it clear his preference was to continue his work with the development keepers but he remains an outstanding servant to this club with a skill-set which is developing all the time.”