Jimmy Shan: Michael Appleton will tell it to me straight at West Brom

Appleton, a former player and assistant at The Hawthorns, yesterday agreed to return to the Baggies on a short-term coaching deal until the end of the season.

The 43-year-old has a wealth of experience having held several managerial positions, most recently at Oxford, and has been brought in to support caretaker boss Shan as Albion bid for promotion through the play-offs.

His arrival marks a shift in dynamic in the pair’s relationship, which began when they both worked in the club’s academy

Shan admits to seeing Appleton has a mentor but believes his own lack of ego - coupled with Appleton’s forthright approach - will ensure they work well together.

He explained: “‘Appy’ is someone who obviously has a lot more experience than me and I would be foolish not to tap into that.

“The relationship we have and how well we know each other helps because he can tell me how it is.

“I have said to everyone here that if you think I am wrong let me know, challenge me. We will discuss things. I think that is healthy in any organisation.”

Appleton began his coaching career at Albion in 2003 when a knee injury forced his early retirement from playing.

He worked as an assistant for both Roberto Di Matteo and Roy Hodgson before leaving in 2011 to take over at Portsmouth.

Appleton has been out of work since leaving Leicester, where he was assistant to Craig Shakespeare and Claude Puel, last year. He now follows fellow former Baggies player Steven Reid in joining Shan’s coaching team and will officially start work after Saturday's game against Rotherham.

Shan continued: “I have no ego but I do have clear direction and thinking.

“I have spoken to ‘Appy’ about that. I am not stubborn but I have clear focus and want people to chip in and aid that. Levels of hierarchy don’t matter.

“I asked Michael to join the coaching staff. I didn’t ask him to come and assist me. That wording does not sit right with me.

“It sits perfectly with me and having a conversation with Appy it sits perfect with him that he can be the mentor character.”