Michael Appleton has joined Jimmy Shan’s backroom staff until the end of the season.
The former Albion midfielder, who also held roles including first-team coach and assistant manager at the Club, will link up with first-team staff next week to help prepare the Baggies for this season's finale.
Appleton made 38 appearances in all competitions for the Baggies between January 2001 and May 2004 as injury brought a premature finish to his playing career.
'Appy' began his coaching journey in the Academy at The Hawthorns ahead of a move into the first-team set-up under Roberto Di Matteo.
And now he's back to bolster Albion's push for promotion through the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs following talks with Jimmy this week.
Caretaker Head Coach Shan said: "To bring somebody in who has the wealth of experience Michael has can only be a huge aid to us.
"We've currently got three grass-based coaches in myself Jamie (Smith) and Steven (Reid).
"Appy is also a fantastic grass coach and he can come out and aid us in that aspect, but I think we can also tap into his wealth of experience, somebody who can come in and maybe look at the game with an emotional attachment, from a different lens.
"He can offer us something different."
Asked about the added positives of having someone already familiar with the club, Shan added: "It's always a massive benefit.
"Obviously with the time-frame as well, we've got 3-4 weeks left so I think it's important.
"I have a good working relationship with him and a good personal relationship. Obviously Steven played under him and Jamie would have worked with him in his time at the Academy.
"So I think it's essential that somebody comes in who we all know and they have a feel and an understanding of the football club."
And Appleton, who has built up his coaching and management experience at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers, Oxford United and most recently Leicester City, is delighted to be back to add his input to the Club's promotion challenge.
He said: "Jimmy picked up the phone and asked if I was able to come in and help through a very important time at the club.
"He was keen for me to be there and to tap into myself and my experience of being in big games.
"I know Jimmy, Jamie and Reidy well.
"I spent 10 years at West Bromwich Albion as a player and a coach and I've got fine memories.
"I know a lot of people at the Club and I look forward to getting back and seeing through what will hopefully be a very succesful period over the next month or so."
