West Bromwich Albion are delighted to confirm the appointment of Tony Mowbray as men’s first team Head Coach.
The 61-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and will take charge of his first game when the Baggies travel to Middlesbrough on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm).
Chris Brunt will oversee the Sky Bet Championship clash against Stoke City at The Hawthorns on Saturday (ko 3pm), with Mowbray observing from the stands.
Mowbray is a highly respected coach and leader, having previously guided Albion to the 2007/08 Championship title, before enjoying successful tenures at several EFL clubs.
The experienced boss, who has overseen more than 800 professional fixtures, returns to The Hawthorns with long-time assistant Mark Venus.
Chairman Shilen Patel said: "Tony’s return is driven by the excellent head coach he is now and while I know he is proud of his previous time with the Albion, his desire to achieve new success shone through from our first meeting.
"Tony has a wealth of experience across British football and shares our vision for the football club. He truly cares about bringing the best out of players and instils determination and commitment in his teams.
"I am thrilled he is our new head coach, and we are excited to welcome him back to write a new chapter in his Baggies story with his unwavering desire to compete and win."
Sporting Director Andrew Nestor added: "Tony's extensive experience and coaching pedigree made him an exceptional candidate for the role from the start. It’s also a pleasure to now have the opportunity to work alongside someone with such a positive association with the club.
"The playing style he seeks to implement hugely compliments our model and existing squad. Tony has an attacking playing mentality and a proven track record of improving young and established players, providing a platform on which they can thrive.
"Tony’s recent track record is among the best in the last five years in terms of individual player uplift and squad performance. There is strong alignment on how we are already building out the club’s broader sporting structure and, most importantly, the way we are seeking to build the positive culture we wish to continue to foster here.
"This has been a thorough and meticulous process, beginning with a well-researched shortlist and clear criteria for what we would seek in a head coach. The work carried out over the last three weeks was designed to ensure we had the ideal fit and the right staff for the club. We spoke with Tony in depth early on, and as soon as he became available this week, we proceeded with bringing him back to The Hawthorns.
"Our squad planning strategy that began in the summer has been ongoing in the background throughout the January window and will continue as planned."
