LONDON: West Bromwich Albion have appointed Tony Pulis as manager on a two and a half year contract to keep them in the Premier League.
he former Crystal Palace and Stoke manager will take charge at Albion afterThursday’s Premier League game at West Hamand replaces Alan Irvine, who was sacked after a run of seven defeats in nine Premier League games left the club a point above the relegation zone.
Pulis told the club’s website: “I’m absolutely delighted to accept the job and I do so with a simple but important message for the Albion fans and everyone at the club.
“Every successful club is built on unity and that is what I shall strive to help bring to Albion.
“We need everyone together from top to bottom – the supporters, all the staff, the players, everyone who has an interest in the club’s welfare.
“With that, we can go forward together and hopefully take this club up the Premier League.”
Pulis will work within a management structure that includes former Wimbledon boss Terry Burton as technical director and Richard Garlick as the director of football administration.
Burton said: “We are delighted to secure a man of Tony’s calibre and proven ability.
Caretaker Rob Kelly will take charge of the Baggies at Upton Park on Thursday before Pulis talks to the media in a press conference on Friday ahead of the FA Cup match with Gateshead.
Pulis becomes West Brom’s fourth head coach in just over a year after Irvine was axed on Monday only six months into his reign.