ALAN Irvine was yesterday appointed as the new head coach of West Bromwich Albion, with the Scot returning to frontline management for the first time in more than three years.

The 55-year-old had more been working as the academy manager at Everton and will assume his new role only once he "signs off" at Goodison Park.

Having agreed a one-year rolling contract at West Brom, Irvine replaces Pepe Mel, who ended a brief spell in charge by mutual consent at the end of last season. Erstwhile Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood had also been linked heavily with the vacancy and a West Brom spokesperson acknowledged last night that the club had latterly focused on "two outstanding candidates" to take charge.

Keith Downing is to remain as part of a coaching team which will also comprise Rob Kelly, who worked under Irvine at Preston North End. The Scot has a somewhat inauspicious record as a manager - he was relieved of his duties at Preston and Sheffield Wednesday - but his reputation as a coach has remained relatively unblemished.

"From the outset we decided to pursue candidates renowned for their coaching ability and Alan was very much at the forefront of our thoughts because of the high regard he is held within the game," said Terry Burton, the West Brom technical director.

"We decided Alan and the team around him are best suited to tackle the challenges we face in the Premier League. He knows what it takes through good and testing times."