Di Matteo gets Baggies job

(GETTY IMAGES)

West Brom have appointed Roberto Di Matteo as their new head coach.

The 39-year-old has signed a 12-month rolling contract to lead the the Baggies, relegated from the Barclays Premier League last season, and who have been searching for a new manager after Tony Mowbray left for Celtic earlier this month.

Di Matteo arrives with just one year's coaching experience under his belt after being appointed MK Dons manager last summer.

He enjoyed a successful first season in charge of the League One club as they missed a second consecutive automatic promotion by just two points before losing to Scunthorpe in the play-offs.

West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace revealed Di Matteo's appointment had been the unanimous choice of the board.

Preston boss Alan Irvine had also been shortlisted for the post with the Lancashire club's chairman Derek Shaw admitting they had allowed their manager speak to the Baggies.

But signs Di Matteo had got the Baggies post increased when Preston released a statement today saying Irvine had decided to stay at North End.

"I am delighted with Roberto's appointment, which concludes an intensive selection process during which over 40 names were considered," Peace said in a statement tonight.

"We shortlisted two outstanding candidates, spoke to both of them after receiving permission from their clubs, and ultimately Roberto was the unanimous choice of the board."

Eddie Newton and Ade Mafe follow Di Matteo to the Baggies to take up positions as assistant head coach and fitness coach respectively.