Source: Team_Talk
Di Matteo made main man by Albion
Di Matteo has signed a 12-month rolling contract to lead the Baggies, relegated from the League last season, who have been searching for a new manager after Tony Mowbray left for Celtic earlier this month.[LNB]Di Matteo arrives with just one year's coaching experience under his belt after being appointed MK Dons manager last summer.[LNB]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.[LNB]West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace revealed Di Matteo's appointment had been the unanimous choice of the board.[LNB]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.[LNB]But signs Di Matteo had got the Baggies post increased when Preston released a statement saying Irvine had decided to stay at North End.[LNB]"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 on Tuesday evening.[LNB]"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."[LNB]Newton and Mafe follow Di Matteo to the Baggies to take up positions as assistant head coach and fitness coach respectively.[LNB]Di Matteo will immediately begin his work at The Hawthorns with the players due back for pre-season training on Wednesday.[LNB]That will mark the culmination of the quickly-negotiated deal, with MK Dons revealing they had first fielded an approach from Albion on Monday.[LNB]"Following a formal request to speak to Roberto on Monday, we reluctantly allowed Albion officials to approach him with regard to the position," a statement from MK Dons read.[LNB]"Having enjoyed an extremely successful first season in Milton Keynes, his first managerial position, it came as little surprise that Robby's undoubted qualities would prove attractive to a club at a higher level.[LNB]"While we are extremely disappointed to lose our manager so close to the pre-season, we recognise that the opportunity at the Hawthorns represents a big step forward in Robby's career.[LNB]"We will now begin the process of appointing a new manager that can build on the success of recent seasons and continue to take the club forward."[LNB][LNB]
