Departing Di Matteo hails Dons

Published: 02 Jul 2009 - 11:19:12

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The 39-year-old signed a 12-month rolling contract to lead the Baggies, who were relegated from the Premier League last season and had been searching for a new manager since Tony Mowbray left for Celtic earlier this month. Di Matteo arrives with just one year's coaching experience under his belt after being appointed Dons manager last summer. He enjoyed a successful 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. Di Matteo said: "I'm very grateful to MK Dons and the chairman for letting me go to take up this opportunity. The chairman had to be brave last season to give me a chance and it worked out well for both of us. "Now, I'm very much looking forward to taking the next step with West Bromwich Albion. I'm very happy to be here, it's a great club. I know there was a disappointment last season but I think there is potential to do very well here."