Appy goes south

10 November 2011 13:45
Assistant joins Portsmouth as new boss

Michael Appleton has left the club to become Portsmouth’s new manager.

The 35-year-old joined the south coast club after climbing the ranks at The Hawthorns after his playing days were cut short through injury.

Dan Ashworth, Albion’s Sporting and Technical Director, says the club tried to keep the talented coach but the lure of managing in the Championship was an opportunity too good to turn down for ‘Appy’.

“I would personally like to thank Michael for all of his hard work since I joined the club eight years ago,” he said.

"I have seen him progress from Under-14s coach up to a very respected assistant head coach and I sincerely wish him all the best at Fratton Park. Portsmouth have made an excellent appointment."

Baggies boss Roy Hodgson also thanked the former Manchester United and Preston midfielder for his services during his time as his assistant.

"I, and the rest of the coaching staff, would like to wish Michael all the very best in his new job and thank him very much for the work he has put in during my brief time at the club,” he said.

"I realise what an excellent club servant he has been over the years and he fully deserves this opportunity to manage a team of his own.

"We will miss him and, in an ideal world, we would have liked him to still be here with us.

"However, I was fully behind the club's decision not to stand in his way when this excellent opportunity presented itself and our loss is going to be Portsmouth's gain."

Do you think Albion should replace Appleton on the club's coaching staff? Have your say here at Baggies Banter. 

Source: FOOTYMAD