Batson: Appleton man for West Brom

09 February 2011 16:00

West Brom legend Brendon Batson believes Michael Appleton might have landed in the Baggies hot-seat at just the right time.

The 35-year-old has worked his way up the coaching ranks at The Hawthorns after a knee injury forced him into premature retirement in 2003. The first-team coach has been placed in caretaker charge following the sacking of manager Roberto Di Matteo and assistants Eddie Newton and Ade Mafe.

Speaking to Press Association Sport, Batson said: "He's done fantastically well to get to the position he has done. I know he's very well thought of at the club and an extremely good coach. Sometimes an opportunity presents itself in unexpected circumstances."

He added: "I don't know what's in the mind of the board but look at what Kenny Dalglish has achieved at Liverpool.

"The club has been on a poor run but, as a manager, that's when you're looking for some support from the board.

"The timing (of Di Matteo's sacking) does seem a bit odd as well given the window has closed and there are some huge games coming up."

Source: PA