West Bromwich Albion FC

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• Founded:1878
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

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Albion take chance on di Matteo

01 Jul 2009 - 08:04:23

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Roberto di Matteo has left MK Dons after spending just one season with the League One side to succeed Tony Mowbray as West Brom's new head coach.

The 39-year-old Italian has signed a 12-month rolling contract with the Baggies after making his name during a successful season with the Dons who he guided into the League One play-offs.

Albion's chairman Jeremy Peace said of the development: "I'm delighted with Roberto's appointment, which concludes an intensive selection process during which over 40 names were considered.

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

Preston North End boss Alan Irvine is believed to have turned down the chance to take on The Hawthorns role earlier this week.

Eddie Newton also makes the move from the Dons to Albion where he will work as the assistant head coach while Ade Mafe has been appointed fitness coach.

A statement from the MK Dons read: "Following a formal request to speak to Roberto on Monday, we reluctantly allowed Albion officials to approach him with regard to the position.

"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.

"While we're extremely disappointed to lose our manager so close to pre-season, we recognise that the opportunity at the Hawthorns represents a big step forward in Robby's career.

"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.''