WEST BROM appointed Darren Moore as the club’s new head coach today after his spell in caretaker charge.

The 44-year-old former Albion defender has landed the job on an “improved and extended contract,” having initially been given the role on a temporary basis following Alan Pardew’s dismissal at the start of April.

Moore’s impressive spell as caretaker boss saw him steer West Brom to three wins, including victories against Manchester United and Tottenham, and two draws in six Premier League matches. The revival staved off relegation until the last week of the season and restored pride during the closing stages of a miserable campaign.

Moore played for West Brom from 2001 until 2006, twice helping the club win promotion to the Premier League. He will now be charged with repeating that feat while in charge, despite his only previous managerial experience coming as the coach of Albion’s development squad.

“I am obviously extremely proud to accept this role and also extremely excited,” said Moore.

“We have a big summer ahead of us, a lot of hard work we need to get in now. I’m going all out to try to get those plans and personnel in place to make sure we’ve got everything ready.

“And we need to be because this is a tough league packed with great clubs, but what an opportunity for us to move the club in the right direction.”

Albion chief executive Mark Jenkins highlighted Moore’s impact across the relegated club as the factor which made him the leading candidate.

“We are delighted to confirm Darren as our new head coach and we look forward to him continuing the excellent work we saw when he stepped into the role in an interim capacity,” said Jenkins.