Former Cheltenham Town Manager Keith Downing has been named as the new Academy Coach at West Bromwich Albion.
Downing replaces Michael Appleton after he was promoted to the role of first team coach by new Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo.
Downing was a Reserve and Youth coach at Wolves before becoming assistant to John Ward at Cheltenham, and going on to manage the Club in November 2007.
His 10 month reign at Whaddon Road ended in September 2008, having saved the Club from relegation to League Two.
Baggies Sporting and Technical Director, Dan Ashworth said:
“I’m delighted Keith’s joined us. In the short space of time from Michael moving up to first team coach and us employing Keith, we must have had up to 30 serious applicants for the job.”
“I’ve known Keith for a while and he’s someone i’ve always wanted to bring into the Club. He’s got a terrific work ethic.”
He added:
“He’s very knowledgeable and has worked at every level of the game – youths, reserves, first team coaching and first team management.”
“He is highly qualified, is from the local area and ticks all the boxes.”
Downing spent the final two months of the 2008-09 season as temporary assistant manager to Dean Glover at Port Vale, but he left Vale Park following Glover’s departure in May.
He made his name as a tough-tackling midfield player for Notts County, Wolves, Birmingham City, Stoke City and Cardiff City during the 1980’s and 1990’s.
Downing has seen nephew Leigh come through the Baggies’ Academy and his other nephew Paul was recently named Albion’s Young Player of the Year.
