Albion have appointed Alan Irvine as the club’s new head coach.
The Scot will replace Pepe Mel after talks with Tim Sherwood broke down over terms for his backroom staff.
Irvine, who was previously sacked from his only other managerial roles at Preston and Sheffield Wednesday, has signed a 12-month rolling contract.
The appointment ends a five-week search for a new head coach by Albion chairman Jeremy Peace.
The club will now negotiate compensation with Everton – where Irvine has been working as Academy Manager since 2011.
His appointment comes as a shock to Albion fans who were expecting a more experienced and high-profile boss.
"I'm delighted we have been able to secure the services of Alan and Rob,” said Albion Technical Director, Terry Burton.
"With the support of Keith and Dean, we firmly believe we have put in place the right coaching team to move the club forward.
"From the outset, we decided to pursue candidates who are renowned for their coaching ability and Alan was very much at the forefront of our thoughts because of his achievements in the Premier League and the high regard he is held within the game.
"In the end it came down to two outstanding candidates for the role.
“But, following a detailed recruitment process, we decided Alan and the team around him are best suited to tackle the challenges we face in the Barclays Premier League.
“He has a vast knowledge from grassroots up thanks to the roles he has performed during his decades in the game and knows what it takes through good and testing times.
Irvine was close to taking over at The Hawthorns only to see Roberto Di Matteo favoured by Jeremy Peace.
Despite widespread dismay from Albion fans at such an underwhelming appointment, Irvine is eager to get started at the Baggies.
“I’m absolutely delighted to get the job,” said the 55-year-old.
“I’ve got a great deal of respect for the club right the way from the first team through to the Academy.
“The situation at this club is similar to what I went through at Everton when I went there with David.
“It is run very sensibly and, as a result of that, any head coach coming in has got a great chance of doing a good job.
“A number of the players who have had success in the Premier League with the club are still here.
“But it’s a small squad at this moment in time and, clearly, the first job is going to have to be to get some more players in.
“My passion is for coaching and I believe my strength is on the training ground, which is where we need to get the work done.”
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