Blues coach joins the Baggies

Albion have required the services of acclaimed fitness coach Dan Harris from Birmingham City. The 28-year-old worked wonders behind the scenes at St. Andrews introducing a number of new measures which saw the Blues' squad turn into one of the fittest during their promotion winning 2006/2007 season.

The former Peterborough and Coventry City coach's contract was due to expire next month at St. Andrews and while Blues have stalled over a new offer, Albion have gladly matched Harris' requirements.

Relegated Blues boss Alex McGleish said: "We wish Dan a successful future. It was great working with him and the players applied themselves and had the utmost respect for him.

"Dan has left a good infrastructure here on the fitness and science side of the game and it's important that we keep that intact because it's gathered momentum."

Harris will replace the popular strength and conditioning coach Dave Wilson who joined on a consultancy basis.