Following the speculation that former Belgian coach Graeme Jones was set to make the switch to West Bromwich Albion to complete head coach Darren Moore’s backroom staff, this afternoon his arrival has been confirmed.
Welcome to The Hawthorns, Graeme 👍🏼#WBA https://t.co/3GPUmj8foA
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) August 1, 2018
Having worked alongside Roberto Martinez and helped to guide Belgium to a third-place finish at this summer’s World Cup out in Russia, he now reunites with Moore in the position of assistant head coach and should help answer any lingering ‘experience’ questions.
Their friendship came about during a 12-month spell at Doncaster Rovers during their playing days so it’s fair to say they go back a bit of a way.
Speaking to wba.co.uk Moore explained.
“Graeme and I have never been out of contact since those first days together at Doncaster and I cannot tell you how delighted I am to have him alongside me. He has all the right qualities as a man and all the right qualities as a coach. His attention to detail, his career record, and his qualities as a human being are exactly why I was determined he join me. He is an attack-minded coach and while I know what I want from our forward play, I believe Graeme can deliver that with precision.”
West Brom fans might be salivating at the talk of ‘attack’ given recent years in the clubs’ history.
Jones was at the Training Ground earlier today bedding himself in with his new job so fingers crossed his experience and attacking outlook can come to the fore for us this weekend and in the coming months.
Lol – but boiler fitters stop leaks & create a head of steam….so that's ok! ????
— Howard Martin (@HJMKent) August 1, 2018
Proper coup, that is. Looking forward to what he will bring to the setup and on-pitch performances. Definitely looked as though we were in need of some quality attacking nous, and reckon he will more than fit the bill! #wba
— Gaz Sloane (@MechaPangolin) August 1, 2018
Great appointment, chuffed with this, younger players comin as well ????
— Justin Gower (@baggies25) August 1, 2018
We’ve got an assistant ???????? good luck and welcome Graeme! #wba
— Hunty5 (@hunty__5) August 1, 2018
Great appointment – well done Baggies #boingboing
— Kevin Atton (@kevatton) August 1, 2018
Albion getting their first choice man. Worth the wait!
— Tom Preston (@tommipistols) August 1, 2018
MASSIVE plus….
Waiting is so important, to get the right person, vital…
Feel, with Graeme's background, this is a key signing, can only strengthen us…— Andy Caulton (@AndyfromNewHamp) August 1, 2018
