Michael Appleton hopes for a long future at West Brom
Jul 7 2009 by Chris Lepkowski
West Brom's newly-appointed first-team coach Michael Appleton hopes his new role will cement his future at The Hawthorns.
The 33-year-old was linked with managerial posts last season, notably Grimsby and Huddersfield, after word had spread about his impressive coaching pedigree following his time in charge of Albion’s youth and reserve teams.
The Baggies knew they would need to offer ‘Appy’ a first-team job to satisfy his ambition and the Mancunian is looking forward to his new role.
“It’s a new challenge for me,” said Appleton, who retired as a player six years ago.
“I’m looking forward to it. I said I wanted to work with first-team players and it’s happened.”
Regarding the speculation with other clubs, he added: “I can’t help people linking my name with other jobs. I had to explain to the club that I’d never tried to leave the club of my own doing.
