West Brom coach Michael Appleton hopes of bonding with boss

Jul 11 2009 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

ALBION first team coach Michael Appleton hopes that being in Roberto Di Matteo’s “shadow” will help him bond with the club’s new gaffer.

Appleton was promoted from reserve team coach during the recent re-structure and will work alongside head coach Di Matteo and assistant boss Eddie Newton.

The Baggies travel to Slovenia tomorrow, following today’s friendly at Histon, for their two-game pre-season tour.

Appleton is aiming to stamp his own mark on the new management team in what he believes will be a crucial few days for Albion.

“It’ll be important for everyone concerned,” said the 33-year-old.

“Team spirit, finding out how the manager approaches things, any new players we have, discipline will have to be high.

“It’ll be interesting to see what he brings to the table,” he said.

“I don’t know them (Di Matteo, Newton and fitness coach Ade Mafe) too well but I’ll be with them 24/7 so they will get to know me.

“We’ll be in each other’s shadows all the time during the season so next week will be a good chance for them to get to know what I’m about, what the club and players are about,” he added.

“We’ve got two games out there, it’ll give the lads a chance to get to know the gaffer and coaching staff and it should be a productive trip for us.”

Appleton is confident Albion will be among the front runners this season despite the potential disruption of Tony Mowbray’s departure to Glasgow Celtic.

He believes keeping the best players will be key to Di Matteo’s plans during the Championship campaign.

Promotion remains the main objective. Appleton added: “It’s the only aim we can have.

“If we keep our best players, or as many as we can, then we have to aim to go back up.

“That’s the main aim and I’m sure if you ask any of them then I expect most players to say the same thing.”