Appleton made reserve coach

Albion have promoted Michael Appleton to the role of reserve team coach as Tony Mowbray completed the revamp of his backroom team. The former Baggies midfielder, 32, will take over Craig Shakespeare’s reserves duties but will stay in charge of the club’s under-18s. Shakespeare left last month to become Nigel Pearson’s assistant at Leicester and his first-team duties have been handed to former Norwich boss Peter Grant. Manager Mowbray said: “Since Craig Shakespeare left we’ve rearranged the coaching staff. “Peter Grant has come in solely as first-team coach to work alongside me and Mark Venus (assistant manager). “Michael is going to step up and look after the reserves and, with the support of the academy staff, the youth team. “We hope by giving the lads, who are coming through to become young professionals, a familiar voice... [read full story]