Mowbray leaves Hibs for West Brom

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/6043410.stm

Version 0 of 1.

West Bromwich Albion have appointed Tony Mowbray as their new manager.

Mowbray leaves SPL side Hibernian to succeed Bryan Robson, who left the Baggies by mutual consent in September.

"When the chance arose to speak to West Brom, a club steeped in great tradition, it was an opportunity I could not turn down," said Mowbray.

The 42-year-old will take up his post on Wednesday, but will attend the Championship games against Ipswich on Saturday and Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

"I spoke to the board this week and the talks went very well," Mowbray added.

"I always think it's important that the fit is right when a manager joins a new club.

"And I would like to think this fit is right." West Brom, who were relegated from the Premiership last season, are currently seventh in the Championship table.

Mowbray took the reins at Hibernian in 2004 following a spell on the coaching staff at Ipswich.

606 VIEW <a class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A16175108">Mowbray is certainly worth the gamble</a> TT <a class="" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/606/default.stm">606: Have your say</a>

He said: "At Ipswich, I coached under George Burley and Joe Royle knowing I wanted to become a manager.

"I am very, very grateful to Hibs for giving me that opportunity.

"I had two-and-a-half enjoyable years up there and I would like to think it was a relatively successful time considering the way we got the club moving.

"But I felt I was ready for the next challenge."

Mowbray rejected the chance to return to Portman Road as manager earlier this year and in September signed a new 12-month rolling contract at Easter Road.

However, the lure of West Brom proved too much and, after agreeing compensation, Hibernian allowed him to leave.

"The club would like to thank Tony for all that he has done during his time at Easter Road and wish him and his family every success in the future," said a statement on the Hibernian website.

Hibs' preparations for Sunday's Edinburgh derby with Hearts at Easter Road have been supervised by first-team coach Mark Venus and his staff.