West Bromwich Albion have confirmed the appointment of Tony Pulis as their new head coach.

The Welshman succeeds Alan Irvine on a two-and-a-half-year contract at the Hawthorns. He will take charge after today’s Premier League tie at West Ham.

Pulis made his name in management with Stoke City, whom he got promoted to the Premier League and then established as a mid-table top-flight club over the past decade.

In late 2013, he was appointed Crystal Palace manager and was awarded Premier League manager of the year last season for rescuing the Eagles from relegation before quitting Selhurst Park in August.

“I’m absolutely delighted to accept the job,” Pulis told WBA’s website. “Every successful club is built on unity and that is what I shall strive to help bring to Albion.

"We need everyone together from top to bottom – the supporters, all the staff, the players, everyone who has an interest in the club’s welfare. With that, we can go forward together and hopefully take this club up the Premier League.”