Baggies bring back Batson

Batson (left) played over 200 games for West Brom

Former West Brom defender Brendon Batson has vowed to work closely with Gary Megson to keep the club in the Premier League.

Batson has been appointed managing director at the Hawthorns as part of a boardroom shake-up following the departure of chief executive John Wile.

He has left his post as deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association in order to join his old club.

It is a new set-up and I am delighted to be part of it

Brendon Batson

"I have long admired Gary Megson and look forward to working with one of the brightest young managers in the Premiership," said Batson.

"I believe that we will form a successful team working together to achieve a successful first season in the Premiership.

"When we look back last season, for the first time the three teams that got promoted stayed up, so I think that's what we have got to aim for."

Batson, 49, played for the Baggies under Ron Atkinson during the late 1970s and early 80s, making more than 200 appearances.

Batson is part of a new regime at the Hawthorns

He played alongside ex-club captain Wile and paid tribute to the work of his former team-mate.

"John has the respect of everybody and has done a fantastic job for the club, both on and off the pitch," said Batson.

"We wish him well, but things move on. It is a new set-up and I am delighted to be part of it."

Wile's exit followed the summer appointment of new chairman Jeremy Peace.

Mike O'Leary, a season ticket holder at The Hawthorns for 30 years, has been appointed as the football club's chief executive and main board director of the plc.

He said: "There are many challenges ahead, but we now have a team more than capable of meeting those challenges and moving the club forward in the Premiership."