New boss Sami Hyypia has begun planning for his first season with Albion.

The recently-appointed manager has been studying matches from last term as he prepares for life in the Championship.

Hyypia arrives in England on Thursday and will start building a squad and coaching team for the new campaign.

Chief executive Paul Barber updated fans yesterday afternoon via the club’s website.

He said: “Sami has already looked at videos of our matches from last season and over the next few days, with the support of (first team coach) Nathan Jones and (head of football operations) David Burke, will evaluate the current squad, its strengths and weaknesses, and from that identify the key areas he wants to improve. “Working closely with the chairman and our scouting team, Sami will narrow the work the team has already been doing, and identify those specific players he wants to bring in. Providing those players are available and within our budget, we will do our best to get them.”

Barber revealed Albion consulted players, coaches and administrators who had worked with candidates for their managerial vacancy as part of a search described as “very thorough”.

He said Hyypia had been keen to retain Jones as part of the coaching team. Barber added: “He feels it is very important to have a coach with existing knowledge of the club and of our squad as part of his group.”