JEFF Wood's appointment has been backed by both of the Albion managers he worked under.

Brian Horton and Steve Gritt reckon it is a "sensible decision" to put their former No. 2 in charge for the rest of the season.

Horton, preparing for his first home match as Port Vale boss against Huddersfield tomorrow, said: "Things are going well so why change it?

"Jeff worked very hard with me. He's won two games on the trot, he knows the southern scene, he knows the players and he deserves it.

"I told him if he got the job to be tough, because that's what you have to be as a manager. You take a lot on. The manager picks the side and the buck stops with him.

"He's done his badges and got the knowledge and you can only be a manager by getting experience. He's got a chance now and I hope it goes well for him. It's not as if I have left and hope it blows up.

"Jeff has got a good staff behind him, which helps. Together with Ken Craggs we put a lot of miles in watching players.

"The physio Malcolm Stuart is first class and Martin Hinshelwood is very experienced. Dean Wilkins isn't, but I think Deano will go on to do very well. He has all the right qualities."

Gritt, now Millwall's reserve team coach, brought his old Charlton pal Wood to Albion as his assistant two years ago.

"For anyone new to come in now could cause a bit of disruption," Gritt said.

"The players know Woody, he knows them very well and it is the right thing to do at this time.

"He will give 100 per cent to the job and be totally committed, as he was when he worked with me.

"He enjoys working with players and he doesn't need to do anything different. I know he will be very enthusiastic and give it his best shot."

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