Liam Rosenior has hung up his boots to become Albion under-23s assistant.

The 34-year-old utility player will be Simon Rusk’s No.2 with the promoted under-23s as part of a new coaching position in the club’s academy.

The role switch brings to an end a 16-year playing career with seven clubs.

Albion chief executive Paul Barber said: “We are delighted to welcome Liam back to the club in a coaching capacity.

“He was a hugely popular figure in the dressing room during his playing days here and we are very pleased to give him the platform to begin his coaching career.

“Liam had always shown a very active interest in coaching since his arrival at the club and impressed the academy coaching staff with his knowledge and expertise when taking sessions with the younger players.

“His role as an Albion in the Community ambassador was also very successful and this job will enable him to maintain close links with the club’s charity.

“We recognise how important it is to have characters like Liam in and around the club and I am sure he will seamlessly adapt to his new role.”

Rosenior’s conversion continues Albion’s policy of re-employing leading characters once their playing days are over.

Guy Butters and Danny Cullip work for AITC and legendary striker Bobby Zamora has returned as an ambassador.

Rosenior, 33, moved to Albion on a free transfer from Hull in June 2015. Injuries, combined with increased competition for places, limited him to 51 appearances, the last in the FA Cup win at Middlesbrough in January.

He also played for Reading, Fulham, Ipswich Town, Bristol City and represented England up to under-21 level.