Andrew Crofts has joined Albion's first team coaching set-up.

He has left his role with the under-21s, where Shannon Ruth takes over as head coach assisted by Gary Dicker.

Crofts joins a first team set-up which now includes fitness coaches Vincenzo Teresa and Marcattilio Marcattilii who, along with Roberto De Zerbi and assistant Andrea Maldera, have been granted work permits.

De Zerbi and colleagues can now get down to business on the training pitch ahead of next Saturday’s trip to Liverpool.

Albion deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber said: "We are thrilled for Andrew Crofts, Shannon Ruth and Gary Dicker, all of whom are earning well-deserved promotions as part of our ongoing succession planning process. 

“We’d like to thank The Football Association for their prompt assistance in providing the relevant Governing Body Endorsements, and to the Home Office for processing the work permits so efficiently.”