Robson: It's great to be back

Bryan Robson today returned to West Brom as the club’s new manager and claimed: “It is great to be back.”

The former England captain has signed a 12-month rolling contract at The Hawthorns after succeeding Gary Megson.

Former Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday defender Nigel Pearson has been appointed assistant manager after leaving his post as England Under-20 coach.

Robson, who won 90 England caps including 65 as captain, began his playing career with Albion and scored 46 goals in 249 games before joining Manchester United for £1.5m (€2.2m) in 1981.

Now the 47-year-old is back to try to revive the fortunes of the club who are currently 17th in the Barclays Premiership and facing a battle to retain their top-flight status following the departure of Megson.

“I am just delighted to be back involved with Albion,” said Robson today.

“After all these years, it is great to return to the club when it has got a sound structure.

“The feedback I have had is that the fans have been right behind me to get this position and I just hope we can get off to a good start to boost everyone’s confidence.

“The main aim of everybody at the football club has to be working hard together so the fans will be watching Premiership football again next season. It is a great challenge for Nigel and I.”

Robson’s first match in charge will be on Sunday at home to Boro, the club where he spent seven years as manager after ending his playing career.

Pearson was Middlesbrough captain during Robson’s reign at the Riverside Stadium.

He said: “It was a very difficult decision to leave the FA where I had some wonderful years.

“Working with the best young players in the country has been a fantastic experience.

“But joining West Brom was an opportunity that I could not refuse and I am very excited about the role.”