Megson makes shock Hawthorns return

Last updated : 28 July 2017 By Wba-mad Editor

Gary Megson has made a shock return to The Hawthorns as Tony Pulis' new assistant manager. 

Pulis' long-standing assistant Dave Kemp failed to return to the club for pre-season training and now looks set to retire with his family in America. 

Megson will return to the club 17 years on after being appointed Albion manager. The former Norwich, Blackpool, Stockport and Stoke boss worked wonders at The Hawthorns. 

In his first season, he helped the club avoid relegation to the third division after beating then champions Charlton on the final game of the season. 

The following year, Albion were beaten in the play-off semi-final against Bolton Wanderers. But he went one better in 2002 when he overhauled Wolves' 11-point lead to gain automatic promotion and end Albion's 16-year exile from the top flight. 

Megson was awarded the Division One Manager of the Year Award and also granted the title as the Lord of the Manor of West Bromwich. 

He was unable to keep Albion in the Premiership in their first season back but then won automatic promotion the following year as Albion bounced back at the first chance. 

But things turned sour for Megson the following season when he told the club he was not going to sign a new contract and was shown his marching orders by then chairman Jeremy Peace. 

"I’m really pleased," said the man known as 'Sir Gary' to Albion fans.  
 
"I’ve known Tony a long time and although we’ve never lived in each other’s pockets we have similar views on how football should be played and how footballers should behave.
 
“I loved my time here although it’s a long time ago now. You obviously have the club you grow up supporting which you always consider to be your club. But this is as close to that relationship as possible – and I can’t pay it a higher compliment then that.  It’s a terrific club with terrific support.”
 
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