Tony Pulis confirmed as new West Brom manager

Tony Pulis has been appointed head coach of English Premier League strugglers West Bromwich Albion.

The 56-year-old Pulis has agreed a two-and-half-year deal and will take charge after Thursday's league game at West Ham United, reports bbc.com.

The ex-Stoke and Crystal Palace manager is the club's fourth head coach in a year, following Alan Irvine's sacking.

Pulis said: "I'm absolutely delighted to accept the job. Every successful club is built on unity and that is what I shall strive to help bring to Albion."

Pulis, who managed Stoke from 2006 to 2013, steered Crystal Palace clear of relegation trouble last term.

A strong second half of the campaign saw them finish 11th, while Pulis won the Premier League manager of the season award, but he quit two days before the start of this season.

He joins West Brom with the club just one point above the relegation zone after former head coach Irvine won only four of his 19 league games in charge.

"We need everyone together from top to bottom - the supporters, all the staff, the players, everyone who has an interest in the club's welfare," Pulis said.