'Opportunity': Ex-West Brom favourite explains why Ryan Mason move is a boost for English football

Mason penned a three-year deal at the club on Monday - taking over from Tony Mowbray as the Baggies boss.

He becomes one of the club's youngest ever head coaches and now starts work on preparing West Brom for next season's Championship campaign.

His appointment is another boost for British and English managers when it comes to landing number one roles.

A lot has been made of the lack of English managers in the Premier League and although the numbers are higher in the EFL, many home grown coaches have explained how hard it is to land a job.

That is why former Baggies defender Paul Robinson, who this summer departed his role at Watford, believes Mason's appointment shows things are changing and it gives encouragement to young home grown coaches.

He said: "I think it is a good move, Ryan has a good reputation in the game for his coaching with the younger generation at Spurs.

"He is English as well and it shows English managers can get a chance to prove themselves.

"He has experience alongside him with Gibbo (Nigel Gibbs), who I know well, I was his understudy at Watford, so it is a really positive move.

"The numbers on English coaches have not been good over the years with the foreign input of managers in the coaching system.

"English coaches are having to wait for breaks and opportunities, but I think it is changing now.

"Owners are looking and understanding that the development of young players is needed, and there is no better way to do that than by putting an English manager in charge.

"It is an important time for Albion now and this move is encouraging."