Owls hero gets Premiership move

Last updated : 10 November 2004 By Andy Parsons

Pearson leaves a great job at the FA, where he has coached the Under-16's all the way up to the Under-20 team - including Wednesday players Matt Hamshaw and Patrick Collins.

Big Nige is the only Owls captain in a generation to lift any meaningful silverware following Wednesday's league cup triumph in 1991.

But leaving his coaching role at the FA to link up with his former Middlesbrough manager will be difficult but it is the next obvious progression for Pearson.

He told the FA's website: Working with the best young players in the country has been a fantastic experience and a huge honour, and I have been lucky enough to work with some great people.

"However, joining West Brom was an opportunity that I could not refuse, and I am very excited about my new role."

Pearson has been linked with coaching roles at Hillsborough over the years and will keep the Hillsborough connection at the Hawthorns alive following Gary Megson's departure.