Alan Pardew has been appointed as West Brom's new head coach - and his first game in charge will be against former club Crystal Palace.

The ex-Charlton manager has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal to replace the sacked Tony Pulis.

Pardew has been out of work since being axed by Palace last December after a horrendous run of results.

Pardew told the club’s official site: “I’m thrilled with the opportunity Albion have provided and I’m looking forward to getting to work with what I consider to be a talented group of players.

“The immediate challenge will be to get the results we need to pull ourselves up the table.

“But I’m aware that while I’m joining one of the great, traditional clubs of English football, it is one determined to go forward in the Premier League.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to play a part in that ambition.”

West Brom are 16th in the Premier League and have not won since August.