West Brom caretaker boss Darren Moore: 'I'm fulfilling my dream'

The caretaker boss takes Albion up to Newcastle tomorrow following a three-match unbeaten start to his six games in charge at the end of this season.

Although he has refused to put his name forward for the vacant managerial job, he is enjoying his time at the helm of the club.

But his passion is coaching, and having completed all of his badges, he's relishing the opportunity to work with the players on the training ground each day.

“When I came into it, the big thing for me was to coach," he said. "I love the coaching and being around the players on the front line.

"Even in this caretaker manager role I’m still able to fulfil that dream of coaching and that’s what I’ve been doing.

"I’ve taken the qualifications to be a coach at the very highest level and that’s what I’m doing at the moment.

"I was able to play at the highest level, and now I’m coaching at the highest level. I’m fulfilling a dream. I really enjoy coming into work every day because I’m getting job satisfaction."

Moore has been handed the reins of the club for the last six games of the season after being promoted to first team coach by former head coach Alan Pardew in December.

"It seems like I’ve come a long, long way," said Moore. "It was a dream to play as a nine-year-old growing up when my dad showed me my first football match on TV.

"I turned to him and said to him Dad I want to do that - and it’s carried on into the coaching because when I was playing I always said I wanted to stay in the game so I took my qualifications.

"I’m here as a coach at this wonderful club. I really do enjoy, and I have done for many years, coming into work.

"There’s a talented group of players here, good staff, good people, an excellent fanbase, a wonderful community. All the ingredients are there for me to come into work with a smile."

Moore may have only taken charge of three first-team games in his career, but he has already pitted himself against some of the world's best and most experienced managers.

He's already overcome a double Champions League winner in Jose Mourinho, and drawn with a Champions League finalist in Jurgen Klopp. Next up is Rafa Benitez, another Champions League winner.

"We all know Rafa has served English football well for many seasons," said Moore. "What he’s done at Newcastle is fabulous work and remarkable really, it goes to show what an experienced and excellent coach he is.

"I expect a high energy game – it’s a wonderful arena to play football in – and two teams battling it out to get a result. West Bromwich Albion will have to work extremely hard and show a good appetite to get anything out of it."

However, Moore will be buoyed by an almost full-strength squad at his disposal for tomorrow's trip to the North East.

Now that Nacer Chadli, Daniel Sturridge and Jonny Evans are all fit, only long-term absentee James Morrison is unavailable.

"The squad’s looking good," said Moore. "Obviously we’ve spoken in previous weeks about Daniel Sturridge gaining better fitness.

"Chadli is getting stronger and fitter, so the squad’s looking really good.

"I’ve got a lot to choose from, we’re grateful that we’ve got more bodies available. It’s a chance for myself to choose a team which we see fit for the game. It’s nice to have that opportunity."

Albion's relegation will be confirmed this weekend if they don't beat Newcastle at St James' Park, and last week there was controversy when Klopp suggested the point picked up against Liverpool was useless to the Baggies.

Albion coach Neil Cutler branded the comments 'extremely disrespectful' afterwards and it was sentiment echoed by many Baggies fans. But Moore refused to criticise the Liverpool boss in response.

“Far from useless," he smiled. "Listen, I can’t go on about what Jurgen said – he has his views – I still believe he’s a fantastic man, an affectionate man with a passion for winning. All those things I share.

"His views are for Liverpool, mine are for West Brom, and I was delighted with the fight back and the point. It was a really good fight back against an excellent team, their record this season speaks for itself.

"He’s built an effective and attacking team that are representing England in the Champions League.

"I want them to win it. We wish them all the best for the remainder of the season."