West Brom appoint Nick Davies as first team fitness coach

The 40-year-old, who has previously worked at Charlton, Birmingham City, Norwich and West Ham, has travelled out to Portugal with the squad this week for their six-day training camp.

Davies was a player himself before a serious knee injury cut short his career and he turned down other clubs to join the Baggies.

“The club, from afar, is always one I have admired,” said Davies. “To be part of it now, with the manager who I think can be really successful in the role, is quite exciting.

“I didn’t know Darren before taking the job, but I know we’ve got lots of mutual friends in the game who have obviously been colleagues of both myself and him.

“Everybody speaks so glowingly of him, which is one of the reasons why I was so keen to meet up and see what his vision was – and I was really impressed.

“I had a really good feel about it having spoken to him. I had a few other offers but this felt right.

“In Portugal there’s obviously going to be an emphasis on the conditioning work.

“But I think what the players will see is a programme that’s specific and treats them in a manner which is geared up for what they’re going to do.

“Yes, it’ll be demanding but I’d like to think the sessions will be, by being imaginative and innovative, enjoyable as well.

“Anyone worth their salt wants to work hard, get better, improve and be prepared - and having just started to get to know the guys I can instantly see there’s a real professionalism among the backroom staff.

“I think it’s going to be a meticulously planned out and tremendously well delivered pre-season.”

Several members of Albion’s senior squad have not travelled out to Portugal.

Jake Livermore, Oliver Burke, and James McClean have been given an extra week off due to their international exploits over the summer, although Stoke City hope to seal a deal for McClean this week.

James Morrison has also been given some time off this week after working hard on his fitness over the summer.

Albion’s longest serving player is out of contract on Saturday, but Moore is keen to keep the 32-year-old at the club, as long as he proves his fitness.

Moore has taken a number of youngsters out to Portugal to run the rule over them.

Brad House, Alex Palmer, Kyle Jameson, Kane Wilson, Dara O’Shea, Jack Fitzwater, Max Melbourne, Nathan Ferguson, Alex Bradley, Kyle Edwards, Jonathan Leko, Rayhaan Tulloch, and Callum Morton have all travelled.

Last season, previous fitness coach Matt Green left Albion after a decade with the club and took up a role with the Premier League.