Former Newcastle and Crystal Palace Coach, Alan Pardew has been appointed as West Bromwich Albion’s manager, replacing Tony Pulis.

The 56-year-old, who has been out of work since being sacked by Crystal Palace last December, has signed a contract running until 2020 at the Hawthorns after holding talks with the club’s hierarchy last week.

He will take charge for Saturday’s home match against his previous team, with Gary Megson having performed caretaker duties for the past two matches against Tottenham and Newcastle.

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

“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.”

He will be tasked with steering West Brom away from the bottom three, with the Chinese owner, Guochaun Lai, keen to maintain the club’s eight-year stay on the top flight.

Pardew guided Palace to 10th in the 2014-15 season for their best Premier League finish.

He was named LMA Manager of the Year in 2012 after he guided Newcastle to fifth place in the Premier League.

West Brom’s chairman, John Williams, said: “Alan brings the experience of more than 300 Premier League games and the kind of dynamic leadership from which our Club can benefit.

We were impressed with what he had to say and what he has to offer and we are looking forward to an exciting new era under his charge.”

Williams confirmed that Gary Megson, who was brought in by Pulis, had left the club.