West Brom pinch Arsenal man in off-field addition, Steve Bruce role detailed

West Bromwich Albion have appointed Arsenal’s head of academy performance Tony Strudwick as their new director of medical services.

The 49-year-old links back up with Steve Bruce at the Championship club after working with the Baggies boss during his Sheffield Wednesday tenure.

In addition to his time at Arsenal and Wednesday, Strudwick has served as the head of performance at Manchester United while Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge previously and has international experience with England and Wales.

Albion confirmed the off-field appointment today to continue a summer of change at The Hawthorns.

Strudwick, who has been appointed to strengthen and guide the West Midlands club’s medical and sports science departments, will begin his work later in July.

He revealed that speaking to Bruce helped convince him to leave The Emirates in favour of a move to West Brom.

“When I spoke to Steve, I was pleased to hear energy and passion were still evident in his voice,” Strudwick told the club website.

“When I worked with him before I quickly struck up an excellent relationship with his coaching staff and I’m looking forward to working with the team again.

“I was also impressed by CEO Ron Gourlay who has a vision for where he wants to take the club and that vision is clearly shared by Steve.

“The opportunity to join the club and the scope of the role will allow me to have a significant, positive impact and I’m excited by what we can achieve together.

“Albion is a traditional club with loyal support and is deep-rooted in its community. Having visited The Hawthorns on various occasions I have always been struck by the connection between players, staff and fans – and that’s something I hope will continue to grow in the future. It’s