Adam Simpson has signed a three-year deal to become the new coach of the West Coast Eagles.

The West Coast job was vacated by premiership-winning coach John Worsfold in early September and the list of applicants was initially 14 names long.

As Simpson was a deputy under Alastair Clarkson at Hawthorn, West Coast was forced to wait until Hawthorn finished its 2013 campaign to name its new senior coach.

The veteran of over 300 games said he was looking forward to stepping into a head coaching role.

"I am grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to moving across to Perth with my family and settling in to the challenge ahead," Simpson said in a West Coast statement.

"I have always admired West Coast from afar and I believe the list has an exciting mix of senior and emerging young players.

"I will move across to Perth as soon as possible and I look forward to meeting the players and working with them from the start of pre-season," he continued.

The move brought applause from one of the most high-profile Eagles players:

Welcome on board Adam Simpson — Nic Naitanui (@RealNaitanui) October 3, 2013

Hawthorn wishes Simpson well

Who is the new Eagles coach? Born: February 16, 1976 Games: 306 (North Melbourne) Premierships: 1996, 1999 Best and fairest: 2002 All-Australian: 2002 Assistant coach: Hawthorn, 2010-2013

Simpson spent four years under Clarkson's tutelage at the Hawks and his former boss said his mid-field and forwards coach was ready for the top job.

"In his four years at Hawthorn, Adam has fostered a terrific relationship with the playing group and displayed a high level of excellence across all facets of his coaching duties," Clarkson said in a club statement.

"He is well-placed for the transition into senior coaching, which is thoroughly deserved on the back of an impressive coaching apprenticeship and a distinguished playing career.

"I would like to thank him for his contribution to Hawthorn Football Club and wish Adam and his wife Nicky, and their children Milla, Allie, Owen and Elsa well."

But it was not just Hawthorn's higher-ups wishing Simpson well. Shaun Burgoyne took to Twitter congratulate him:

Well done Adam Simpson on being named West Coast Eagles new coach. Will be very a good coach. — Shaun Burgoyne (@ShaunBurgoyne9) October 3, 2013

In a season filled with less than amicable splits, Simpson clearly appreciated the support he received from his old club.

"I would like to acknowledge both Hawthorn and North Melbourne for the grounding they have given to me in this game," he said.

"Hawthorn has been fantastic for me in the last four years and it was certainly a great experience to be a part of the coaching group as the club achieved the ultimate success last Saturday.

"In particular, I’d like to thank Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan for the wonderful education and assistance that they have provided to me."

Simpson played 15 seasons as a midfielder with North Melbourne - captaining the club for five years and winning two premierships - before retiring in 2009.

The former All-Australian spent no time out of the game, immediately jumping into his job at Hawthorn in September of 2009.

Fellow grand final assistant, Fremantle's Peter Sumich was an assistant with the Eagles before heading to their western rivals two years ago.

Sumich, along with Leigh Tudor and long-serving assistant Scott Burns, were all vying for the role before Simpson got the nod.

The Eagles will officially announce Simpson's appointment in a press conference at Subiaco Oval on Friday morning.