Darren Moore has won the battle to be named West Bromwich Albion manager, Sportsmail can reveal.

The 44-year-old beat off competition from Dean Smith, who had been seen as the front runner for the position.

Moore has been selected after guiding West Brom to three wins and two draws in six Premier League matches as caretaker, staving off relegation until the last week of the season and restoring pride at the club.

Darren Moore has won the race to be the next permanent manager of West Bromwich Albion

The 44-year-old beat off competition from Dean Smith, who had been seen as the front runner

The former defender gained the vocal backing of the West Brom squad to get the job permanently, and the club's board have now decided to make his appointment.

Chief executive Mark Jenkins and technical consultant Giuliano Terraneo flew to China this week to discuss options with West Brom owner Guochuan Lai.

Smith had been seen as the likeliest candidate for his Championship experience and getting Walsall and Brentford playing attractive football. Michael Appleton was also in the running.

But Moore's unexpected success in uniting the club after Alan Pardew, and celebrating wins over Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benitez, and Mauricio Pochettino, has seen him handed the reins.

Michael Appleton (above) was also in the running to take over at the newly-relegated side