ALBION today confirm the departure of goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler after a nine-month stint at The Hawthorns.

Neil is leaving to link up with his former Walsall manager Dean Smith, who is now Head Coach at Aston Villa.

Albion Head Coach Darren Moore said: "We tried everything to persuade Neil to stay but he enjoyed a very strong working relationship with Dean from their past connections and felt a strong pull to work with him again.

"We wish him well and thank him for his efforts."

Mark Naylor, our Professional Phase Development coach, will again step up to assume senior goalkeeping coach duties while the Club considers all options.

Sporting and Technical Director Luke Dowling said: "Mark has stepped up to this role before and performed admirably and we have every confidence he will do so again.

"We will also consider options to ensure the best outcome for the Club."