West Bromwich Albion have announced that they have appointed Richard Garlick as the club's new sporting and technical director.

Garlick originally moved to the club in 2010 as their legal director/secretary but will now replace Dan Ashworth, who is due to leave The Hawthorns at the end of the season to take up a role at the Football Association.

"This is a great opportunity and I'm really looking forward to the challenge," Garlick told the club's official website. "Dan will be a hard act to follow but the role has become solidly established at the club under his stewardship.

"I'm sure Dan will be the first to admit that the success he has enjoyed would not have been possible without the support of the individuals within his departments. He has created an environment that has allowed each of his departments to flourish and this is something I aim to continue and, where possible, build upon."

Chairman Jeremy Peace, who carried out the search for Ashworth's replacement, added: "This is an important appointment for the club. We have had Richard in mind since the start of the process and after completing our research, he emerged as the strongest candidate.

"As with Dan when he was initially appointed, Richard already has an in-depth knowledge of the club, excellent relationships with the staff who will report to him and a clear understanding of how we operate."

The Baggies currently sit seventh in the Premier League table.