 After the dismissal of Shakespeare in October 2017, Appleton took over as caretaker manager for two matches, both Leicester victories, before the appointment of Claude Puel.On 30 June 2018, it was announced that Appleton had left his position at Leicester with immediate effect following a restructure of the coaching staff.On 26 April 2019, Appleton agreed to act as first-team coach to West Bromwich Albion caretaker manager James Shan until the end of the 2018–19 season, speculation having arisen in previous weeks that he could become the new manager of the West Midlands club.