 He also played an important part in the Lilywhites' promotion to Division One in 2000 as Division Two champions.In January 2001, Appleton moved from Preston to West Bromwich Albion for a fee of £750,000, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.He made his début in a 2–1 victory versus Sheffield United, picking up a yellow card, and went on to play an important part in the Baggies' play-off chase, although they ultimately lost to Bolton Wanderers in the semi-finals.