Source: Daily_Mail
Sam Allardyce not interested West Bromwich job
I'm out: Former Blackburn manager Allardyce [LNB]Sam Allardyce will not apply for the manager's job at West Bromwich Albion.[LNB]Roberto Di Matteo was relieved of his duties at the Hawthorns on Sunday after a run of 13 defeats in 18 matches, with first-team coach Michael Appleton placed in charge on a temporary basis. [LNB]Allardyce was one of several names linked with the post but a source close to the former Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn boss has confirmed he will not apply to succeed Di Matteo. [LNB]Allardyce has been out of work since he was surprisingly sacked by Blackburn in December, despite Rovers sitting comfortably in 13th place in the Barclays Premier League. [LNB]His name was also linked with West Ham when speculation over Avram Grant's future surfaced last month, but he is reported to be keen to try his luck overseas. [LNB]As well as Allardyce, the likes of Roy Hodgson, Chris Hughton, former Albion skipper Derek McInnes and ex-West Brom player Martin Jol have already been linked with a move to the Hawthorns. [LNB]But sources close to Albion insist no replacement for Di Matteo had been lined up before the decision was taken by the board to dispense of the 40-year-old Italian's services. [LNB]They have enough confidence in first-team coach Appleton to do a competent job while the search goes on. [LNB]Former West Brom midfielder Appleton has been coaching at the Hawthorns for five years and has the respect of the players - a crucial factor for the forthcoming home games with West Ham and Wolves. [LNB]Appleton may even be considered as a candidate - in the same way as Steve Kean has been promoted from within at Blackburn in succession to Allardyce - if he proves his worth in the hotseat.[LNB] The next head coach will also have to be willing to work alongside sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth. [LNB] Low note: Di Matteo (left) watched his West Bromwich side lose 3-0 to Manchester City in his last game[LNB]West Brom legend and club record goalscorer Tony 'Bomber' Brown believes Di Matteo should have been given more time to revive the club's fortunes. [LNB]Brown said: 'I am in shock. It has happened so quick. It is all down to results. [LNB]'They've had this bad spell and the chairman (Jeremy Peace) has decided the manager has got to go. It's as simple as that. [LNB]'I think every Albion fan will be shocked with it happening like this. I think Di Matteo deserved a bit longer. We are in mid-stream. What is going to happen now, who is going to take over, who is going to lead the ship? [LNB]'It's a big job for whoever takes over. It is easy to get rid of your manager. We've had quite a lot. [LNB]'All it does is cause confusion again at a vital part of the season. It has got to be someone who is going to get the lads behind him otherwise you are in a bit of a mess.' [LNB] Hodgson is the top target for West Bromwich after axe falls on Di Matteo Disappointed Di Matteo hits out at West Brom over 'surprise' sacking Premier League Match Zone: All you need to know about Saturday's actionAll the latest West Bromwich Albion news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Chris Hughton, Jeremy Peace, Roberto Di Matteo, Sam Allardyce, Martin Jol, Roy Hodgson Places: Newcastle, Bolton
