The Board of Directors at West Bromwich Albion have relived Steve Clarke of his first team duties after another defeat.
Clarke was placed on Gardening Leave following Albion’s 1-0 defeat to Cardiff City – the Baggies’ fourth consecutive defeat.
Peter Whittingham’s second half header continued Albion’s poor run of form as the toothless Baggies slipped to 16th in the league – just two points above the relegation zone.
The club said it was a “unanimous decision” to sack Clarke after a poor run of form in 2013. Since the turn of the year, Albion have won only a fifth of their Premier League games.
“We have reluctantly come to the decision to relieve Steve of his duties after very careful consideration,” said Richard Garlick, Albion’s Sporting and Technical Director.
“It has been well documented that we have not had the rub of the green in certain games this season but that does not cloud the generally disappointing points return during this calendar year, culminating in today’s fourth-successive defeat at Cardiff.
“This Club's track record proves we do not take such decisions lightly, having only enforced a change in this position three times in approximately 14 years.
“But with key games coming thick and fast, we felt it was important we acted now to give the Club the best possible chance of a successful outcome this season.
“Our player wage bill is the highest in the Club’s history and we feel we have built a squad capable of being very competitive in the Premier League.
"We now begin the search to find a new Head Coach who will work within our existing structure, which has been in place for the past six years.”
Did Clarke deserve the sack? Have your say here at Baggies Banter.
Source: WBA MAD
Source: FOOTYMAD
