West Brom head coach Tony Pulis has revealed his disappointment at the shock exit of Paul Jewell - as he looks to replace him.
Joint-assistant coach Jewell left the Baggies on Tuesday just a week after joining the club as part of Pulis' new-look backroom staff.
The former Wigan and Derby boss departed after Gerry Francis' appointment as a part-time consultant and is considering legal advice after his exit.
Pulis said: "I've got great respect for Paul, he's a tremendous lad and had been out of work for a long time, I offered him a job but it didn't work out. I was pleased to have him in and sad to see him leave so quickly.
"I wish Paul all the best, I still think he's a great lad. Good luck to him. There's no hard feelings my way or the club's way. To go any further into it would be wrong. He's a smashing lad.
"Gerry was always joining us. He's been with me for seven years, Kempy (Dave Kemp) for 13 and they were always coming. Gerry brings a wealth of experience.
"His analysis of games and experience of the Premier League is absolutely first class. It's a part-time basis but very important, there was never any question of him not coming."
Pulis was meeting chairman Jeremy Peace on Thursday afternoon to discuss possible replacements for Jewell.
He said: "I've got a meeting with the chairman. He's been very supportive in lots of respects since I've walked through the door. We'll have a cup of tea and hopefully some chocolate biscuits."
Source: PA
