WestBrom sacked their manager Alan Irvine, who became the second casualty ofthe season, after Neil Warnock’s sacking three days ago. Irvine was sacked yesterday,after the 2-0 away defeat to Stoke City on Sunday. The result has left theBaggies perilously close to the relegation zone after a run of only two wins in13 games this season. Irvine was appointed in June, when he became the thirdhead coach of West Brom in a year. Under his leadership the West Midlands clubwon just four of 19 league games.
WestBromwich Albion, also known as West Brom or The Baggies, were formed in 1878and have played at its home ground, The Hawthorns, since 1900.
Their Chairman, JeremyPeace, weighed up his options; although genuinely fond of Irvine, his upmost priorityis to stay in the Premier League.
Irvine, 56,born in Glasgow, was a former professional player; he played as a winger forfive different clubs in Scotland and England during a 15 year playingcareer. He then became a coach,assisting David Moyes at Preston North End and then Everton.
A keyfactor in Irvine’s lack of popularity with a number of West Brom supporters isthat he was comparatively untested as a Premier League manager; the fans weredismayed that the former Everton assistant manager was given a chance to managea Premier League club, and they have never taken to him.
Irvine, whohas had previous spells managing teams like Preston and Sheffield Wednesday wasa surprise appointment at the Hawthorns in June 2014 and came under fire veryquickly.
However, Irvinewas very popular with the first team squad; the Scot had the backing of theplayers at the Hawthorns, with Irvine’s first signing as a West Brom managerbeing former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott, who stated that theplayer’s loyalty to their manager had never been in question.
Baggies are facing anin-form West Ham team away on New Year’s Day. They also have a home-tiein the FA Cup this weekend against non-league Gateshead. The Midlands club saythey expect to be able to name Irvine's successor by the weekend.
