Pepe Mel sacked: West Brom part company with manager, despite Premier League survival
The Spaniard struggled after replacing Steve Clarke but did just enough to ensure the Baggies survived
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pepe Mel has left West Brom by mutual consent.
The Premier League club confirmed the news on Monday, bringing to an end the Spaniard's reign at The Hawthorns.
Mel took charge of the midlands club in January, having been chosen by the Baggies as the permanent successor to Steve Clarke, who was sacked in December.
Sporting and technical director Richard Garlick said: "We would like to thank Pepe for his efforts over the past four months in helping to keep the club in the Premier League and wish him well for the future.
"Both Pepe and the club set out with the best intentions of making the appointment work. However, having reflected on events both on and off the field during our talks, it became apparent that it was in the best interests of both parties for there to be an amicable parting."
He continued: "We are grateful for the manner in which the existing coaching staff and players have rallied behind Pepe to get the club over the line in what has proved an extremely competitive division."
Mel signed an 18-month deal when he took charge of the club in January, yet they initially struggled under the former Real Betis boss.
Some decent form just after the Christmas period took them up to 14th, but Mel did not claim victory until his eighth game in charge of the Baggies, while he only won once at The Hawthorns.
They eventually finished one place and three points outside the drop zone although his tenure was also blighted by the Nicolas Anelka "quenelle" saga.
Garlick added: "Although we have managed to achieve a fifth successive season of Premier League football, it has been a very disappointing campaign and lessons have been learned.
"The search for a new head coach has now begun. We aim to find the most suitable candidate who, with the support of the structure we have had in place for six years and are presently strengthening, will enable the club to be more competitive next season."
Assistant head coach Keith Downing and goalkeeper coach Dean Kiely will remain in their current roles with the club although first-team coach David Gomez has left his post.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments