West Brom sack Valerien Ismael & begin hunt for new manager

West Bromwich Albion have parted ways with manager Valerien Ismael after the dreadful display and defeat to Millwall on Saturday

West Bromwich Albion have parted company with Valerien Ismael, just seven months into his four-year contract, after the defeat to Millwall on Saturday afternoon.

Ismael leaves with Albion sitting fifth in the Championship table in a campaign during which they hope to make an immediate return to the Premier League, but having won just three of their last 14 games in all competitions.

The defeat to the Lions, inflicted by Mason Bennett and Benik Afobe, proved to be the knock-out blow for Ismael’s tenure.

It was hoped that the Frenchman’s appointment would bring longevity and a long-term vision which could be implemented across the club, but this manager has proven to be as short lived as many of his recent predecessors.

The board, who paid money to take him out of Barnsley last summer, and who delivered £7m striker signing Daryl Dike at the very beginning of the January transfer window, have acted again - this time to remove Ismael from the post he’d signed up for four years to fulfil.

Albion now swiftly turn their attentions to suitably succeeding Ismael with still 17 league matches left to play of the season, and a host of clubs including Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest queuing up behind the Baggies on the other side of the play-off line.

Having been beaten by Millwall on Saturday, they have won just one of their last ten away matches - their next game is also on the road, at Sheffield United on Wednesday week.

The club's short statement read: "West Bromwich Albion Football Club can confirm Valérien Ismaël has today left his position as head coach.

"Assistant head coach Adam Murray has also departed The Hawthorns. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Valérien and Adam for their efforts and wishes them well in the future.

"The process of recruiting a new head coach is now under way and an appointment will be announced in due course."

In all, Ismael was in charge of Albion for 31 games, and he oversaw 12 wins - all of them in the league.