When Alan Irvine was appointed, it looked like a long-term move for West Bromwich Albion that would require some patience. Irvine was a highly successful youth coach at Everton, but his only previous head coaching stints were largely uneventful ones at lower levels. However, the Baggies have struggled mightily this season, and they've sacked Irvine halfway through the campaign.
West Bromwich Albion sack Alan Irvine
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West Brom have not yet announced who will replace Irvine. Assistant head coach Rob Kelly will lead the team in the interim.
West Brom currently sit in 16th place, just a point off the drop zone, after three consecutive Premier League losses. Their Boxing Day defeat to Manchester City was understandable, but losses to relegation rivals Queens Park Rangers and bottom half side Stoke City sealed Irvine's fate.
Under Irvine, West Brom haven't played a very exciting style of football. The last time they scored more than once in a game was on October 25, a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in which they won a 93rd minute penalty. West Brom's 18 goals scored are only tied for fourth-worst, but they'd be much worse off in that regard if not for Saido Berahino's incredible individual surge early in the year. He has seven goals, while no other forward or midfielder has more than one.
The Baggies' next match is away to top-half West Ham United on New Year's Day, followed by a match against lower-league Gateshead in the FA Cup.
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