WEST Bromwich Albion have this evening
relieved Head Coach Steve Clarke of his
duties and placed him on gardening leave
with immediate effect.
This was the unanimous decision of the
Football Club's Board of Directors following
a disappointing performance throughout
2013.
Albion have won only seven of their 34
Barclays Premier League games during the
calendar year – a 20 per cent win
percentage yielding a total of only 31 points
– despite a substantial investment in the
first-team squad.
Joint-Assistant Head Coach Keith Downing
will assume control of first-team affairs
whilst the Club considers all available
options for a new Head Coach.
Sporting & Technical Director Richard
Garlick said: “We have reluctantly come to
the decision to relieve Steve of his duties
after very careful consideration.
“It has been well documented that we have
not had the rub of the green in certain
games this season but that does not cloud
the generally disappointing points return
during this calendar year, culminating in
today’s fourth-successive defeat at Cardiff.
“This Club's track record proves we do not
take such decisions lightly, having only
enforced a change in this position three
times in approximately 14 years.
“But with key games coming thick and fast,
we felt it was important we acted now to
give the Club the best possible chance of a
successful outcome this season.
“Our player wage bill is the highest in the
Club’s history and we feel we have built a
squad capable of being very competitive in
the Premier League.
"We now begin the search to find a new
Head Coach who will work within our
existing structure, which has been in place
for the past six years.”
Clarke’s assistant Kevin Keen has also been
placed on gardening leave.
"On behalf of the Board, I would like to
thank Steve and Kevin for their efforts
over the past 18 months,” added Garlick.
“We wish them and their families well for
the future.”
The Board will make no further comment
until a new Head Coach has been
appointed.

Source : http://mobile.wba.co.uk/news/article/clarke-relieved-of-duties-1236295.aspx?pd=635226532150000000

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