West Brom sack head coach Alan Irvine

Irvine leaves after just four wins in 19 league games Credit: PA Wire

Alan Irvine has been sacked as West Brom head coach after less than seven months in charge.

Irvine, 56, was removed following the club's 2-0 loss to Stoke - their third defeat in a row.

The Scot leaves after just four wins in 19 matches with the club just a point outside the relegation zone.

The club said in an official statement that Irvine had been placed on garden leave and assistant head coach Rob Kelly, with Keith Downing, would take charge of the team for the New Year's Day game at West Ham.

Albion revealed they expected to be able to name Irvine's successor by the weekend.

Tony Pulis left as Crystal Palace manager at the start of the season Credit: PA Wire

It means the Baggies are now looking for their fourth manager in little morethan 12 months.

Former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood, who was heavily linked with the Albion job when it was available in the summer, and former Stoke and Palace manager Tony Pulis are among the favourites to succeed Irvine.