West Brom appoint Sam Allardyce as the club’s new manger
West Brom have appointed Sam Allardyce as manager following the departure of Slaven Bilic.
The 66-year-old, who agreed terms on an 18-month contract today, will take training on Thursday in preparation for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.
The Dudley-born head coach returns more than 30 years after starting his coaching career with the Baggies under former boss Brian Talbot in 1989.
Sporting and Technical Director, Luke Dowling, said: “In Sam we have a man who has a proven Premier League pedigree with a track record of improving every club he has managed.
“We believe and, more importantly, Sam believes we have a group of players that have the quality needed to give the club its best chance of Premier League survival.”
Earlier today it was announced that former manager Slaven Bilic had been sacked and Assistant Coaches, Dean Računica and Danilo Butorović, and First Team Coach Julian Dicks also left the club with immediate effect.
Before Allardyce was named the new manager, we asked Alan Cleverley from West Brom's supporters club for his reaction to Bilic's sacking.
In a statement, West Brom said: "West Bromwich Albion have today parted company with head coach Slaven Bilic.
"Assistant coaches, Dean Racunica and Danilo Butorovic, and first-team coach Julian Dicks have also left the club with immediate effect.
"The Baggies are currently 19th in the Premier League table with seven points from 13 fixtures.
"Albion would like to thank Slaven and his coaching staff for their efforts in achieving promotion last season and wish them all well in the future.
"The club will make no further comment at this time."
Bilic, who becomes the first Premier League manager to lose his job this season, said following Tuesday's draw at City he was "calm" about his future with the Baggies.
"I'm very calm. I love my job. I'm here and calm," said Bilic. "To be fair, I'm not bothered. I'm doing my job. I'm enjoying it. I'm working hard for myself, for my staff, for the players, for the club, that's all."
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed his disappointment over Bilic's sacking in his Wednesday press conference.
"I'm very sad to hear that Slaven lost his job," he said. "I think he's done great for them, getting promotion. I'm sure he'll get a job again when he wants to.
"Of course it's a short-term business, we need results short term as well, but everyone knows that continuity is key to success. Sometimes they don't have the patience for it, though"
The Baggies are currently 19th in the Premier League table with seven points from 13 fixtures.