West Brom manager latest: Chris Hughton and Malky Mackay in running along with Oscar Garcia

All three contenders are out of a job after their previous respective roles with Noriwch, Cardiff and Brighton

Mark Staniforth,Staff
Tuesday 13 May 2014 11:29 BST
Comments
Some Norwich City fans believe that the dismissal of Chris Hughton was a necessary act to give the club a chance of avoiding relegation
Some Norwich City fans believe that the dismissal of Chris Hughton was a necessary act to give the club a chance of avoiding relegation (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chris Hughton has been swiftly installed as favourite for the manager's job at West Brom following the departure of Pepe Mel by mutual consent on Monday.

Hughton, who left Norwich in April as his side slumped towards relegation, is joined by former Cardiff boss Malky Mackay at the top of the bookmakers' shortlists.

Former Brighton manager Oscar Garcia is also believed to be in the running after he resigned from the Seagulls on Monday following the play-off semi-final defeat to Derby.

The end of Mel's five-month stay at The Hawthorns looked inevitable despite doing enough to maintain their place in the Barclays Premier League.

West Brom sporting and technical director Richard Garlick said: "We would like to thank Pepe for his efforts over the past four months in helping to keep the club in the Premier League and wish him well for the future.

"Both Pepe and the club set out with the best intentions of making the appointment work. However, having reflected on events both on and off the field during our talks, it became apparent that it was in the best interests of both parties for there to be an amicable parting.

"We are grateful for the manner in which the existing coaching staff and players have rallied behind Pepe to get the club over the line in what has proved an extremely competitive division."

Mel had cut a resigned figure after his side's final day defeat to Stoke on Sunday and his no-nonsense statements in the post-match press conference suggested a man who knew his time was up.

Read more: Mel sacked by West Brom despite league survival
Baggies look to Garcia after Mel's messy exit

He was known to have been unhappy with the way the club dealt with a number of off-field issues during the season and his claim the club needed "eight or nine" new players over the summer will not have gone down well.

Mel had added: "West Brom still have time to decide whether or not they want next season to be one as full of as many problems as this one."

Assistant head coach Keith Downing and goalkeeper coach Dean Kiely will remain in their current roles with the club although first-team coach David Gomez has left his post.

Other names being suggested include former Baggies midfielder and current Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes, Celtic boss Neil Lennon and current Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in