West Bromwich, Pepe Mel non è più l’allenatore

Pepe Mel non è più l’allenatore del West Bromwich: lo spagnolo, che era subentrato a Clarke alla guida dei baggies a inizio dello scorso gennaio, non guiderà l’undici della periferia di Birmingham la prossima stagione, come il contratto – di 18 mesi – prevedeva. La decisione, ufficializzata dal comunicato del club pubblicato sul sito web e riportato qui in basso, è scaturita di “comune accordo”. L’addio di Mel, che a dicembre era stato esonerato dal Betis Siviglia, era nell’aria da tempo: tre vittorie, la prima addirittura due mesi dopo il suo debutto, sei pareggi e otto sconfitte sono il fallimentare bottino del West Bromwich nella seconda parte di stagione che stava per costare la retrocessione in Championship. I baggies, quattordicesimi al momento dell’esonero di Clarke, hanno chiuso 17esimi precedendo soltanto le retrocesse Cardiff, Norwich e Fulham. 

WEST Bromwich Albion have parted company with Pepe Mel by mutual consent.

Both parties have decided to go their separate ways following talks between the Board of Directors and the Head Coach today.

Mel was appointed in January and was in charge of 17 Barclays Premier League matches, which yielded three wins, six draws and eight defeats.

Sporting & 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 today, 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.”

David Gomez has also left the Club following the completion of his coaching contract.

Assistant Head Coach Keith Downing and Goalkeeper Coach Dean Kiely will remain in their current roles.

Garlick added: “Although we have managed to achieve a fifth successive season of Premier League football, it has been a very disappointing campaign and lessons have been learned.

“The search for a new Head Coach has now begun. We aim to find the most suitable candidate who, with the support of the structure we have had in place for six years and are presently strengthening, will enable the Club to be more competitive next season.”