Shockingly bad decision by West Brom who have sacked Steve Clarke after the team’s 1-0 defeat at Cardiff. The loss, which was their fourth in a row in the Premier League, left the Baggies two points off the relegation places.
“We have reluctantly come to the decision to relieve Steve of his duties after very careful consideration,” West Brom technical director Richard Garlick said.
“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.”
West Brom have won only seven of their 34 Premier League games during the calendar year although they did finish eighth last season, their best performance in the top flight.
“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,” added Garlick.
“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.”
A big reason for West Brom’s struggles this season is their lack of goals. Last season Wet Brom were able to get Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku on loan, and Lukaku’s 17 goals was a big reason why West Brom finished eight. This season Lukaku is at Everton, and West Brom were unable to replace those goals this summer. Was that Clarke’s fault or the fault of director of football Richard Garlick? My money is on Garlick
In addition to not getting Lukaku back on loan, Garlick sold striker Peter Odemwingie to Hull and replaced him with the overpaid Nicolas Anelka. Those decisions today cost Steve Clark his job.
Clarke becomes the fourth Premier League manager to lose his job this season, and its not even Christmas. Paolo Di Canio was the first to go at Sunderland followed by Ian Holloway at Crystal Palace and Martin Jol at Fulham.
