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Football

Alan Irvine: West Brom sack manager after Stroke defeat.

The 56 years old Scot was appointed boss in June following the exit of Pepe Mel and was on a 12-months rolling contract.Albion are 16th in the Premier League, a point above the relegation zone following Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Stoke, their seventh loss in nine games.

Irvine, who won just four of his 19 league games in charge, has been placed on gardening leave.

West Brom travel to West Ham on New Year's Day with Rob Kelly, assisted by fellow assistant head coach Keith Downing, in caretaker charge.

The Midlands club say they expect to be able to name Irvine's successor by the weekend.

Among those linked with the job is former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood, 45, who was interviewed for the role in June after his departure from White Hart Lane but the move broke down after he asked to bring in his own coaching staff.

Also available is former Stoke and Crystal Palace boss Tony Puliswho is also being lined up as a possible replacement at Newcastle if Alan Pardew's switch to Crystal Palace goes through.

Albion's technical director, Terry Burton, said: "We appointed Alan in the summer convinced that we had taken on one of the foremost coaches in the UK and nothing that has happened since then has altered our view.

"But sadly that simply has not translated into results and they remain the ultimate currency of Alan's position. Securing a sixth season in the Premier League is the over-riding target and sometimes unpleasant decisions have to be taken to serve that imperative.

"Alan has impressed everyone with his manner, dedication and diligence but he knows that results have simply not been good enough."