MX23RW : Friday, December 20 01:24:45| >> :600:213950:213950:

Axed West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis claims 'expectations rose'

Tony Pulis:
© SilverHub
Tony Pulis accepts that 'expectations had risen' at West Bromwich Albion, which led to his sacking.

Tony Pulis has released a statement after being sacked by West Bromwich Albion on Monday morning.

The 59-year-old was given his marching orders two days after the club were beaten 4-0 by Chelsea at The Hawthorns.

Pulis, who was hired by the Baggies in 2015, had overseen just two wins in his last 21 games in charge, and as a result of picking up just 10 points from 12 games, the club sit one point from the relegation zone.

The former Crystal Palace boss has spoken for the first time since the dismissal, saying in a statement via the League Managers' Association: "Over the last three seasons we have achieved a great deal and I am proud to have managed West Bromwich Albion.

"I would like to thank the two owners, Jeremy Peace and Mr Lai, the Board and fans for their support during my time at West Brom. Jeremy Peace and Mr Lai have played an important role in the off-field success and given the team a platform to build from. My remit was to develop the squad and ensure we delivered results which would in turn improve the club's financial position. We have achieved this year on year and I am pleased to have played a part in the club's growth.

"Our final league position in the last three seasons has represented the accomplishment of our targets as a club; sustaining our status in the Premier League and delivering stability, throughout the club's transition of ownership. We enjoyed a fantastic season last year, finishing 10th in the Premier League for only the third occasion in Albion's history and finished as the top midlands team for only the second time since 1967-68.

"I strongly believe that this group of players can return to this level of performance and finish in the upper reaches of the Premier League. This season, expectations have risen and although we are disappointed with some of our results, one thing I would never question is this group's work ethic and application. The players and backroom staff are extremely hard working professionals and I would like to thank them for their efforts and wish them the very best in the future."

Gary Megson has been placed in temporary charge for the time being.

ID:312329: cacheID:312329:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3506:
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Restore Data
Share this article now:
A general view of the stadium before the Barclays Premier league match West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers at The Hawthorns on April 4, 2015
Read Next:
Megson to take temporary charge of Baggies
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Broncos
@
Chargers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd21145230111945
2Leeds UnitedLeeds21126337152242
3Burnley2111822681841
4Sunderland21117332171540
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn2011452517837
6Middlesbrough21104735251034
7Watford2010462926334
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2171132416832
9Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds218582630-429
10Swansea CitySwansea217682322127
11Bristol City216962626027
12Norwich CityNorwich216873632426
13Millwall206772018225
14Derby CountyDerby216692626024
15Coventry CityCoventry216692730-324
16Preston North EndPreston2141162127-623
17Stoke CityStoke215792328-522
18Queens Park RangersQPR2141072127-622
19Luton TownLuton2164112337-1422
20Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2046102133-1218
21Cardiff CityCardiff2046101932-1318
22Portsmouth193882134-1317
23Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2045111942-2317
24Hull City2137111930-1116


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!