Doomed Baggies opt to axe manager Pardew
WEST BROMWICH ALBION plan a broad search before appointing a new manager after yesterday bringing an end to Alan Pardew’s tortuous four-month reign. The board held discussions with Pardew following Saturday’s loss to Burnley, an eighth in succession in the Premier League, and a parting was agreed. As revealed by Sportsmail, Pardew had an end-of-season break clause in his contract and it is understood a financial settlement has been reached to see a termination now. Assistant John Carver — who had a verbal altercation with a fan during Saturday’s game — has also left, with firstteam coach and former player Darren Moore placed in temporary charge for the remaining six games. West Brom are 10 points from safety after Pardew managed just eight points from 18 matches, with only one victory, and planning has already begun for the Championship. Chief executive Mark Jenkins used Saturday’s programme notes to insist major changes to the structure of the club will be undertaken in the summer. A massive overhaul of underperforming players is also expected. West Brom looked at replacing Pardew earlier this season, particularly before and after defeat to Huddersfield, but decided no suitable candidates were available. Marco Silva opted against an approach while a number of names put into the club were outlandish, including Sven Goran Eriksson. It is understood West Brom will take time over an appointment, holding talks with candidates before making a decision ahead of pre-season. There is no current threat to technical director Nick Hammond, who was influential in appointing Pardew. DROGHEDA United’s Luke Rossiter has accepted he was ‘stupid and immature’ to post a tweet in the aftermath of the recent Belfast rape trial. In a statement last night, Rossiter said he was ‘deeply sorry’ for his comment and has pledged to donate ‘any wages’ from Drogheda for the rest of the season to the Rape Crisis North East centre. ‘I have hurt and let my family, club, manager, team-mates and the Drogheda fans down and I’m sure many more,’ said Rossiter. The Co Louth club have stressed that ‘an internal investigation is still ongoing.’