Kieran holds hands up for sorry season

KIERAN Gibbs claimed West Brom were simply “not good enough” this season and apologised to the club’s fans after relegation was confirmed.

The Baggies’ eight-year spell in the Premier League came to an end after Southampton beat Swansea 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday night.

Albion needed a draw to keep their hopes alive of staying in the top flight, but even that would have been a tall order on the last day of the campaign. They bring the curtain down on the season away to Crystal Palce on Sunday.

Defender Gibbs tweeted on Tuesday evening: “Horrible feeling to be relegated, especially after our recent form as a team! It’s been a wild season on and off the pitch and has been a huge learning curve. Whatever has gone on this season there are no excuses we haven’t been good enough for the majority of it.

“For that we are sorry to the fans who have been quite unbelievable considering the circumstances. Thank you for your amazing support this season!”

Relegation came on the same day interim boss Darren Moore was named Premier League Manager of the Month for April.

West Brom’s season started well with two wins from two – at home to Bournemouth and away to Burnley. However, after picking up just four points from a possible 30, Tony Pulis was sacked and replaced temporarily by Gary Megson.

Alan Pardew was named permanent manager but his arrival failed to deliver the improvement needed to guide the side away from danger.

Pardew took charge of 17 league games, but a 2-0 home win against Brighton was all he had to show for his efforts.

Problems off the pitch added to the disappointment on it when a mid-season trip to Barcelona made the headlines for the wrong reasons. Four senior players, including Jonny Evans and Jake Livermore, were forced to apologise after a taxi was stolen from outside a fast-food restaurant.

On April 2, Pardew’s time was up and he was replaced by Moore until the end of the season. Since his appointment, West Brom have taken 11 points from a possible 15 to keep alive hopes of a great escape.