Albion sack chairman

West Bromwich Albion have sacked chairman John Williams as the pressure builds on Alan Pardew, with the club facing a battle to save their Premier League lives. Williams and Martin Goodman, the chief executive, have been dismissed by Chinese owner Guochuan Lai as he takes ruthless action over the club’s poor position. Pardew’s job is safe despite the head coach picking up only one league win since his appointment, though his methods and management are understood to be causing some friction within the squad. Albion flew to Barcelona for a training camp less than 24 hours after Monday’s 3-0 defeat at Chelsea, which leaves them seven points adrift of safety. It is claimed many players are unhappy with the trip.