Mackay linked to West Brom as Mel manages just four months
WEST Brom have begun the search for a new manager just four months after hiring their last boss following their decision to part company with Pepe Mel yesterday.
The Spaniard steered the Baggies to Premier League safety, but only by a margin of three points and after a tepid reign in which he won just three of 17 matches.
Mel signed an 18-month contract in January but the deal is understood to have contained a clause allowing either party to break this summer if they wished.
The 51-year-old is tipped for a quick return to employment in his homeland with Malaga, who are expected to replace Bernd Schuster after this weekend’s final games.
West Brom, meanwhile, were last night being linked with Malky Mackay and Chris Hughton, who were sacked by Cardiff and Norwich respectively before their teams’ slide into relegation.
“Both Pepe and the club set out with the best intentions of making the appointment work,” said West Brom sporting and technical director Richard Garlick.
“However, having reflected on events both on and off the field during our talks, it became apparent that it was in the best interests of both parties for there to be an amicable parting. We are grateful for the manner in which the existing coaching staff and players have rallied behind Pepe to get the club over the line in what has proved an extremely competitive division.”