West Bromwich Albion are a club in deep turmoil. Seven points from safety, a manager facing one game to save his job, with two board members already sacked, and a group of players fraying at the edges, the Championship is beckoning.
Chris Brunt was so angered by the latest defeat at home to Huddersfield he delivered dressing downs in the dressing room. The Northern Irishman, whose testimonial should be this summer, questioned Alan Pardew’s tactics and demanded better application from teammates.
Only a miraculous turnaround will see West Brom avoid sinking to the second tier for the first time since 2010 and yet back in August there were hopes for a best ever Premier League finish. Sportsmail reviews how such ambitions have dramatically unravelled.
West Brom are in deep turmoil and currently lie seven points from Premier League safety
Would West Brom be in this position with Tony Pulis in charge?
Who knows. But it cannot now be argued that the Welshman’s time in charge was curtailed prematurely. For a long time results papered over the cracks in the difficult relationship Pulis had with the club’s fans but when the losses started to mount the atmosphere became toxic.
The overall job Pulis did in stabilising West Brom should not be underestimated, and last season’s tenth place finish was testament to a well-organised team knowing their principles. But a run of two points from the final nine games to finish that campaign compounded matters when West Brom’s form disintegrated this season from a start of two straight victories to a 10-game winless run. Pulis seemed to be asking for the bullet by the end.
Tony Pulis stabilised West Brom and last season’s tenth place finish was testament to his team
But West Brom were not cut adrift like they are now?
Correct, and clearly Pardew’s appointment has not worked. West Brom were one point above the relegation zone when Pulis was sacked and two points clear when Pardew arrived after two draws under Gary Megson. Picking him might have seen a cosy call backed by technical director Nick Hammond – the pair having worked together at Reading – but Pardew did bring a much-needed fresh approach and initial signs were encouraging.
His tenure has never got off the ground though, with one Premier League win in 14 games a desperate return. His points per game ratio stands at 0.57 and West Brom’s manager switch is the only one in the Premier League this season that has failed to see a statistical bounce. The club’s hierarchy knew a dip might come but expected to get the customary Pardew impact first, at least.
Alan Pardew’s tenure never got off the ground, with just one Premier League win in 14 games
Is that why chairman John Williams and chief executive Martin Goodman were dismissed?
Effectively, yes. Owner Guochuan Lai has been angered that Pulis, seen as a sure bet in China, was replaced and circumstances deteriorated. Sacking the board is something that fans usually only ever sing about, rather than witness, but Lai felt compelled to illustrate his feelings, while also forlornly hoping such drastic action up above might filter to some effect on the pitch. It hasn’t.
Club owner Guochuan Lai, right, terminated the contract of chairman John Williams
That came in the week Pardew took the players to Barcelona – how did that go…?
Exemplary of course, if you discount the infamous Cab Four episode. Pardew has been required to deal with remarkable off-field circumstances in his short reign – Jake Livermore going into the crowd at West Ham, Jay Rodriguez being accused of racism, a charge he strenuously denies and will fight to the finish – but this was something he could have avoided.
True, you should be able to trust Jonny Evans, Gareth Barry, Boaz Myhill and Livermore not to be subject to allegations of stealing a taxi while at McDonalds at 5.30am, and the players apologised for breaking curfew.
But there were reservations before flying, due to an FA Cup tie against Southampton that Saturday. The trip had been pencilled in before West Brom won at Liverpool and pushing ahead left only two full-days abroad and two training sessions. Pardew always saw the social element as of greater importance – galvanising spirit for a final surge to survival – but the awkward timing bred disgruntlement.
West Brom then lost to Southampton for a second time in as many weeks, and it is understood Brunt voiced his displeasure at that result too.
Circled (L-R): Jake Livermore, Gareth Barry, Jonny Evans and Boaz Myhill were accused of stealing a taxi
Underneath it all, surely West Brom have a better squad than three teams above them though?
It seemed that way after summer recruitment that saw Barry, Rodriguez, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Kieran Gibbs, and Oliver Burke join in a transfer strategy geared towards keeping West Brom well above relegation danger.
But the outlay meant West Brom had little room for manoeuvre in January due to Financial Fair Play regulations. The audacious capture of Daniel Sturridge on loan was the only major move but the former England striker has managed just 78 minutes on the pitch.
Though Krychowiak has shown his class in moments, more was expected for £100,000 per week in wages and while Burke is a highly talented young player, West Brom are not a club that can accommodate expensive projects. For £15million they needed instant impact.
With Pulis, Williams, and Jenkins gone, the spotlight on this aspect of the club’s failures this season will inevitably now fall on Hammond.
Grzegorz Krychowiak has shown moments of class but more was expected from the loanee
Could Pardew have done more with selections?
His remit to improve results while upgrading performances was too great, in hindsight. This was a team shaped in Pulis’s image and Pardew has not been able to impose his personality or divergent tactical style.
There is one school of thought that players so attuned to Pulis’s rigorous approach let out a collective sigh upon his dismissal and then failed to properly apply themselves afterwards. It is hard to imagine the events of Barcelona happening on Pulis’s watch, it must be said.
The continued absences through injury of Nacer Chadli and James Morrison, two key creative influences, have hurt but a reluctance to play young midfielder Sam Field, who shone under Megson, and the decision to drop Rodriguez for the crucial Premier League home game against Southampton did prompt questions of Pardew. Rodriguez had scored five goals in seven matches beforehand.
This team was shaped by Tony Pulis and Pardew has not been able to impose his personality
That Southampton game, where Cyrille Regis was remembered beautifully, was the latest where West Brom allowed a lead to crumble. It has been this season’s achilles heel.
West Brom failed to win after scoring first against Stoke, Leicester, Tottenham, West Ham, and Everton. They scored the first two at home to Watford and Newcastle and still only drew. All in, 18 points have gone from leading positions. The club’s Premier League status is likely to soon follow.