LONDON, Sept 18 (Reuters) - Former England captain Bryan Robson
has left West Bromwich Albion as manager by mutual consent, the
second division club said on Monday.
Assistant manager Nigel Pearson will take over while the club
considers its options, it said in a statement.
Chairman Jeremy Peace said the club's results since early 2006 had
prompted the decision, which follows their relegation from the
Premier League at the end of last season.
Robson later issued his own statement, saying: 'I've really enjoyed
the short time I've been at the Albion.
'The fans have been different class and I just hope, with the squad
of players in place, that they get back up to the Premier League,
which I really believe they will do this season.'
Robson, who played for West Brom in the 1970s and early eighties,
became manager in November 2004 and faced a constant battle against
the drop at a Midlands club whose best years of the modern era were
more than 30 years ago.
Held 1-1 at home by Southend United on Saturday, West Brom are
currently ninth in the second division, five points adrift of
leaders Cardiff City after eight games.
Peace told the club's website: 'After much deliberation, and in
view of the results since early 2006, it has been decided that a
change is necessary if the club is to achieve its aims for this
season and beyond.
'This is a very important time for West Bromwich Albion.
'With promotion a priority, the board felt that given the club's
current league position, the best way forward was to agree to make
a change now.'
Robson, 49, had been manager of Middlesbrough from 1994 to 2001,
initially as player/manager, after finishing a highly successful
career as a Manchester United midfielder and captain.
Nicknamed 'Captain Marvel' for his ability to bounce back after a
series of serious injuries, he also played 90 times for England
between 1980 and 1991.
how many times has robson been given the boot?
