All over: Di Matteo (left) lost his last game
as West Bromwich boss 3-0 to Roberto Mancini's Manchester
City
West Brom head coach Roberto Di Matteo has been
relieved of his duties following yesterday's 3-0 defeat to
Manchester City.
The result was the Baggies' 13th defeat in 18 games in all
competitions - they have won just one in 10 - and a statement on
the club's website confirmed Di Matteo has been placed on gardening
leave.
First-team coach Michael Appleton will take over on a
caretaker basis while a replacement is sought.
Di Matteo's assistant Eddie Newton and head of sports
science Ade Mafe have left the club as part of the move.
Chairman Jeremy Peace said: 'This has been a tough
decision but we, as a board, believe it is the right one to give
the club the best possible chance of remaining in the Barclays
Premier League.
'Our poor sequence of results stretches back more than
three months and there has been little sign of it coming to an
end.
'If this run continues much longer, achieving our goal of
retaining our Premier League status will become increasingly
difficult. That is why we felt compelled to act now.
'This club's track record proves we do not take such
decisions lightly, with Roberto being only our fourth manager or
head coach in almost 11 years.
'We now begin the search to find a new head coach who will
fit into our existing set-up and work under our sporting and
technical director, Dan Ashworth, with a view to taking the club
forward.'
Albion lost just two of their first nine league games
following their return to the Barclays Premier League in the
summer.
But they have won just three times since, losing five
successive league games prior to a 3-2 win over Blackpool and also
taking just one point from their last three games.
Peace continued: 'On behalf of the board, I would like to
thank Roberto for his efforts over the past 19 months, particularly
for his contribution towards last season's promotion success and
our very promising start to the current campaign. We wish him and
his family well for the future.
'Roberto embraced the structure in which we wanted him to
work and he has been a good colleague.
'However, we are in a results-driven industry and felt we
had no choice but to act now.'
Appleton has served West Brom in a variety of coaching
roles since injury ended his playing days with the club over eight
years ago.
Ashworth said: 'First-team affairs are in the very capable
hands of Michael Appleton. He has gained all the coaching badges
available, including the UEFA Pro Licence, and knows the club
inside out.
It started so well: Peter Odemwingie celebrates
with team-mates after scoring in West Brom's win over
Birmingham
'Most importantly, he has earned the full respect
of the players and everyone else at the football
club.
'I have worked closely with Roberto since June 2009 and I
would like to thank him, Eddie and Ade for all their hard work
during this period and wish them well for the future.'
Appleton has served West Brom in a variety of coaching
roles since injury ended his playing days with the club over eight
years ago.
Ashworth said: 'First-team affairs are in the very capable
hands of Michael Appleton. He has gained all the coaching badges
available, including the UEFA Pro Licence, and knows the club
inside out.
'Most importantly, he has earned the full respect of the
players and everyone else at the football club.
'I have worked closely with Roberto since June 2009 and I
would like to thank him, Eddie and Ade for all their hard work
during this period and wish them well for the future.'