Pepe Mel was fired by West Bromwich Albion on Monday, a day after securing the team’s status in the English Premier League.
The Spanish coach was hired in January on an 18-month deal as a replacement for the sacked Steve Clarke, winning three of his 17 league matches in charge.
Mel said last week he would be “extremely happy” to stay on at West Brom for next season, but the club announced his departure after holding talks on Monday.
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
“Both Pepe and the club set out with the best intentions of making the appointment work,” said Richard Garlick, West Brom’s sporting and technical director. “However, having reflected on events both on and off the field during our talks today, it became apparent that it was in the best interests of both parties for there to be an amicable parting.”
West Brom finished the season three points above the relegation zone.
“Although we have managed to achieve a fifth successive season of Premier League football, it has been a very disappointing campaign and lessons have been learned,” Garlick said. “We aim to find the most suitable candidate who, with the support of the structure we have had in place for six years and are presently strengthening, will enable the club to be more competitive next season.”
Mel led Real Betis into this season’s Europa League but was fired by the Spanish club on December 2, a month before taking over at West Brom.
