Robson leaves West Brom : Express & Star

Bryan Robson has left his position as manager of West Bromwich Albion after 22 months in charge.

The former England and Manchester United player departed “by mutual consent”, according to a club statement.

In a statement, Robson said: “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.

“I do think there’s a really good squad at the club and that it’s only a matter of time before they get it right, climb the table and win promotion.

“As far as I’m concerned, the matter is now closed.”

The club statement said the board thanked Robson for his efforts, which culminated in Saturday’s home draw with Southend United.

Having been expected to bounce back from relegation from the Premiership, West Brom are currently ninth in the Championship.

Chairman Jeremy Peace said: “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.”

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Your comments:

“Sorry Robbo, great player but an atrocious record as a manager - 18 wins in 81 matches and only two away wins. Not good, is it ? Let’s go all out for Alan Curbishley before he is snapped up by other teams not as good as the Baggies. We have a good squad to inherit but they need to get some fire in their bellies to add to the skill factor.” Les Siviter, Amblecote

“The timing is right. He never seemed to have the ability to motivate the players which showed in recent performances. We never looked like giving somebody a good hiding. It was always going to be a win by the odd goal. I think the players need to look at themselves and ask did we do enough for Bryan? I don’t think they did. We heard a lot of players were seeking moves away from the Hawthorns, wanting to play for Premiership clubs. Yet they can’t hack it in the Championship - they think they are better than they are. I wish Bryan all the best but we need to get back to the Premiership. Under Bryan we was never going to achieve that. Alan Curbishley would be good - but can we attract a good manager like him?” Matthew Budworth, West Bromwich

“It’s sad he’s gone but I feel his time was up. Too many players have been allowed to go for the wrong reasons. Earnshaw - not the right sort of player - now the division’s leading scorer. Kanu - scoring goals for Portsmouth - and Inamoto to name but three.” Bob Ellis, Redditch

“Tough for Robbo but let’s face it, he stands on the touchline in a manner as if he is attending a funeral. We can’t let it be West Brom’s funeral, can we? Get someone with some go in him and get these players working. On paper, they can be top of the league.” Steve Marsh, Rowley Regis

“After being a season ticket holder for 27 years, I don’t think I had ever been as apoplectic as an Albion fan as I had been over the last six weeks. In my opinion he should have gone after the Newcastle away game where we played Campbell up front on his own in a must win game. Stats don’t lie and they make grim reading for Robson’s managerial record here. Two away wins in 22 months. After being the eighth highest spenders in the Premiership last season, we finished with five points less than previous season in arguably a worse division. He decided not to play then eventually sell Earnshaw, who during the 2004/5 season was the third highest goalscorer in the Prem for goals to minutes played (behind Van Nistelrooy & Henry). Of his signings, only one can be classed as successful (Davies). This season - only one away goal (in the first two minutes of our first game) which means we have gone about 360 minutes without scoring an away league goal. Well done Chairman for having the bottle to do something before it’s too late. Now do the right thing and get Curbishley in.” Alistair Jones, Sedgley

The Express & Star will have all the coverage you need on Robson’s shock departure. We look at the manager’s record and consider the options for the Baggies.

Today’s edition also has photos from all games, player ratings and manager reaction for each of our teams, as well as our writers’ views of each performance - all for 35p.

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