Paul Jewell quits after a week at West Brom

Boss Tony Pulis' West Brom reign has suffered a surprise early setback with assistant Paul Jewell quitting just a week after arriving at the Hawthorns.

Jewell was only announced as part of Pulis' new-look backroom staff last Tuesday but decided to make a swift exit, after reportedly expressing serious doubts over his role.

His shock departure was confirmed last night in an Albion statement, which also announced the arrival of former QPR and Spurs boss Gerry Francis on to the backroom staff.

The former England captain worked with Pulis during his time in charge at both Stoke City and Crystal Palace.

Francis will now work alongside Pulis and Dave Kemp, who was originally appointed alongside Jewell as assistant head coach.

Pulis, who replaced Alan Irvine in the Hawthorns hot-seat, said: "Gerry and I have worked well together at both Stoke and Crystal Palace and it was always part of my plan for him to join me at Albion.

"I value his insight and experience of the very highest levels of our game and I'm delighted that he is now on board. We have an agreement that we have employed in the past and suits us both."

Francis added: "I've been working with Tony since the Gateshead game and now I'm happy I have finalised a deal.

"I like the set-up. Albion have a good training ground, good facilities – but just as was the case at Stoke and Palace, it's vitally important for the club to retain Premier League status.

"There's going to be a number of teams involved in the situation.

"We've had three decent results, but there's a lot of work to do with the side and Tony is obviously looking to strengthen if he can. But I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Jewell had been headhunted by Pulis for his first position in club football for more than two years.

The 50-year-old,who had previously been manager at Bradford City, Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan Athletic and Ipswich Town, had been working as a pundit on Sky Sports, before agreeing to make the switch to the Hawthorns.

He was in the dugout for Saturday's 1-0 Premier League victory over fellow strugglers Hull, but held talks with Pulis before deciding to leave.

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