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Alan Irvine still sore about Albion sacking

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Former boss Alan Irvine admits he is still sore about his West Brom sacking and claims several players have admitted they let him down.

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In his first interview since being axed, the 56-year-old Scot revealed he has since been contacted by several members of the Baggies playing staff.

But Irvine, who was dismissed in December after just six months in charge at the Hawthorns, insists he feels no bitterness toward them.

He said: "I think some of the players feel they let me down, which is something a number of them have said to me, but they didn't mean to let me down.

"They were great to work with and I certainly can't blame the players. I don't have any bitterness towards them."

Albion won just five games during Irvine's time in charge. While the Scot - who was replaced by Tony Pulis - would have liked the chance to turn things round, he understands why the club wielded the axe.

He said: "I'm still really disappointed to have gone. I loved the job, I loved working with the players and the staff.

"I was still really, really enjoying the job, challenging myself and the staff and the players every week, so I'm still sore about it but I understand that is the way football can operate.

"Obviously, I hoped to be given the time to change things around and influence things but I also understand, nowadays, people want instant results.

"One of the disappointing things was I didn't get the opportunity to go in and thank the players and staff in person.

"It was felt - and understandably - that it might be better for me to go into the club and clear my office when everybody was gone, when it was a bit quieter."

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