Another high-level exit at Albion

Albion were today hit by another high-level departure when director Jeff Farmer announced he was leaving the club.

The Baggies' named Roy Hodgson as their new head coach today but will continue without chairman Jeremy Peace's trusted lieutenant, who is standing down from the board of the club's holding company.

The 72-year-old, who has been a director for the last seven years, today insisted his departure was not linked to Sunday's shock sacking of boss Roberto Di Matteo.

Farmer, a former Express & Star journalist, said: "I am standing down from my positions of non-executive director and PR-media consultant with West Bromwich Albion.

"My decision has been taken for personal reasons and my desire to concentrate on other priorities in my life.

"The departure of Roberto Di Matteo as head coach on Sunday has not directly influenced my decision.

"I am disappointed for Robbie, whom I like and respect, but I also understand the decision of the football club board at a time when our season is at a crossroads.

"Anyone who knows me will know I am a born-and-bred Baggie and that I will always be a fervent Albion supporter."

Farmer joined the board of the holding company in 2004 after retiring from his job as head of sport with ITV television, but he was not a member of the football club board that took the decision to sack Di Matteo.

Chairman Jeremy Peace said: "I would like to thank Jeff for his whole-hearted commitment to the club over the past seven years.

"His support and advice have been invaluable."