West Brom boss Tony Pulis hails 'wonderful ally' Dave Kemp

Kemp has decided to call time on his stay at The Hawthorns following over a decade working alongside Pulis is a number of previous roles.

And the head coach has expressed his disappointment at losing his assistant, labelling him as a 'wonderful ally'.

“I was desperately disappointed that Dave said he was leaving but I understand his decision." Said Pulis, via the West Brom website.

“Obviously, his family home has been in Sacramento, California and travelling back and forth three or four times a year with just the summers at home has been hard for him.

“He has been a wonderful ally. We’ve worked with each other a long time and have great memories and had great moments.

"We’ve achieved things as a pair, not just me - Dave Kemp should take equal credit.

“I wish him all the best. We’ll probably speak twice a week and have been in touch with each other throughout the summer.

"I was hoping to persuade him to come back but I understood his reasons.

“We could fall out and remain the best of friends and that’s what you need – somebody who is going to be honest and straightforward and say it as he sees it.

“Dave was always very good at that. He was careful about what he said in public and didn’t give much away. But privately, what he said was priceless and I can’t thank him enough.”

Pulis has acted quickly to bring in Gary Megson as Kemp's successor, who's returned to the Black Country having previously guided the club to promotion as boss in a stint between 2000 and 2004.