Sam Allardyce has resigned as West Bromwich Albion manager and will depart the club at end of season.
Allardyce joined the Baggies in mid-December as the team unsuccessfully battled to avoid relegation, which was confirmed earlier this month with defeat at Arsenal.
Relegation also saw Allardyce lose his 100% survival record in the top flight as a manager, which has led him to decide to step down after Sunday’s trip to Leeds United on the final day of this season.
Allardyce however iterated that the club had made “a generous offer” to retain his services for next season, although he declined the chance in fear that he would be expected to stay at the club for two further seasons if they won promotion next year.
The 66 year-old also noted that “stability and continuity” is required at West Brom and admitted that he feels that “… this would, in my opinion, best be provided by a young and ambitious manager who can get us back to [the top flight].”
Allardyce also paid tribute to the “unwavering commitment” of all players and club staff throughout the last six months, even without the attendance of fans who were able to return for their 3-1 loss to West Ham in their final home game of this season.
West Brom has asked Allardyce to assist in their search for his successor in terms of required qualities, which the ex Sunderland boss has happily agreed to do in an advisory role with the search for his replacement set to commence next week.
It has also been confirmed that Assistant Manager, Sammy Lee and First Team Coach, Robbie Stockdale will also depart at end of this season, with the club wishing the trio well for their future ventures.
West Brom Sporting and Technical Director, Luke Dowling has publicly thanked Allardyce, Lee and Stockdale for their efforts in trying to secure survival despite eventually failing in their attempts amidst improvements on the pitch.
Explaining what he noticed in the squad’s progress under Allardyce, Dowling said; “In the second half of the season we played with passion and desire, delivering some memorable results with organised, entertaining football.”
On Allardyce’s decision to step down in fear of being expected to manage the club beyond next season if they instantly bounced back up with promotion, Dowling confirmed that the club respects his decision.
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