Alan Pardew is facing a crucial match against Watford on Saturday as he clings to his job at West Bromwich Albion by his fingernails.

West Brom are considering the future of Pardew after a dreadful run of results. Defeat at Vicarage Road is likely to end his turbulent reign after just 13 weeks.

Pardew has earned a stay of execution after Saturday’s defeat by Huddersfield but his position as head coach is precarious, with an absence of credible options to replace the 56-year-old.

He has managed only one Premier League victory from 14 games since his appointment in November and Albion remain bottom, seven points adrift of safety.

West Brom have been determined to avoid any more upheaval after the recent dismissals of chairman John Williams and chief executive Martin Goodman, and still have 10 games left to retain their top-flight status.

Yet there is deep concern over the club’s position and Pardew’s lack of impact, both in the Hawthorns boardroom and in China, where owner Guochuan Lai resides, and another change is emerging as a genuine possibility.