Irvine leaves West Brom only one point above the relegation zone

Alan Irvine has been sacked as West Brom manager after seven months in charge at The Hawthorns.

The 56-year-old Scot was appointed boss in June following the exit of Pepe Mel and was on a 12-month rolling contract.

Albion are 16th in the Premier League, a point above the relegation zone following Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Stoke, their seventh loss in nine games.

Irvine, who won just four of his 19 league games in charge, has been placed on gardening leave.

Alan Irvine's final interview as West Brom boss

West Brom travel to West Ham on New Year's Day with Rob Kelly, assisted by fellow assistant head coach Keith Downing, in caretaker charge.

The Midlands club say they expect to be able to name Irvine's successor by the weekend.

Among those linked with the job is former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood, 45, who was interviewed for the role in June after his departure from White Hart Lane but the move broke down after he asked to bring in his own coaching staff.

Also available is former Stoke and Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis who is also being lined up as a possible replacement at Newcastle if Alan Pardew's switch to Crystal Palace goes through.

Albion's technical director, Terry Burton, said: "We appointed Alan in the summer convinced that we had taken on one of the foremost coaches in the UK and nothing that has happened since then has altered our view.

"But sadly that simply has not translated into results and they remain the ultimate currency of Alan's position. Securing a sixth season in the Premier League is the over-riding target and sometimes unpleasant decisions have to be taken to serve that imperative.

"Alan has impressed everyone with his manner, dedication and diligence but he knows that results have simply not been good enough."

Analysis - BBC Radio 5 live's Pat Murphy

"It's very important that chairman Jeremy Peace has a plan B. The thought of being relegated is unthinkable to him after seeing the club prosper in recent seasons. The threat of relegation is uppermost in his mind.

"It remains to be seen who will replace Alan Irvine but I'm hearing Tim Sherwood is very much in the frame. The model of an overseas-style head coach being responsible to a technical director will stay, which would rule out the likes of Tony Pulis."

Irvine was subjected to chants of "you're getting sacked in the ­morning" and loud boos from his own fans during the loss at Stoke but said he could still mount a revival.

However, after his side's 3-1 defeat at home by Manchester City on Boxing Day, Irvine admitted he was not sure if he would remain in charge.

West Brom are looking for their fourth head coach in just over a year, following the previous sackings of Steve Clarke and Mel.