West Bromwich Albion shocked many football fans on Saturday night, sacking manager Darren Moore despite sitting 4th in the Championship table.

His former side now sit nine points off automatic promotion, and they may start having to look over their shoulder at the chasing pack.

The decision to part ways with Moore came after Saturday’s draw against bottom club Ipswich, leaving Albion without a home victory in 2019.

In just under a year at the club, Moore had worked wonders at the club on many occasions, but just how did he end up being the 35th sacking in English football this season?

Caretaker conundrum

It’s fair to say the 2017/18 season was a disaster for the Baggies, on and off the pitch.

Tony Pulis got the sack early in the season before Alan Pardew put the nails in the coffin for what sealed certain relegation – ending Albion’s eight year stay in the top flight.

Moore, who was part of Pardew’s backroom staff, took charge with the club 10 points from safety at the bottom of the Premier League.

Nevertheless, despite the expected relegation, the caretaker boss managed a heroic string of results to keep West Brom fighting – including victories against Tottenham and Manchester United.

In a positive end to the season, Moore was given the job on a permanent basis and entrusted in guiding the club to promotion from the Championship at the first attempt.

Bolton blunder to winning wonder

Ahead of the new Championship season, Moore’s side were many people’s favourites to make it back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

However, they got off to a tricky start at home to Bolton – a team firmly expected to be in a relegation scrap.

Albion recovered well, winning seven of their opening dozen games, leaving them in the automatic promotion frame from early on in the season.

Defensive frailties?

The Baggies’ squad undoubtedly included an abundance of talent for this level of football and it shows. Forwards Dwight Gayle and Jay Rodriguez have scored 33 goals between them in the league this season, accounting for nearly half of the team’s goals to make them the second highest scorers in the division.

The fire power makes West Brom one of the most feared sides in the league, though throughout the season they have been found out at the back.

Out of the top eight, Darren Moore’s side have the worst defensive record, conceding 48 in their 36 league games thus far – Stoke in 16th place can also boast a better record.

No Moore momentum?

In 2019, the promotion race has become more fierce, while the Midlands side haven’t been able to grasp any opportunities to make up ground.

The last few weeks have been tough and defeats to rivals in the table, including Sheffield United and Leeds, mean they have gone further afield from the top two.

In a statement which shocked many fans, and was disheartening for some, Moore was relieved of his duties in a vital period of the season.

In the hope of getting an appointment sorted sooner rather than later, former Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic looks to be the early favourite for the role.

Jokanavic, who has twice been promoted from the Championship, knows just what it takes and West Brom need an experienced appointment if they are going to stand by their ruthless decision.