Sam Allardyce has disclosed why he is stepping down as manager of Semi Ajayi’s West Brom at the end of the season following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
Allardyce took over at West Brom in December 2020, along with long-time assistant Sammy Lee when the Baggies were 19th in the table with seven points from 13 matches.
Under Allardyce, they won just four games, including a shocking 5-2 thumping of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which Ajayi featured for the entire duration.
However, that overwhelming victory against an in-form blues side was not enough to keep them in the Premier League for another season.
Following a disappointing campaign in top-flight, West Brom and Allardyce released separate statements on the club’s website explaining his pending departure following Wednesday night’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham United.
With one Premier League game left this season, away to Leeds United, Allardyce and his technical crew will all leave The Hawthorns barely five months at the dugout.
The 66-year-old explained that he believes the club need a younger and more ambitious manager longer term.
“West Bromwich Albion made me a generous offer to stay at The Hawthorns that shows the commitment of an ambitious club. After serious consideration I have decided not to accept that offer.
“If I were to stay and achieve promotion next season the expectation would be for me to continue for at least another season and, sadly, that is not a commitment I feel able to make at this stage of my career.
“I believe the club now needs stability and continuity and this would, in my opinion, best be provided by a young and ambitious manager who can get us back to where we should be as an established Premier League football club.
“I must thank the players and staff, in particular Luke Dowling and Ken (chief executive Xu Ke), for their unwavering commitment to a very difficult challenge during my time at the club.”
