Sam Allardyce to step down as West Brom head coach

Sam Allardyce has confirmed that he is to leave West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season, following the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Allardyce took over at the Hawthorns in mid-December but was unable to save the club from their inevitable relegation back to the second division after just one season in the top flight.

In a statement released on the club’s official website, the former England manager stated that he had turned down an offer to stay at the club:

“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.

Allardyce also thanked his staff and wished the club the best in their hunt for his successor:

“I must thank the players and staff, in particular Luke Dowling and Ken [Xu Ke], for their unwavering commitment to a very difficult challenge during my time at the club. This challenge was made all the more difficult, of course, by the enforced absence of the club’s fantastic supporters, some of whom I am delighted were present for our final home game against West Ham United.

“The club have asked for my opinion on the qualities my successor will require and I have been more than happy to offer my thoughts. The search for my replacement starts after the final game of the season at Leeds United. In the meantime, we will be concentrating fully on the preparation for that game and will do everything we can to finish the season with as many points as possible.”