The Spaniard leaves the Hawthorns after just four months and 17 league games in charge of the Baggies, but the news doesn’t come as a huge surprise.
Despite keeping West Brom in the Premier League, Mel’s position at the club has been the subject of speculation for a number of weeks and it is hardly shocking news to learn that both parties have parted ways by *cough* mutual consent *cough* this afternoon.
West Brom released a statement on Mel’s departure which read: “We would like to thank Pepe for his efforts over the past four months in helping to keep the Club in the Premier League and wish him well for the future.
“Both Pepe and the Club set out with the best intentions of making the appointment work. However, having reflected on events both on and off the field during our talks today, it became apparent that it was in the best interests of both parties for there to be an amicable parting.
“We are grateful for the manner in which the existing coaching staff and players have rallied behind Pepe to get the Club over the line in what has proved an extremely competitive division.”
Goalkeeping coach and former Irish international Dean Kiely will remain at the club alongside assistant head coach Keith Downing while the search begins for a new man at the Hawthorns, although some Baggies fans are no doubt pining for the days when steady Steve Clarke was in charge.
Clarke, of course, guided West Brom to an eighth-placed finish, their highest in Premier League history, before getting the sack in December of last year.
