Sheffield United's Championship rivals West Brom sack ex-Hull City and Doncaster Rovers man Ryan Mason
West Bromwich Albion have axed former Hull City midfielder Ryan Mason just 10 days before their meeting with Middlesbrough.
The 34-year-old only took the reins at The Hawthorns in the summer, leaving a backroom role at Tottenham Hotspur to lead the Baggies.
He was expected to oversee a promotion tilt but along with the likes of Sheffield United and Southampton, West Brom have underperformed.
A 2-1 defeat to Leicester City last night (January 5) led the club languishing in 18th and has prompted the board to make a change.
His assistant, ex-Leeds United coach Nigel Gibbs, has also been moved on, as has first-team coach and head of performance Sam Pooley. Club stalwart James Morrison has been installed as caretaker boss.
West Brom confirm Ryan Mason sacking
A club statement read: “West Bromwich Albion have today parted company with men’s first-team head coach Ryan Mason.
“Assistant head coach Nigel Gibbs and first-team coach/head of performance Sam Pooley have also departed The Hawthorns.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Ryan, Nigel and Sam for their efforts and wishes all three the very best for the future.
“First-team coach James Morrison will oversee first-team affairs on an interim basis until a new staff is appointed. The process of recruiting a new men’s first-team head coach and staff is underway.”
It remains to be seen whether Middlesbrough will have a new figure at the helm for their clash with Middlesbrough on January 16.
Ryan Mason’s Yorkshire history
A midfielder in his playing days, Mason represented Doncaster Rovers and Hull before a severe head injury suffered while playing for the latter brought his career to an abrupt halt.
He racked up 20 appearances for Doncaster and a further 20 in the colours of Hull.