West Brom axe Eric Ramsay with Sheffield United and Hull City clashes on horizon
West Bromwich Albion have axed Eric Ramsay as their head coach ahead of upcoming clashes with Sheffield United and Hull City.
The 34-year-old only took the reins last month, picking up the baton following the end of Ryan Mason’s unsuccessful tenure.
He made the move to the Midlands from Minnesota United, with whom he had made great strides in the MLS.
Despite arriving with a strong reputation in coaching circles, Ramsay was unable to breathe life into the Baggies.
Sacking decision made
With the club hovering precariously above the Championship relegation zone and winless across Ramsay’s nine games at the helm, the axe has been wielded.
A club statement read: “West Bromwich Albion have parted company with men’s first-team head coach Eric Ramsay.
“Assistant head coach Dennis Lawrence has also departed The Hawthorns. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Eric and Dennis and wishes them well for the future.
“First-team coach James Morrison will oversee first-team affairs on an interim basis.”
Clashes with Yorkshire clubs
Sheffield United and Hull will both have an eye on developments at The Hawthorns. West Brom will visit the Blades on March 7 before hosting Hull a week later on March 14.
It remains to be seen whether the Baggies will have a new head coach in post or whether former Middlesbrough midfielder Morrison will be in the dugout as interim boss.
Championship relegation battle
When West Brom appointed Mason last summer, the hope was that a promotion push could be mounted.
The club instead plummeted down the divison, starting a descent that continued under Ramsay.
Relegation looks to be a genuine possibility for the Baggies, who have only Leicester City, Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday below them in the table.
Wednesday have already had their relegation to League One confirmed, meaning there are two relegation spots to avoid slipping into.