West Bromwich Albion have parted ways with manager Tony Mowbray following a damaging 3-1 home defeat to struggling Derby County that all but ended their chances of promotion to the Premier League.
The result, Albion’s fifth loss in their last six Championship outings, left the club sitting 10th in the table—six points off the play-off spots with only two games remaining. Hours after the final whistle at The Hawthorns, the club confirmed the departure of Mowbray and assistant head coach Mark Venus.
In an official statement, the club said:
“West Bromwich Albion would like to place on record its thanks to Tony and Mark for their efforts. However, the club has made the decision to part company following a series of poor results.
Tony and Mark will always be welcome at The Hawthorns, and their role in winning the 2007/08 Sky Bet Championship title remains an unforgettable part of our history.”
Mowbray, 61, had only returned to the Albion dugout in January—nearly 16 years after his original stint at the club ended when he left for Celtic in 2009. But his second spell failed to deliver results, with the team’s form unraveling during the business end of the season.
In the interim, club legend James Morrison will take over managerial duties for the final two fixtures.
Speaking after what proved to be his final match in charge, Mowbray acknowledged the impact of recent results on team morale.
“I’m disappointed for the fans and the players. I’ve spoken to the squad about what I believe is missing,” he said. “They need to come together in the dressing room, sort it out, and make sure they give everything in the last two games.
We lacked a bit of bravery today, and the goals we conceded just weren’t like us.”
West Brom now face a summer of soul-searching and transition as they regroup for another push at promotion next season.