Kevin Phillips delivers verdict on Sam Allardyce decision to quit West Brom
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips has hailed Sam Allardyce’s honesty after he confirmed he’ll be leaving West Brom at the end of the season.
Following Albion’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham at The Hawthorns on Wednesday, Big Sam revealed that he’s decided to activate the break clause in his contract that allows him to end his contract at the Baggies.
Allardyce was hired by Albion in December with the aim of keeping the club in the Premier League after Slaven Bilic got the team off to an awful start back in the top-flight.
West Brom’s relegation was confirmed earlier this month but there were undeniable improvements after Allardyce managed to make his mark on the squad in the winter transfer window.
Phillips is happy that the club can now move on and hunt down a replacement for Big Sam who can be someone who has a long-term vision for the Baggies.
“I’m surprised but not surprised if I’m being honest,” Phillips told West Brom News in reaction to the news.
“It’s great that he’s come out and given his reasons why, he’s given honest reasons and that shows the quality of the man.
“He doesn’t feel the project is right for him, they want someone who’s going to hopefully take it long-term and he just feels he’s not the person for it. He could have quite easily taken the contract and not put his whole heart into it.
“In terms of his honesty, it’s fantastic and at least now the club can move on and start looking for someone else instead of him stringing them along.
“I’m a little bit surprised he hasn’t taken the challenge on but maybe he’s got to that stage of his career where he’s happy doing what he does.
“Maybe he’ll get a call in the summer or maybe he’ll get a call next February as he does. That could suit his lifestyle but I give him credit for his honesty.”
West Brom play Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday in what will be Allardyce’s final match in charge.
Chris Wilder, Frank Lampard and Michael Appleton are among the managers who’ve been linked with succeeding the ex-England manager at The Hawthorns.
In other West Brom news, this 23-year-old could be released by Albion next month with a Championship move on the cards.
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