Kevin Phillips: No surprise that Valerien Ismael sacked by West Brom this week
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 insisted that it was no surprise to see West Brom sack, Valerien Ismael, this week at The Hawthorns.
The ex-Baggies goal machine admitted that the form in the Championship has been nowhere near good enough.
The Albion have made the decision after the clear message of getting the club promoted playing good football was not getting through.
“No surprise,” he exclusively told West Brom News.
“I always say in football, I’ve seen everything, experienced everything. I’m not surprised about anything in football.
“Ultimately, the message to Ismael was straightforward, get us promoted in a style that everyone can enjoy watching.
“Unfortunately, it became difficult to watch, and the slump they had and where they find themselves now, to be where they are now is a problem and unacceptable for West Brom with the players they’ve got.”
No surprise.
It was time for the club to make the decision.
Having said that, it likely should have happened after the defeat against Preston, but instead, Ismael was given one more chance.
The Frenchman went to Millwall in charge and was embarrassed in the second half, regardless of injury problems.
A big change is needed at The Hawthorns, and it looks as though it will be Steve Bruce who is given that task for the rest of the season [David Ornstein].
In other West Brom news, Steve Madeley has revealed details of a training ground row between Ismael and this Baggies star