Hawthorn Heights

Tony Pulis Sacked by West Bromwich Albion


West Bromwich Albion have today announced that they have parted company with manager Tony Pulis as the club prepare for the 2015/16 season. Former Stoke City manager Pulis led the Baggies to a 13th position finish last season, but the club have decided to look at other options. The decision comes as a surprise to fans, although many hope that a more attack minded manager will be put in place to lead the club this season.

Staff follow Pulis out the door


After the shock departure of Tony Pulis, four more of the club's back room staff have departed. Director of Football Richard Garlick, Head of Youth Development Mark Harrison, Assistant Manager David Kemp, and goalkeeper coach Jonathan Gould have all left.

With rumours of a new manager being appointed in a few days growing, the departures are not a shock as the club will look to restructure after Pulis' departure. Former player Will Schoolar has been linked with the role, amongst other leading candidates such as Sean Dyche and Lee Clark.

Former player Will Schoolar announced as manager


Former midfielder Will Schoolar has been appointed as the new manager of West Bromwich Albion. Schoolar, who spent his formative years in the club's academy, left in 2009 before rejoining four years later for another season.

Injury during an international call up ended Schoolar's career, with the midfield maestro not completing a full England cap. The player's previous roles have been on the coaching staff at Coventry City, and has jumped at the chance to make the step up.

Schoolar is known for his attacking football and use of wide players, with fans delighted that this new philosphy will replace Pulis' defensive style.

Liam Brady joins WBA Staff


With the appointment of Will Schoolar, West Bromwich Albion have added five new staff members to the backroom team. Liam Brady has arrived as Head of Youth Development, whilst Michael Lindemann will be Schoolar's new assistant manager.

Ray Clarke arrives as Director of Football, replacing Richard Garlick, with Kevin Hitchcock and Stewart Houston signing as goalkeeper coach and scout respectively.

The new appointments have been met with positive reactions from fans who are pleased to see change at the club.

Gareth McAuley amongst players told to find new club


With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, Northern Ireland international Gareth McAuley has been told to find a new club. This move comes as a surprise to many fans, with McAuley a firm favourite at the Hawthorns.

However, with his increasing years, fans have also noted that they are excited to see who will replace the commanding centre back.

Stephane Sessegnon and Victor Anichebe have also been told to find new clubs, whilst Jonathan Leko and Tyler Roberts have been promoted to the first team squad.

West Bromwich Albion 5 - 1 West Bromwich Albion U21


West Bromwich Albion began their preseason preparation with a comfortable 5-1 win over their Under 21 squad. Alex Pritchard opened the scoring after six minutes, before Stephane Sessegnon equalised a minute later for the U21 side.

Jonathan Leko and Jonny Evans scored before half time to give the Baggies a 3-1 lead, before wholesale changes were made at the break.

Salomon Rondon and Rickie Lambert completed the scoring, with Schoolar having a good look at the players at his disposal.

Team: Myhill; Dawson, Chester, Evans, Brunt; Yacob, Fletcher, Pritchard, McClean; Roberts, Leko

Subs: Gamboa, Morrison, Lambert, Pocognoli, McManaman, Berahino, Olsson, Rondon

Anichebe heads for exit door


Victor Anichebe has completed his loan move to Hull City this afternoon, with the Championship side looking to test the water before a permanent deal for the player.

Gareth McAuley has also left the club, with a temporary move to Queens Park Rangers. Stephane Sessegnon completes the trio of departures as he heads for Galatasaray on loan.

West Bromwich Albion have also confirmed the loan signing of Christian Walton from Brighton & Hove Albion. Walton will be backup to Boaz Myhill until Ben Foster recovers from his injury.

Brad Jones signs until the end of the season


Just days after signing Christian Walton from Brighton on loan, West Bromwich Albion have secured the free transfer signing of Brad Jones. The Australian shot stopper will provide competition for Myhill, and gives West Brom three options in goal during Ben Foster's absence.

In other news, West Brom have made a loan approach for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani and Chelsea forward Loic Remy.

Germany Tour Review


West Bromwich Albion have now completed their four game of Germany. All four opponents were from the lower leagues, but it was a good opportunity for the players and staff to gel and gain fitness.

Chemnitz 1 - 2 West Bromwich Albion
Scorers: Callum McManaman, Saido Berahino

Team: Jones; Gamboa, Dawson, Evans, Brunt; Yacob, Morrison, Pritchard, McManaman; Rondon, Berahino
Subs: Myhill, Chester, Fletcher, McClean, Olsson.

Greuther Furth 1 - 2 West Bromwich Albion
Scorers: James McClean, Salomon Rondon

Team: Myhill; Gamboa, Chester, Evans, Pocognoli; Yacob, Fletcher, McManaman, McClean; Lambert, Berahino
Subs: Jones, Brunt, Rondon, Olsson, Roberts.

Wurzburg 0 - 2 West Bromwich Albion
Scorers: Tyler Roberts, Salomon Rondon

Team: Myhill; Dawson, Chester, Evans, Brunt; Yacob, Morrison, Pritchard, Roberts; Rondon, Leko
Subs: Jones, Berahino, Olsson, McManaman.

Magdeburg 1 - 3 West Bromwich Albion
Scorers: Darren Fletcher (2), Rondon

Team: Myhill; Gamboa, Dawson, Evans, Pocognoli; Yacob, Fletcher, McManaman, McClean; Rondon, Berahino
Subs: Jones, Brunt.

Four games, four wins, and some very interesting performances. Salomon Rondon, Tyler Roberts and Darren Fletcher all impressed on the tour, and West Brom head home for a friendly against Anderlecht before a final friendly away at Bari.

Nicolai Boilesen arrives on loan


Nicolai Boilesen has joined West Bromwich Albion on a season loan from Ajax. Boilesen will compete with Sebastien Pocognoli at left back.

Unfortunately, Daniele Rugani has decided to reject a move to the Hawthorns, instead signing for Tottenham Hotspur for the season.

West Bromwich Albion 2 - 1 RSC Anderlecht


A small crowd gathered for West Bromwich Albion's only home friendly, as the Baggies overcame RSC Anderlecht. The Belgian side, who will compete in the Europa League this season, were second best as the home side gave debuts to Christian Walton and Nicolai Boilesen.

Alex Pritchard opened the scoring after 14 minutes, before Chris Brunt doubled the lead just before half time. Steven Defour scored two minutes before time for the visitors, but the home side were fully in control throughout.

Team: Walton; Gamboa, Dawson, Evans, Boilesen; Yacob, Fletcher, Pritchard, Brunt; Rondon, Berahino
Subs: Jones, Roberts, McClean.

West Bromwich Albion begin loan repayments


West Bromwich Albion have today confirmed they have begun repayments on a £24m loan to the bank. The loan was taken out prior to this season, and is reported to be costing the club £1m a month for the next two years.

The board have commented that the repayments will not affect investment in the footballing side of the club, although many fans are worried that if they cannot remain in the Premier League this season, finances will become a lot stricter.

Darren Fletcher to remain as club captain


Scotland international Darren Fletcher has been confirmed as captain of West Bromwich Albion for the upcoming season. Fletcher was captain last season, and despite the change in regime, he will continue this season.

Chris Brunt remains vice captain. Both players have a wealth of Premier League experience, and Schoolar will be looking to draw on this as he begins his journey at the Hawthorns.

Bari 0 - 3 West Bromwich Albion


West Bromwich Albion completed their pre-season preparations with a comfortable 3-0 win in Italy. Salomon Rondon, Darren Fletcher and Saido Berahino scored the goals in a comfortable finish to a brilliant pre-season for the Baggies.

Christian Gamboa starred at right back, as the Costa Rican looks to stamp his authority on the full back position.

Abdul Razak signs


West Bromwich Albion have completed the free transfer signing of former Manchester City midfielder Abdul Razak.

Razak comes in as part of the first team squad despite only a handful of appearances at the Etihad.

Razak also had periods at West Ham, Charlton and Doncaster Rovers.

Seasonal objectives set


At their annual pre-season press conference, the West Bromwich Albion media team have released the seasonal objectives for the club.

After their thirteenth placed finish last season, fans and the board expect another mid-table finish, whilst the club are expected to reach the fourth and fifth round of the League Cup and FA Cup respectively.

In an earlier tweet, manager Will Schoolar commented that if the players perform the way they have in pre-season, it should be an excellent season for the fans.

Premier League: West Bromwich Albion 4 - 1 Stoke City


West Bromwich Albion made the perfect start to the season with an excellent 4-1 win over Stoke City. Salomon Rondon was the Man of the Match with two goals on his debut.

Alex Pritchard also netted on his first competitive start for the club, with Salomon ROndon completing the rout. Mame Diouf scored the consolation goal for the visitors.

Team: Myhill; Gamboa, Olsson, Evans, Pocognoli; Fletcher, Yacob, Pritchard, Brunt; Rondon, Berahino
Subs: Chester.

Other Results

Everton 1 - 0 Manchester United
Crystal Palace 2 - 1 Liverpool
Norwich City 3 - 2 Bournemouth
Sunderland 1 - 0 Watford
Swansea 3 - 3 Arsenal
Tottenham 2 - 0 Leicester
Manchester City 0 - 1 Newcastle

West Ham 2 - 1 Aston Villa
Southampton 0 - 0 Chelsea

Premier League: Watford 2 - 0 West Bromwich Albion


After their opening day victory over Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion were powerless to compete with Watford at Vicarage Road. Steven Berghuis and Troy Deeney netted for the Hornets.

West Brom were powerless to resist the counter attacking ability of the home side, and despite several changes at the hour mark, the Baggies couldn't pull a goal back.

Team: Myhill, Gamboa, Olsson, Evans, Pocognoli, Yacob, Fletcher, Pritchard, Brunt, Rondon, Berahino
Subs: Dawson, Morrison, McClean.

Other Results

Chelsea 1 - 0 Swansea
Aston Villa 0 - 1 Manchester City
Everton 3 - 3 Crystal Palace
Manchester United 3 - 0 Sunderland
Stoke City 0 - 0 Tottenham
Newcastle 1 - 0 Liverpool

Bournemouth 1 - 3 Southampton
Arsenal 2 - 0 West Ham

Leicester 1 - 2 Norwich