West Bromwich Albion: Was sacking Eric Ramsay the right decision after 44 days and nine games?
Eric Ramsay has been sacked as head coach after just 44 days and nine games in charge, a development that leaves West Bromwich Albion one point above the Championship relegation zone with 12 games to play. The club has moved quickly to install first-team coach James Morrison on an interim basis while wider questions about managerial stability and the season’s trajectory intensify.
Eric Ramsay: timeline and key numbers
The 34-year-old was appointed head coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal on 11 January following the departure of Ryan Mason in January. Ramsay failed to win any of his nine matches in charge overall, managing eight league matches without a victory and overseeing an FA Cup exit to Norwich. His stint of 44 days sets a new club record for the shortest permanent managerial reign, surpassing the previous mark of 17 games jointly held by Pepe Mel and Tony Mowbray.
Match trigger: draw with Charlton and the boardroom meeting
West Brom decided to make the call after a 1-1 home draw with Charlton on Tuesday. Ramsay’s side were booed off following that match, and the head coach and his assistant, Dennis Lawrence, were summoned to meet with the club owner and chairman, Shilen Patel, in the boardroom. The club has departed ways with the men’s first-team head coach and the assistant head coach, with the organisation placing thanks on record and wishing them well for the future.
James Morrison to oversee first-team as interim
First-team coach James Morrison will once again take over on an interim basis to oversee first-team affairs. The club has posed immediate questions for supporters: was the sacking the right decision, should Morrison continue as interim boss until the end of the season, or should a permanent replacement be brought in straight away? Fans were invited to share their views and to check back later for a selection of responses.
League position and season context
West Brom are languishing in 21st place in the Championship and sit just a point above the drop zone with 12 games remaining. This is the second managerial departure at The Hawthorns this season after Ryan Mason was relieved of his duties in January, underscoring a turbulent campaign and limited margin for error as the run-in approaches.
Background on Ramsay and immediate legacy
Ramsay had moved from Minnesota United in MLS to take the Albion job and had previously worked as a coach at Manchester United. Despite that background, he was unable to inspire a victory during his brief spell: no wins in his nine matches, eight winless league outings, and the FA Cup exit to Norwich. The brevity of his tenure now stands as the shortest permanent managerial reign in the club’s history.
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Recent updates indicate the club has acted decisively; details may evolve as the interim period progresses, squad responses emerge and any permanent appointment plans are clarified.
