West Brom blog: Manager is only a small part of the overall picture

Parting company with Alan Pardew was the right thing to do – although not all his fault, his position had become untenable after such a torrid run of results.

I don’t think anyone is under any illusions as to how important the next managerial appointment is – just like Ally Roberton said in his latest column, hiring Pardew was a mistake and the same mistake can’t afford to happen again.

But there are several deeper, underlying issues at West Brom and key decisions need to be made if Albion are to successfully get back on track.

The first of which pertains to the chairman, a position that has been vacant since John Williams was fired in February.

With a change in the hierarchy, this should hopefully bring about a new vision. This season we have been without a clear direction, identity or purpose.

The people at the top need to establish some sort of five-year plan to work towards. Going down a division gives us that opportunity to rebuild and start again.

Lastly, our activity in this summer’s transfer market will play a big part in the rebuilding process.

A significant clear-out of the squad is required, and we need to be shrewd with how we go about filling the empty spaces vacated by outgoing players.

This is a crucial time for West Bromwich Albion Football Club and I can only hope the decision makers don’t repeat the same mistakes that have made us regress so much.