Slaven Bilic sacked by West Brom hours after Man City draw

Reports surfaced suggesting that the Croatian could be shown the door despite Albion putting in a dogged display to draw with Manchester City at the Etihad last night - and those reports have now been confirmed.

A statement from the club said: "West Bromwich Albion have today parted company with head coach Slaven Bilic.

"Assistant coaches, Dean Računica and Danilo Butorović, and first team coach Julian Dicks have also left the club with immediate effect.

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"The Baggies are currently 19th in the Premier League table with seven points from 13 fixtures.

"Albion would like to thank Slaven and his coaching staff for their efforts in achieving promotion last season and wishes them all well in the future.

"The club will make no further comment at this time. "

Bilic was hired as head coach last year, leading the club to promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

However, following promotion, there was visible strain on his relationship with the club's heirarchy, with the 52-year-old vocal in his disappointment following the sale of defender Ahmed Hegazi.

He managed just a single Premier League win this season, against bottom-placed Sheffield United. Last season, he led the club to 22 wins in the Championship.

Sam Allardyce is the favourite to replace the Croatian, having pulled out of radio duties with TalkSPORT later on today. Reports suggest he could be in place ahead of the fixture with Aston Villa this weekend.

Allardyce is 1/4 with some bookmakers, with former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe 8/1 alongside former Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez.

Alex Neil, Marco Silva, Mark Hughes and Nigel Pearson are all 12/1. Tony Pulis is amongst others at 20/1.

A banner also appeared on the gates of The Hawthorns over the afternoon following his sacking, reading "Sorry Slav #LaiOut" in reference to the club's owner Guochuan Lai.