West Bromwich Albion on Monday sacked manager Tony Pulis after a miserable run of form that has seen the Chinese-owned club slump to 17th in the Premier League table.

“These decisions are never taken lightly but always in the interests of the club,” chairman John Williams said on the club’s website.

“We are in a results business and over the back end of last season and this season to date, ours have been very disappointing.

“We would like to place on record our appreciation of Tony’s contribution and hard work during a period of transition for the club which included a change of ownership. We wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Former Stoke manager Pulis, 59, has had just two wins in his past 21 Premier League games following Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Albion are just a point and a place above the relegation zone after an 11-game winless run in all competitions.

Assistant head coach Gary Megson has agreed to take charge of first-team affairs until further notice.