WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: West Bromwich Albion sign Matheus Pereira on loan from Sporting CP on August 8, 2019 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/WBA FC via Getty Images)
Rooney Pelach & a sacking confirmed as West Brom’s rivals feel major heat Latest West Bromwich Albion news from BirminghamLive brings you an update from their Championship rivals as the sacking season begins.
It may be the time of year to be full of festive cheer but there is not much mirth and merriness at some of West Brom’s rivals now the Championship sacking season has begun.
Des Buckingham was sacked by Oxford at the weekend, Mark Robins was axed by Coventry City, Neil Harris has left Millwall and there are others in and around the Baggies who are really feeling the heat.
Hull City have fired their manager Tim Walter but prop up the rest of the division and both Narcis Pelach and Wayne Rooney are also under major pressure heading into the festive period.
Here BirminghamLive takes a look at those managers who have gone or are under serious threat of the chop with the Championship leading the way for sackings in the Football League this season.
Des Buckingham – sacked
Saturday’s defeat to Sheffield Wednesday proved the final straw for Oxford United’s hierarchy who axed Des Buckingham yesterday.
Oxford have won just once in 15 games with eight of those being defeats. Buckingham did a fine job in guiding the Us out of League One last season when they won the play-off final against Bolton Wanderers but the leap from the Championship is a significant and incredibly tough leap.
There were a lot of Oxford fans unhappy with the decision, but in a statement the club said: “Oxford United can confirm that Des Buckingham has left his role as Men’s First Team Head Coach.
“Des was appointed in November 2023 and led the Club to promotion to the EFL Sky Bet Championship at the end of the 2023/24 season.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Des for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. The appointment of a new head coach will be confirmed in due course.”
Narcis Pelach – under pressure
The Stoke City manager is currently feeling the heat at Stoke City with the Potters having failed to hit any real momentum since his arrival as Steven Schumacher’s replacement.
The atmosphere at the Bet365 was described by one fan on social media as toxic during the 2-2 draw with Cardiff City at the weekend as Ben Gibson conjured up a stoppage-time equaliser.
Speaking after the game, he said: “I’m confident about this. I’m not showing frustration by the way, I’m angry. I’m disappointed with the performance, I’m angry. I take responsibility for this, when it happens, it’s my responsibility.
“It’s down to me. I make the decisions, I’m the one taking training, I’m the one speaking to the team, I’m the one deciding everything. It’s not frustration. I will work as much as I can, I’ll do as much as I can and frustration is a big word.
“I believe I can turn this around, of course, I’ve been in worse positions in my life than this, it’s not a problem. But I’m angry and I’m not going to hide it. I’m an honest guy and if I feel it’s not right I will say it to you guys and to my team and my staff.”
