[Salopbaggie]

WEST Bromwich Albion today announce the departures of senior coaches Rob Kelly, Keith Downing and Dean Kiely on the clubs website.

With Pulis and now this I can only think Santa has been a bit lazy this year, but has come good in the end.  Would not have been to worried though if Kiely had stayed as our keepers have always looked quality, but the rest great news


Coaching trio leave Albion

WEST Bromwich Albion today announce the departures of senior coaches Rob Kelly, Keith Downing and Dean Kiely.

The trio have left the club with immediate effect as Tony Pulis prepares to finalise the appointment of a new backroom staff.

Director of football administration Richard Garlick said: "The Club would like to place on record its deep appreciation for the contribution of Keith, Rob and Dean within the coaching structure.

"Keith and Dean have been here a number of years and took over first-team control in a caretaker capacity during a difficult period last season. They played a key role in stabilising the team.

"Rob joined at the start of the season and became a valued member of the coaching set-up.

"Changes in personnel are part of football life and it is obviously sad to say farewell to three popular and respected members of staff.

"We wish to thank them for their efforts and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours."

Downing became first-team coach under Roy Hodgson, in March 2011, before being elevated to Assistant Head Coach in December 2011 following the departure of Michael Appleton to become Portsmouth manager.

Following Steve Clarke's departure in December 2013, Downing took the reins at The Hawthorns in caretaker capacity - his side winning one and drawing three of his five Barclays Premier League games in charge.

Albion recruited Downing as Academy Under-18s coach in July 2009. He also became responsible for running the Baggies' Barclays Premier Reserve League team at the start of the 2010/11 campaign.

Kelly joined Albion as Alan Irvine’s Joint-Assistant Head Coach alongside Downing in June.

Kiely became Albion Goalkeeper Coach in March 2010.

The former Republic of Ireland man initially joined the club as a player in January 2007, helping the club to the Championship play-off final later that year.

The following season he scooped the Championship's 2007/08 Puma Golden Glove thanks to his 18 clean sheets in all competitions after helping Albion clinch the title and reach and FA Cup semi-final.

He made 88 appearances for Albion as a player.


The futures bright. The futures blue and white

[betterthanbaird]

Obviuosly grateful to all of them for their time at the club, especially Downing but it was the right time for them to move on. It does mean that there will be a more noticeable change whenever we get a new head coach now.

[Slick_Footwork]

Nothing against Downing and Kiely personally, but I think in order to progress
a manager always has to bring his own coaches in. People who have the same
understanding of the game, people who he trusts.

It isn't their fault, but as 'core coaches' they were harming any progress that
could be made. Simple human nature dictates that these guys can't have the
same philosophies as every coach that comes in. Nor can they be behind all of
their ideas (Downing was against Mel's high press from day 1).

And ultimately, you need every coach to be with the manager...

So for that reason, I'm happy the club has taken this decision and hope that it
will also break up some of the cliques that seem to be dominating the dressing
room.

But nothing against them, they did a decent job when required.

[wba_1996]

Kelly - was always going to go, Irvine's man and obviously following him out of the door
Kiely - definite part of the 'clique', Foster's form has tailed off and this may be down to the relaxed attitude of being 'mates' with his coach, he needs to be pushed by a new GK coach
Downing - obviously has his favourites and the leader of the 'clique', we would never have been able to progress as a club with him still here

They had the chance to impress but without TP's input I firmly believe they would have screwed up against both West Ham and Gateshead. Thanks for their efforts but the best move all round really.

[WBA-Josh]

The new year, fresh start is now properly upon us. I'm thankful to the 3 of them for the work that they have put in but a fresh coaching staff is necessary for the club.

I think we will see a new First Team Coach and a new Goalkeeping Coach brought in during the next few days.

[tidy]

Well, I suppose there is no point in doing half-a-job.
JP is well and truely into new territory. Lets see who JP/Pulis convince to play for us.

Certainly different times for Albion and hopefully for the good.

[wba_1996]

Looks like it will be Pulis, Dave Kemp, Gerry Francis and probably one other.

[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

The hard work they've put in through the years is much appreciated; it shouldn't be ignored or overlooked that Downing was part of the coaching team which gave us our first and second-season survival, then that great run under Steve Clarke in 2012, and probably played a large part in us staying up last year, too. Likewise for Dean Kiely, who's been here eight years as player and coach, and been a great servant in that time. However, the way that things have gone over the last two years, a fresh start is required at all levels.

All the best for the future, Keith and Dean.

[BBB]

I wrote - And now its the 5th - so maybe we will see more surprises, I wonder what they will be, meaning who will be released, and who sold. Also any backroom lads?

Seems I got the backroom boys right - as wanted by most of us, particularly me whose been screaming for their dismissal over a YEAR now. Anyone not pleased?

however feeling grateful, thanks to all the departing, you did an average job last year, though better in previous two years. And Kiely was a good-un to get us up from the Championship with his many clean sheets.

[silverbaggie]

A not unexpected development.

I think that many of us felt that things were just a little too cosy for the players with these assistant coaches around; good servants as they may have been to the club.

Strange isn't it how JP's views seem to have changed. Not so long ago we might have appointed Steve Sherwood but JP wouldn't allow him to bring in his own team and that proved to be a real stumbling block.
Similarly Pepe Mel wanted to add his own man to the backroom staff; a request which was denied at first.

I wouldn't be too surprised now if several senior players were also moved on to break up the 'trade union movement' that seems to have developed in the dressing room over the last few years.

The big shake up starts now.