Gerry Francis leaves West Brom
Gerry Francis has left West Bromwich Albion due to ‘moral obligations’.
New Baggies manager Alan Pardew offered him a role under the new regime but Francis has declined.
The 65-year-old has worked under Tony Pulis at three different clubs but has stated that his decision is not based on West Bromwich Albion nor Alan Pardew.
Francis was the only member of Pulis’ backroom staff who was asked to stay at the club, with Gary Megson, Ben Garner and Mark O’Connor all having departed on Pardew’s arrival.
Talking to Sky Sports News, Francis said:
It is with regret that I feel I cannot accept Alan Pardew’s and West Brom’s offer to stay on at the club due to moral obligations on my part,” Francis told Sky Sports News.
It has nothing to do with Alan or the club where I have spent three enjoyable years. I wish Alan and the club owners, chairman, directors, players and supporters every success in the future.
I am sure Alan along with the talented squad of players will very soon change the fortunes of the club in the right direction and climb up the table.
The experience of Francis was the attractive factor for Albion’s new boss, who now finds himself light in coaching areas – despite bringing John Carver with him as first team coach.
Pardew was understanding about the decision and was content with his options. He said (prior to Francis leaving):
He’s someone I respect and somebody who did a terrific job and knows this group of players so if I can keep him I will.
Obviously he has a loyalty to the group that was here before that is probably tugging at him a little bit but I hope he stays.
After the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, the Baggies travel to struggling Swansea City on Dec 9 to build on their hard-fought point last Saturday.