Tim Sherwood and Brian McDermott Among Early Favourites to Replace Pepe Mel at West Brom

Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood, Leeds United boss Brian McDermott and Malky Mackay are among the favourites for the West Bromwich Albion job after the club sacked Pepe Mel.

The Spanish manager was appointed with the brief of saving the Baggies from relegation from the Premier League following the dismissal of Steve Clarke in December.

Mel kept his side up after West Brom finished the season in 17<sup>th place, three points ahead of Norwich City, but the club on Monday confirmed his dismissal after just 17 games in charge.

A statement from sporting and technical director Richard Garlick said: "We would like to thank Pepe for his efforts over the past four months in helping to keep the club in the Premier League and wish him well for the future.

"Both Pepe and the club set out with the best intentions of making the appointment work. However, having reflected on events both on and off the field during our talks, it became apparent that it was in the best interests of both parties for there to be an amicable parting.

"We are grateful for the manner in which the existing coaching staff and players have rallied behind Pepe to get the club over the line in what has proved an extremely competitive division."

West Brom were virtually guaranteed safety before the final day of the season due to Norwich's irreparable goal difference. However the club have acted after suffering four defeats in their final five games of the season, including their final three.

A number of managers have already been linked with succeeding the former Betis manager. Sky Bet place former Cardiff boss Mackay as their favourite at 9/4, followed by Chris Hughton, who was sacked by Norwich in April.

Sherwood meanwhile, who was named Andre-Villas-Boas' successor at White Hart Lane in December, is expected to be axed by chairman Daniel Levy this summer and the former midfielder revealed after the club's final game of the season that he will have no hesitation in taking on another job elsewhere.

"If it is to be my last game, life goes on. There were no tears shed out there on the lap of honour," Sherwood said after Tottenham's 3-0 win over Aston Villa.

"This club means a lot to me but 
if I'm not to continue here as manager I'll be somewhere else."

McDermott, whose future at Leeds United following Massimo Cellino's takeover remains uncertain, is another possible candidate and has been made 4/1 for the job at the Hawthorns by Sky Bet.