Pepe Mel leaves West Bromwich Albion by mutual consent

West Bromwich Albion this afternoon announced that they have parted company with head coach Pepe Mel by mutual consent.

The Spaniard only joined the club in January and managed to keep them in the Premier League after the dismissal of Steve Clarke.

The 51-year-old initially signed a contract until the end of next season but has now agreed to leave a year early.

"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," sporting & technical director Richard Garlick told the Baggies' website.

"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 today, it became apparent that it was in the best interests of both parties for there to be an amicable parting."

Mel achieved just three wins from the 17 league games he oversaw but it was enough for safety as the Baggies ended the season one place above the bottom three on 36 points.

West Brom also confirmed that their hunt for a new boss is underway.

"We aim to find the most suitable candidate who, with the support of the structure we have had in place for six years and are presently strengthening, will enable the club to be more competitive next season," Garlick added.

Chris Hughton and Malky Mackay - sacked by Norwich City and Cardiff City respectively this season - are the early favourites to replace Mel.

Mel's assistant Keith Downing and goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely will remain in their current roles.