Long’s future in doubt

Cardiff 1 West Brom 0

Albion were prepared to sell Long to Hull in September until Clarke insisted “there is not a possibility I will be selling Shane in January”. But without a chief coach, Director of football Richard Garlick and owner Jeremy Pearce may once again try and push through the sale of the Tipperary man as Long is no closer to signing a contract extension as his current one expires in the summer.

Four defeats in succession was too much for the board of directors to take as Peter Whittingham’s goal ensured Clarke was put on gardening leave hours after the 1-0 defeat at Cardiff.