West Brom drop interest in Mel

West Brom’s search for a new manager took a fresh twist yesterday when the club pulled the plug on negotiations with former front runner Pepe Mel.

Mel had flown to London for talks with West Brom regarding the vacant position.

Bookmakers installed the former Real Betis manager as the favourite to replace Steve Clarke, who was sacked two weeks ago, but he is no longer being considered for the position.

It is understood that Mel wanted to bring his own team of backroom staff to the Hawthorns, but the Baggies, who travel to West Ham today (kick-off 12:45pm), wanted to stick with their own coaches like Keith Downing and Dean Kiely, who have been at the club since 2011. Mel, whose three-year spell at Betis came to an end on December 2, will fly back to Spain while West Brom consider other candidates.