Pulis proud to have helped West Brom grow

Cape Town - Former West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has expressed his pride in helping bring stability to the Premier League club, who sacked him on Monday.

Pulis was relieved of his duties at the Hawthorns in the wake of his side's 4-0 home defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, which left the Baggies just one point above the relegation zone in 17th place.

The 59-year-old paid the price for a poor start to the season after guiding the West Midlands outfit to only two wins from their opening 12 league matches.

He will look back on his time at Albion fondly, though, after aiding in their growth as an established team in the top flight.

"Over the last three seasons we have achieved a great deal and I am proud to have managed West Bromwich Albion," Pulis said in a statement via the League Managers Association.

"I would like to thank the two owners, Jeremy Peace and Mr Lai, the board and fans for their support during my time at West Brom. Jeremy Peace and Mr Lai have played an important role in the off-field success and given the team a platform to build from.

"My remit was to develop the squad and ensure we delivered results which would in turn improve the club's financial position. We have achieved this year on year and I am pleased to have played a part in the club's growth.

"Our final league position in the last three seasons has represented the accomplishment of our targets as a club; sustaining our status in the Premier League and delivering stability, throughout the club's transition of ownership.

"We enjoyed a fantastic season last year, finishing 10th in the Premier League for only the third occasion in Albion's history and finished as the top midlands team for only the second time since 1967-68.

'I strongly believe that this group of players can return to this level of performance and finish in the upper reaches of the Premier League.

"This season, expectations have risen and although we are disappointed with some of our results, one thing I would never question is this group's work ethic and application.

"The players and backroom staff are extremely hard-working professionals and I would like to thank them for their efforts and wish them the very best in the future."