Championship Roundup: West Brom Sacks Tony Mowbray After Derby Defeat
West Bromwich Albion have parted ways with manager Tony Mowbray following a 3-1 Championship defeat at home to relegation-threatened Derby County. The loss, which saw Ebou Adams and Jerry Yates score from set-pieces in the first half, has left West Brom 10th in the table, six points adrift of the top six.
According to a statement released by the club, “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Tony and Mark for their efforts – but has made the decision to part company following a series of poor results.” Assistant head coach Mark Venus has also departed the club. James Morrison will take interim charge of the team.
The Guardian understands that West Brom’s decision to sack Mowbray was not taken lightly, but the club felt it was necessary to change the team’s fortunes. As the Baggies look to regroup and refocus, they will be keen to address their inconsistent form and make a push for the playoffs.
In other Championship news, Hull City boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 win over Preston North End. Joe Gelhardt scored two second-half penalties to secure the victory, moving Hull two points above the drop zone. The win leaves Preston three points above 22nd-placed Luton Town and desperately low on confidence.
Luton Town themselves secured a vital 3-1 win over Bristol City, with Carlton Morris and Izzy Jones scoring crucial goals. The win keeps Luton’s hopes of survival alive, while Bristol City’s playoff chances have taken a hit.
Plymouth Argyle stunned Coventry City to claim their third home win in a row, but remained rooted to the foot of the table. Goals from Mustapha Bundu and Ryan Hardie put the hosts in the driving seat, and despite Haji Wright’s late goal, Bundu added his second to secure the points.
Cardiff City suffered a huge blow to their survival hopes as Oxford United earned a 1-1 draw. Yousef Salech’s header early in the second half rewarded a proactive performance from Cardiff, but Cameron Brannagan’s free-kick 11 minutes from time salvaged a point for Oxford.
Sheffield Wednesday secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Middlesbrough, with Anthony Musaba scoring an 89th-minute winner. The win keeps Wednesday’s hopes of survival alive, while Middlesbrough’s playoff chances have taken a hit.
Millwall roared back into the playoff race after Mihailo Ivanovic scored twice to sink Norwich City 3-1 at the Den. The win leaves Millwall three points off sixth place, while Norwich’s top-six hopes are fading.
Blackburn Rovers kept alive their chances of making the playoffs after a hard-earned 1-0 win at Sunderland. Tyrhys Dolan’s 33rd-minute strike was enough to clinch the victory, and Blackburn’s third consecutive win.
Swansea City made it five consecutive wins by beating Queens Park Rangers 2-1, with Morgan Fox’s own goal and Harry Darling’s strike securing the victory. The win takes Swansea to 11th in the table, 11 points clear of the drop zone.
In League One, Stockport remain just behind fourth-placed Charlton Athletic after a 2-1 comeback win against Huddersfield Town. Leyton Orient came from behind to beat relegation-threatened Cambridge United 2-1, while Birmingham City held on to beat Burton Albion 2-1.
In League Two, Morecambe’s relegation from the Football League after 18 years was confirmed with a 3-1 defeat by Salford City. Doncaster Rovers went top after goals from Harry Clifton, Jordan Gibson, and Patrick Kelly earned a 3-0 win over Colchester United.
The results from across the divisions can be found via The Guardian’s live football blog.
Colby Bishop’s goal earned Portsmouth a 1-0 win over 10-man Watford, ensuring their safety. Portsmouth are six points clear of the relegation zone, and their Championship status is now guaranteed.
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