LONDON: West Bromwich Albion dented their reputation for patience with managers by sacking Steve Clarke after a 1-0 loss at Cardiff, their fourth successive League defeat.

Clarke, former Chelsea assistant to Jose Mourinho, led West Brom to eighth last season. However they have won only seven of their 34 league games in 2013, including a 2-1 success at Manchester United in September, and sit two points above the relegation zone.

Joint assistant head coach Keith Downing takes over as caretaker. Contenders for the permanent role include a former West Brom boss in ex-Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo.

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