West Brom manager Tony Pulis expresses sadness at Paul Jewell's decision not to take pay cut to remain at club

The Baggies boss said: 'There's no hard feelings my way or the club's way. He's a smashing lad'

New West Brom manager Tony Pulis is disappointed at the departure of Paul Jewell (Getty Images)

The West Bromwich Albion head coach Tony Pulis has spoken of his disappointment at the departure of Paul Jewell from his staff.

The Independent revealed yesterday that Jewell left the Baggies on Tuesday – just a week after joining the club – having been asked to take a pay cut to make way on the wage bill for Gerry Francis to join the backroom staff. Francis was appointed as a part-time consultant. Jewell is considering legal action.

“I’ve got great respect for Paul, he’s a tremendous lad and had been out of work for a long time, I offered him a job but it didn’t work out,” Pulis said. “I was pleased to have him in and sad to see him leave so quickly. I wish Paul all the best, I still think he’s a great lad. There’s no hard feelings my way or the club’s way. To go any further into it would be wrong. He’s a smashing lad.

“Gerry was always joining us. He’s been with me for seven years, Kempy [coach Dave Kemp] for 13 and they were always coming. Gerry brings a wealth of experience. His analysis of games and experience of the Premier League is absolutely first-class. It’s a part-time basis but very important, there was never any question of him not coming.”

Pulis met chairman Jeremy Peace today to discuss possible replacements for Jewell. “The chairman has been very supportive since I’ve walked through the door,” he added.