West Bromwich Albion have sacked manager Valerien Ismael and chief executive

Ismael has departed following two successive Championship defeats, which left Albion eight points adrift of the automatic promotion places in fifth.

Enzo Maresca and Steve Bruce are the early frontrunners to takeover at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies announced Ismael had left his position in a statement on Wednesday afternoon, which read: "West Bromwich Albion Football Club can confirm Valerien Ismael has today left his position as head coach.

"Assistant head coach Adam Murray has also departed The Hawthorns."The club would like to place on record its thanks to Valerien and Adam for their efforts and wishes them well in the future.

"The process of recruiting a new head coach is now under way and an appointment will be announced in due course."

Ron Gourlay has also replaced Xu Ke as the club's chief executive officer.

"I am proud and honoured to be named chief executive officer of this historic football club," Gourlay said. "I am aware of the issues we currently face, but I am not one to shy away from a challenge."

"During my short time here as a consultant I have seen and felt the disconnect between the club and its supporters and I will work tirelessly to rectify that.

"In my conversations with Guochuan Lai during his recent visit we agreed the club needs to make significant changes in order to succeed.

"Our aim both in the short and long term is to be in the Premier League, but I recognise many of the issues at the club run deeper than which division we are playing in.

"My immediate priority is to now appoint a new head coach following the departure of Valerien Ismael. I would like to personally thank Val for his efforts and I wish him well in the future."