Gerry Francis declines Pardew offer ‘due to moral obligations’

Ian Watson

Gerry Francis has left West Brom “due to moral obligations” after declining an offer to stay on as part of Alan Pardew’s backroom team.

Francis has assisted Tony Pulis since 2008 at Stoke, Crystal Palace and West Brom and despite being asked to stay on at The Hawthorns following Pulis’s exit, former Tottenham and QPR manager Francis has chosen to walk away.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the 65-year-old offered his reasoning.

“It is with regret that I feel I cannot accept Alan Pardew’s and West Brom’s offer to stay on at the club due to moral obligations on my part,” Francis said.

“It has nothing to do with Alan or the club where I have spent three enjoyable years. I wish Alan and the club owners, chairman, directors, players and supporters every success in the future.

“I am sure Alan along with the talented squad of players will very soon change the fortunes of the club in the right direction and climb up the table.”