Tony Cottee has questioned why West Brom are changing their head coach at this stage in the season, following Alan Pardew's departure.
The Premier League club announced Pardew left West Brom by mutual consent on Monday.
Pardew took over from Tony Pulis in November but only managed to win one of his 18 league games in charge.
First-team coach Darren Moore is expected to take temporary charge for the six remaining games of the season, with the club 10 points from safety.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Cottee said: "I think the timing is surprising. I think if you look at the stats of one win in 18 then the results haven't been good enough for Pardew, there is no doubt about that.
"It is just the timing with there being six games left? Is it really going to make that much of a difference?
"What are the board thinking? Why are they changing the manager now? If they were to win the last six games they may have a chance of staying up but you can't see it happening. They have some tough fixtures."
West Brom remain rooted to the bottom of the table on 20 points following their 2-1 defeat against Burnley on Saturday at The Hawthorns.
Sky Sports News understands the atmosphere during the game promoted the club to take action.
"So what is the thinking behind it? And if they were to go down for next season Pardew has managed in the Championship and has been successful in the championship," Cottee added.
"It will be interesting to see whether they parachute someone in very quickly or there could be a caretaker until the end of the season.
"There is an awful lot wrong at the club without a doubt. There has been a lot going on off the field as we know.
"Financially there are things going on, results haven't been good enough and unfortunately Pardew has paid with his job."