West Brom assistant head coach Rob Kelly admits he was very disappointed to hear of Alan Irvine's departure from the club.
However, Kelly also emphasised that the coaches and playing staff at the Hawthorns have dealt with the situation in a professional manner and are focused on producing a good performance at West Ham on Thursday.
Irvine was dismissed on Monday evening with Albion lying in 16th place in the Premier League table and just one point above the relegation zone, with Tony Pulis and Tim Sherwood both in the frame to replace him.
“I got a phone call last night from Alan explaining the situation," said Kelly. “Terry (Burton, technical director) then rang me, and told me to prepare the team, along with Keith (Downing) and Dean (Kiely) as best we can for the upcoming fixture against West Ham.
'Disappointed'
“I am disappointed but I know Alan would want us to carry on and get on with our work. It is exactly what he would want, so that is what we will do.
“I spoke to him briefly but I think he had other things to do. We will talk properly when the time is right.”
Asked if he thought the players were feeling low following Irvine’s departure, Kelly said: “You would have to ask them but I’m sure they were, they have got a lot of respect for Alan.
“He’s a terrific person, first and foremost, a terrific man, and an excellent coach. They were told by Terry but they knew anyway, because they had seen it on television and local media, so it was not a shock or a surprise. I think they had got over that.
“They came into work, it is what we do. We are professional people, so we get on with our jobs, which is exactly what Alan would want us to do. We will prepare as best we can to go and get a result against West Ham.”
Looking towards the future, Kelly added: “When any club appoints a new manager, it is important that they get the right person. That is just common sense.
“Just like any other football club that is appointing, or any job that is appointing someone to lead it, it is important they get it right.”
Asked if he had been given any assurances about his own position, Kelly said: “I’ve just been told to get on with the West Ham game, so that is what I will do.”