West Bromwich Albion boss Ryan Mason told BBC Radio WM:
“It seems to be the way of it at the moment. We are on a terrible run in terms of away games, but you look at the last seven or eight games that we have played, we have had more shots at goal than the opposition, more shots on target, more chances created, and conceded so little at our end as well.
“But for some reason, pretty much every shot that goes on our target ends up as a goal, which is incredible. We are just not able to capitalise on our moments.
“Standing on the side of the pitch, I got so much pride in my team, especially in the moment we are in, because they keep running and they never stop running for me. But also they play the game with so much quality.
“I am proud of the team and proud of the performance, and we deserve so much more. In reality, a lack of discipline at the end cost us what would have been a harsh point in my opinion and we end up coming away with nothing.”
Mason, per Sky Sports:
“We got punished in the last minute. There’s a lack of discipline from our side. We weren’t killers when we had our opportunities. I think that’s summed up our season.
“We’re on a disastrous run. But in terms of performances and chances created, we’ve come out on top in every single game in the last seven or eight. We’ve not been able to translate that to results, and it’s happened again tonight.
“I have a lot of pride in seeing the performance of the team, but the reality is it’s about winning games and getting results, and right now that isn’t the case. We need to take responsibility, and that needs to change.
“My players are running for me and fighting for me. I can see that I felt that all along, and that’s never been any doubt in my mind, but the reality is we haven’t made.
“But the reality is we haven’t made our chances count. It’s disappointing and frustrating. It’s killing me and us, and it’s a tough one to take.
“The situation we’re in, in terms of chances and conceding goals, I could manage another 500 or 1,000 games in my career and not go through another spell like this.
“We have to keep believing. But 10 straight defeats away from home is unacceptable. I think that’s very clear.”
Here’s how fans reacted amid the favourites to become new West Brom manager after making the decision to sack Ryan Mason…
@WBAReport: Shame he couldn’t do it for us but his inexperience cost him dearly. Good first month but then quickly out of his depth. Hope the board learns from this.
@SilkyStapes: It’s a real shame. I was hoping he could turn it around but it just didn’t happen. He didn’t have the greatest of luck at times but equally he made some strange decisions. Best of luck to him for the future!!
@BrutallyAverage: You’ve acted weeks too late @shilensays @AndrewMNestor. Your reluctance to swallow your pride and admit to a mistake has landed the club on the edge of a relegation scrap. You now have to recruit both playing and coaching staff at the same time and it’s entirely your own fault.
@WillMatthews09: Seems like a nice bloke but way out of his depth…… correct call
@Brett_J89: Gutted it didn’t work out for Mason. I thought it was a good appointment but I think his lack of experience in a very tough league shon through. Wish him all the best, I’m sure he will be a good manager in time #wba
@robchippyman: Watched some of the Ryan Mason press conference this morning. He looks a broken man. Its aged him about ten years. He has a young family and retired from football in fairly traumatic circumstances……. I genuinely want it to work for him…. but it just isnt unfortunately. #wba
@matt_p_w: This is the right thing to do, even though its weeks to late. Its not worked out and 10 straight away defeats is inexcusable. Hopefully Bikul can get the third apppointment right so we can make something of our season. #wba
@DAWS_ON_: Nestor either needs to pack his bags as well or he gets a director of football in.. he cannot be trusted running this club #wba
@Fozza11_: We had no other choice. Nestor’s job is dependent on this next appointment.
@Jamie_WBA05: Great news. Now get rid of Morrison and Myhill as soon as a new manger is found
@JamesWBA4: Well its been coming unfortunately I do think he has the potential to be a brilliant manager but it hasn’t worked but sorry our recruitment on the pitch has been shocking aswell
@wjeavons: Correct decision but to be fair, a new manager won’t fix having goalkeepers who don’t save shots. That now has to be priority transfer target to give any incoming boss a fighting chance #wba
@Harry_BCFC: Wouldn’t say I’m surprised based on away form & anger from fans. But they haven’t spent vast amounts of money, so what do fans expect. On paper they have a good team but simply lack a goal scorer which in any team is key. Not many great candidates out there. They’ll survive. #WBA
@mjmarr_star: #wba now looking for their third managerial appointment in the space of 12 months. Not an easy club to manage with the financial restrictions but not a great start for Bilkul, Andrew Nestor and the data model. Imperative they get the next one right.
