Alan Irvine "still sore" about West Bromwich Albion sacking

Alan Irvine has admitted that he still feels "sore" about getting sacked by West Bromwich Albion in December.

The 56-year-old was replaced by Tony Pulis last year following a run of poor results during a six-month spell at The Hawthorns.

"I'm still really disappointed to have gone," Irvine told Sky Sports News. "I loved the job, I loved working with the players, I loved working with the staff and I was really, really enjoying doing the job.

"So I'm still sore about it, but I understand that that's the way that football can operate. Obviously I hoped to be given the time to change things around and influence things but I also understand that nowadays people look for instant results."

Irvine has revealed that he wants to return to management when his gardening leave comes to an end in December.