Wednesday 7 September 2016 12:49, UK
First-team coach Gerry Francis insists recent speculation surrounding the future of manager Tony Pulis has not affected the focus of West Brom’s squad.
Reports on Friday suggested the Albion head coach was considering his future with the Premier League club after a frustrating transfer window.
Speculation of a rift between Pulis and the Albion board intensified after chairman John Williams issued a statement on Thursday defending the club's record in the summer window and claiming a deal which would have broken their transfer record was ruled out for "footballing reasons".
Asked about the situation on Sky Sports News HQ, Francis said: "Speculation is speculation. I think that if there's anything regarding Tony then you need to speak to Tony.
"From my point of view, we've just been getting on with the job of preparing for the season and, obviously, starting the season. We've had a late takeover of the club and managed to get a few players in late in the transfer market, which was very important.
"I understand there are a couple of others which didn't quite go through, which is very disappointing, but it happens, and it is really now about knuckling down and getting on with the Premier League season.
"The rest is finished now until the next window. We've had a reasonable start - a win, a draw and a defeat - and we're tenth in the table at the moment.
"It's important now to get the new players in, who haven't been able to play yet because of the international break.
"So Bournemouth away is our first game to sort the players out and try to fit them into our system. We're looking forward now to trying to get a result on Saturday."
Former Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko and ex-Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh played for West Brom last weekend in a friendly against Delhi Dynamos.
Francis said no decisions have yet been made on whether either of the free-agent duo will sign for the Baggies.
"They've both been training and played at the weekend, but unfortunately Marouane got quite a bad gash on his shin, but he's okay and trained yesterday (Tuesday)," Francis explained.
"But obviously we're going to have a look at the situation and see where it goes from there really."
