West Bromwich Albion have revealed they replaced Tony Pulis with Sam Allardyce as manager at half time of Saturday’s 0-4 defeat to Chelsea.

The Baggies released a statement announcing the sleight of hand after it transpired that no one present at the Hawthorns had noticed any change.

One or two onlookers commented that Pulis must have “hit the pies hard” during the interval, but they too were surprised to learn of the switch.

Wes, a West Brom fan from West Bromwich, said: “It’s remarkable, really. To be honest, I still haven’t noticed.

“I imagine I probably won’t have fully taken it in until Big Sam gets sacked for downing pints of wine with a fake sheikh.”

Pulis must now choose between managing Wales and becoming the new President of Zimbabwe.