Albion coach Oscar Garcia has expressed surprise at Nigel Clough losing his job with Championship rivals Derby County.


  Former England chief Steve McClaren arrived at Pride Park today to finalise his deal as the successor to Clough, whose legendary late father Brian managed Albion and who steered Derby to a 2-1 win against the Seagulls at The Amex at the start of the season.


  Oscar, asked if he was surprised by Clough's dismissal, said: "Yes, because we have played nine games and they have eleven points, but I don't know what has happened there."


  Derby, currently a point and two places below Albion in 14th, axed Clough following their defeat by near-neighbours Nottingham Forest, the visitors to The Amex this Saturday (5.30pm).

  Ex-Albion No. 1 and Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele is expected to be part of McClaren's backroom team.