Mikey Harris has taken interim charge of Albion’s women’s team after they sacked Melissa Phillips.

He moves across from the men’s academy set-up for the foreseeable future while the club assess their options.

Harris, who is a UEFA Pro Licence coach, has worked with the men’ under-21 and under-18 teams.

He has been under-18s head coach or manager with Albion, Portsmouth and Southampton and assistant manager with England under-18s, as well as managing Salisbury City men’s team in 2013/14.

Harris will be supported by Owen Fisher, who also moves over from the academy, where he became a goalkeeping coach in 2017, before making the step up to the under-21s in 2021.

He has worked with the women’s first-team as goalkeeping coach in an interim capacity.

Phillips had been in charge for less than a year and departs with Albion uncomfortably close to bottom of the table, despite a dramatic recent win at home to Bristol City.

It was hoped she would provide some stability and progress after a turbulent 2022-23 campaign which saw Hope Powell and Jens Scheuer also have time in charge as well as two temporary tenures for Amy Merricks.

Albion technical director David Weir said: “This is not a decision which has been taken lightly, but we feel it is vital for the progress we want to see in the Women’s Super League.

“We have invested heavily in the women’s squad and infrastructure going into this season, and results and performances have not been at the level we had expected, given that investment.

“We would like to thank Melissa for her efforts and, on behalf of everyone at the club, we wish her well for the future.”

Women’s managing director Zoe Johnson added: “I would like to echo David’s words of thanks and wish Melissa well moving forward.

“The immediate priority is upcoming WSL, Conti Cup and FA Cup matches against Manchester United this Sunday, and Aston Villa and Wolves the following week; while also beginning the search for a permanent head coach.”

Harri will face the media in the customary Friday press conference.

Albion face a tough trip to Manchester United on Sunday before hosting Aston Villa in the quarter-finals of the Conti Cup on Wednesday.