The friction at West Bromwich became evident on Thursday in a statement issued by the new chairman John Williams that suggested a rift over transfer dealings behind the scenes.
West Brom were left frustrated that their bid to land a quality midfielder failed and Williams placed a late call by Tony Pulis as a factor.
A club-record £15million deal for Malaga’s Ignacio Camacho was in place on Monday before Pulis decided against a move and attentions shifted to an ambitious £25m move for Portugal international William Carvalho that was ultimately unsuccessful.
West Brom have faced criticism from fans over their business in the window – five players arrived at a modest combined cost of £22m – but Williams insisted it was not for a lack of trying to spend as a takeover between Jeremy Peace and Chinese businessman Guochuan Lai inches towards completion.