Outgoing West Bromwich Albion manager Sam Allardyce says he was unable to commit to the club long-term.

The 66-year-old also blamed the press for pigeon-holing him as a manager with negative tactics.

Speaking after Wednesday's loss to West Bromwich Albion, Allardyce said: "For me it is a long term prospect for somebody more than me. I am as you always say a man that comes and saves a club, a man who is short term. I am happy with that. That is my life for the last few years.

"I think it needs someone to take the club by the scruff of the net and take them up. I thank the club for the opportunity to stay and I'd like to thank the fans cheering us on tonight."

He added: "I haven't been more than that [a firefighter] for the last six or seven years because that is all you lot talk about.

"If you thought that was long ball today then somebody is deluded.

"I have made that decision, a very difficult decision to make on the basis of what West Brom. I didn't expect to come here to be talking about this, I expected to come here talking to you with a chance of staying up with a game or two to go.

"I am my own man. That is who I am. Very generous and very flattered they wanted me to stay."