London-based businessman Jeremy Peace is set to take over as chairman of West Brom following the resignation of acting chairman Clive Stapleton.

Stapleton took over the chairmanship in a temporary capacity following the resignation of Paul Thompson.

But Peace, with the backing of Albion's major shareholders Kappa Limited, had wanted to convene an extraordinary general meeting to remove Stapleton and another director, Barry Hurst, from the Baggies board.

Now Stapleton has stood down from the board feeling he had been "forced out of the door", leaving the way clear for Peace to take charge.

"Unfortunately I have been forced out of the door rather than being accorded the dignity that I feel my years of hard work and commitment in the service of this club deserves," said Stapleton in a statement.

Peace's manifesto includes a promise to tie Albion boss Gary Megson to a new contract.