Francis joined former West Brom boss Tony Pulis' coaching team in 2008 and has worked with him also throughout his stints at Stoke City and Crystal Palace.

Pulis took charge at West Brom in January 2015 but was sacked last month after a poor run of results that has left them 17th in the standings, three points above the relegation zone, and winless in their last 13 league games.

Pardew was named the club's new manager last week.

"It is with regret that I feel I cannot accept Alan Pardew's and West Brom's offer to stay on at the club due to moral obligations on my part," Francis told Sky Sports.

"I am sure Alan along with the talented squad of players will very soon change the fortunes of the club in the right direction and climb up the table."
--reuters--