Valerien Ismael is under increasing pressure at West Brom amid poor run of form which has seen promotion hopefuls drop to fifth in the Championship... with players unconvinced by his methods and losing faith

• West Brom boss Valerien Ismael under pressure after just one win in their last six
• England international Sam Johnstone was left out of the squad for Preston loss 
• The Baggies currently sit fifth in the Championship after 28 games this season 

Valerien Ismael is under increasing pressure as West Bromwich Albion manager after a run of poor results with players unconvinced by his approach and methods.

Supporters turned on the beleaguered boss during Wednesday’s dire 2-0 home defeat by Preston, attacking Ismael’s direct style of football and chanting the name of former manager Slaven Bilic. 

Ismael had already raised eyebrows by leaving out England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone following suggestions of a disagreement between the pair. 

Ismael reported as normal for training on Thursday yet Sportsmail understands a growing number of players are losing faith in him.

Saturday’s match at Millwall is starting to look hugely important for Ismael, whose side could fall out of the play-off places if they lose and results elsewhere go against them.

Hundreds headed for the exits after Aston Villa loanee Cameron Archer scored Preston’s second goal in the 76th minute and The Hawthorns was barely half-full by the final whistle.

Despite a run of only one win in their last six, West Brom remain in the promotion hunt but they are heading in the wrong direction. 

Having targeted a top-two finish, fifth-placed Albion are seven points adrift of Blackburn in second and only two above Nottingham Forest in seventh.

After arriving from Barnsley on a four-year deal in the summer, with about £2million going to the Yorkshire club in compensation, Ismael has not always had luck on his side. 

The club backed him by paying nearly £8million for Daryl Dike this month, only for the US forward to sustain a serious hamstring injury on his full debut.

Many players were baffled at the omission of Johnstone, who has three caps for England and was available again after suspension. 

The 28-year-old’s contract runs out in summer and this month represents Albion’s last chance to receive a transfer fee for him, unless he signs a new deal.

Other squad members feel they have been frozen out by Ismael, with Robert Snodgrass not involved since early November despite being one of the most experienced members of the squad.