Football League World

Leyton Orient are keen to retain the services of on-loan goalkeeper Joshua Keeley, but whether they're able to may depend on how they get on in their League One play-off final against Charlton Athletic.

Play-off finalists Leyton Orient are hoping to retain the services of goalkeeper Joshua Keeley next season, though whether they'll be able to do so may be out of their hands.

The stopper was the hero of their League One play-off semi-final against Stockport County, saving a penalty from Jack Diamond in the shootout which booked them a place at Wembley for an all-London final against Charlton Athletic.

Orient want to keep Keeley, but this may depend on their play-off final result

Journalist Alan Nixon this morning revealed that Orient would like to keep Keeley with them for next season, but warns that this may come to depend on whether they get promoted or not.

According to Nixon, Orient may need to gain promotion in next Sunday's play-off final against Charlton in order to re-sign Keeley, who could be ready for Championship football next term.

Such a situation demonstrates the inherent risk of lower division clubs taking on key players on loan from bigger clubs; if they're successful, they're less likely to stay for the following season.

Josh Keeley has been a class act for Leyton Orient this season

Such have been the quality of Joshua Keeley's performances for Orient this season that whether they can keep hold of him for another season may come down to whether they can offer him Championship football next season themselves.

Keeley signed for Spurs in July 2022 from the Irish club St Patrick's Athletic and was loaned out to National League club Barnet in the January 2024 transfer window. He impressed enough that, when he returned, he was sent out on a season-long loan to Leyton Orient in League One, a level two divisions higher than that at which he'd playing with the Bees. He also earned himself a new three-year contract with Spurs.

His 2024/25 season at Orient has been excellent, with his team grabbing the final play-off place after ending their season with a run of five straight wins from their last five games. He kept 16 clean sheets for them and conceded less than a goal a game, and they're now just one match from a return to the second tier for the first time since 1982.

Such performances will only provoke interest in Josh Keeley from Championship clubs

A solid and consistent goalkeeper is a crucial component for any team looking to have a successful season, and the success of Keeley's loan spell at Brisbane Road will alert some at a higher level to his potential availability for next season.

Should Leyton Orient beat Charlton in the League One play-off final, there would be a solid case for him to stay with the club. Continuity would be better for both the player and Orient, and with another Spurs loanee, Jamie Donley, also having been a success at Orient this season, there is already a close link between Spurs and the East Londoners.

But should they lose this match, the equation starts to look somewhat different. The player himself will want to test himself at this higher level, and Spurs themselves will likely want it as well, so that they can assess whether he's worth retaining on their books in the long-term.

A fresh claim regarding those likely to be considered by Acun Ilicali as a potential replacement for Ruben Selles at Hull City has emerged.

The Tigers are now searching for the sixth permanent manager of the Turkish owner's three-and-a-half year tenure following his £30m takeover in January 2022, as after a lengthy period of speculation regarding the Spaniard's long-term future at the MKM, it was confirmed on Thursday evening that he, James Oliver-Pearce and Tobias Loveland all departed with immediate effect.

Ilicali is now faced with a crucial decision when it comes to his next appointment, having dismissed both Liam Rosenior and Tim Walter in the past 12 months before the appointment of Selles in December on a two-and-a-half year contract.

City had endured an extremely frustrating and inconsistent 2024/25 season in the Championship by comparison to their previous position as play-off contenders, eventually securing their safety with a 1-1 draw against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on the final day, finishing above relegated Luton Town on goal difference as the Hatters were defeated 5-3 by West Bromwich Albion.

And, just hours after official confirmation was made by the East Yorkshire club regarding Selles' predicament after a series of reviews held by the hierarchy, talk of who is expected to be considered for the vacancy has already begun.

Ex-Hull City midfielder and former Aston Villa boss mentioned in fresh Tigers' managerial 'consideration' claim

It was initially reported by Mike White of BBC Radio Humberside alongside the developing story on Selles' departure that no manager had been immediately lined up to replace the former Reading and Southampton boss.

After Selles' exit was confirmed, it was then claimed that City are looking at UK-based and overseas candidates, although there is the potential for Ilicali to be swayed towards the latter after his previous appointments of Shota Arveladze and the aforementioned Walter.

And, in the early hours of Friday morning, a fresh report from Hull Live outlined some of the names who are "likely to be considered" for the role in the form of club-record signing, Ryan Mason, Alex Neil, Miron Muslic and former Aston Villa boss, Dean Smith.

Mason, currently assistant to Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur, played 20 times and scored twice for the Tigers in 2016/17 before suffering a well-documented career-ending injury away to Chelsea, and has also been linked with the vacancy at West Bromwich Albion amid reports that Spurs' run to the UEFA Europa League final has caused issues in Shilen Patel's bid to prize the highly-rated coach to the Hawthorns.

Neil was linked with a potential switch to the MKM prior to Selles' appointment before joining Millwall later in the month, and the Scot eventually guided the Lions to an eighth-place finish, missing out on a play-off spot on the final day.

Muslic was appointed at Home Park in January and, despite the Pilgrims' relegation to League One, has gained plenty of admirers for his work that saw the Pilgrims give themselves a fighting chance of survival in the season's final weeks with three wins in the final five games, and has been linked with a potential move away despite stating what needs to occur in Devon in the off-season for him to remain in charge.

Meanwhile, Smith, who guided Villa back to the Premier League in May 2019 and consolidated the club's position back in the top-flight after impressive stints with Walsall and Brentford, has been in charge of MLS side, Charlotte FC since December 2023, and signed a contract extension until 2027 two months ago.

It has also been stated that Tony Mowbray and Steve Cooper are not in the frame, despite the Tigers having plenty of admiration for the latter's previous work.

Hull City have to nail next managerial appointment as uncertainty grows

Whilst the key reasoning behind Selles' exit revolved around a style-of-play issue and poor end-of-season form regardless of survival, many supporters were of the opinion that the 43-year-old should have been given the chance to continue heading into next season.

After inheriting a squad rooted to the bottom of the table and one which hadn't tasted victory between October 1st and December 21st, Selles was able to accrue 34 points from his 27 league games and shored up his side defensively, although an eventual goal return of 44 goals from 46 games would be the worst tally in the division.

Following previous managerial mishaps, the majority of names previously highlighted possess an array of tactical ideas and a variety of experience, with Neil and Smith both successful at leading clubs back to the Premier League, which has been Ilicali's dream, although Hull have only come close on one occasion to ending their current eight-year hiatus.

It remains to be seen whether any of the quartet will eventually take the reins, but supporters will feel the hierarchy have to get the next appointment spot on and provide them with long-term backing, rather than a changing of the guard every so often.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Ashley Phillips has by some distance experienced the best season of his career this campaign.

The 19-year-old spent the season with Stoke City, where he started off on the bench before nailing down his starting position and earning 35 appearances.

With the Potters’ season now over, attention has turned to whether they might be able to land the young defender on loan once more for the 2025-26 season, given how well he developed in Staffordshire.

Chances of Stoke City, Ash Phillips reunion dubbed slim

FLW asked our Stoke fan pundits, Daniel Buxton, whether they might be able to land him on another loan deal next season, such was the impact that the young centre-half had at the bet365 Stadium.

“I would expect Ashley Phillips to be destined for bigger and better things," Daniel told FLW.

“There's no way we can afford to get him permanently. I don't think there's even a chance we get him on loan. He's been absolutely sensational this season.

“In a season of, well, a lot of dross for Stoke, a lot of upheaval, four different managers, he's been a real shining light.

“I was amazed that Spurs didn't recall him in January, when they had no centre-backs, but I'm really glad they didn't.

“The fact that he's also been playing with injury for the past few weeks as well, he closed the season out with a couple of injuries he was managing and still put it in the level of performances he was, just, yeah, amazing, for a teenage lad as well.

“He's got a real bright future in the game.”

Stoke City may still take something from Ash Phillips' season-long stint

Daniel’s realistic assessment is more than likely correct; Stoke are unlikely to attract Phillips back for another loan.

It is clear, based on his age and the importance he came to have at the bet365 Stadium, that he is going to be capable of level much higher than the lower end of the Championship.

A permanent deal would surely be beyond the spending power of Stoke, and if Spurs are looking to loan him out again, it would have to be to a top-end Championship club or a lower-end Premier League club for it to maximise the value and development of the player.

But all is not lost.

Premier League clubs always have a surplus of talented youth players in their academies, but it is often difficult to find them a temporary club that actually assists their progression, and too commonly, such players end up little more than a squad player.

That has its benefits, but the primary focus of almost every loan for a youngster is getting minutes into the player and helping them transition into senior football.

With the Phillips deal, Stoke have shown just how committed they are to playing that vital role in a player’s development, and just how much trust they are willing to give a young player relatively quickly.

So, it may not be the case that Phillips himself will be available for Stoke next season, but Premier League clubs will be alert to the fact that the Potters is a good place to send their youngsters for experience.

Phillips may be a reach too far for Stoke this summer, but they’ve put themselves in the best position to attract the next one off the production line.

West Bromwich Albion have been credited with an interest in Leyton Orient loan star Jamie Donley.

The link was reported by Birmingham World, who revealed the Baggies have enquired about the 20-year-old’s availability this summer with his parent club, Tottenham Hotspur.

Donley has impressed at Orient this season, netting eight goals and 10 assists in 39 League One games.

We asked Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie whether Donley would be a good signing for West Brom.

Lee Hendrie urges West Brom to sign Spurs' Jamie Donley

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Hendrie said: “West Bromwich Albion linked with Jamie Donley; I’ve actually been doing the games recently of Leyton Orient, and he’s had a remarkable season.

“Goals, creativity, young, he ticks every single box, and he has done this season. He's been one of the stand-out players in League One and for Leyton Orient.

“So, I mean, obviously, he's a Spurs player, he's on loan there and I think he'd be an absolutely brilliant signing for West Bromwich Albion.

“It’s a big football club. They need to start bedding in a few of these younger talented players.

“I'm not so sure whether it would be easy to get his signature, I’m not sure Spurs would allow that, I think that's why he's gone out on loan, but he's had a remarkable season, and it would be a great addition for West Brom.”

West Brom could face Leyton Orient competition for Spurs' Jamie Donley

Given the numbers that Donley has posted this season, he clearly seems ready to step up into the second tier, whether that be on another loan or permanently.

That makes West Brom an ideal location, but the O’s may still want in on the conversation.

They’re currently in the League One play-offs – thanks in no small part to Donley’s contributions – and could well be a Championship club themselves at the start of next season as a result.

Should they get promoted, much could rest on Spurs’ view of Donley.

If they want to sell now while he’s in demand, following his strong third-tier season, then West Brom look well-placed, as they will have funds to reach the midfielder’s valuation, which may not be true for Orient.

However, if Tottenham are keen to see how Donley progresses in the Championship and sell him once he’s gained that experience, or bring him into their own first-team setup, then a promoted Orient side would have strong appeal.

He’s clearly already settled at Brisbane Road and would be around many players that he already knows, so his chances of succeeding in that environment are much higher.

West Brom’s ambition would be a strong pull for Jamie Donley

Nevertheless, from the player’s point of view, West Brom will have a significant pull.

They finished just four points outside the play-off places this term and will be expected to go again next season, pushing for promotion. That certainly would not be the realistic goal of a promoted Orient.

Hendrie is right to point out that a big club like West Brom should be seeking out and bedding in talent youngsters and, as those sorts of transfers go, Donley seems a relatively low-risk bet, given his consistent performances this season only one league below.

Donley would be a strong acquisition for West Brom, but he may not be easy to capture.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

West Brom may not have a manager currently after Tony Mowbray's dismissal prior to the end of the 2024-25 Championship season, but it hasn't stopped transfer rumours swirling around The Hawthorns.

Albion's season faded away in the final weeks and months, with a play-off challenge slipping out of their grasp, and it ended up costing Mowbray his job in a second stint at the Midlands outfit.

Still without a head coach, West Brom are still being linked with new players though, and as per a report from BirminghamWorld, Tottenham Hotspur youngster Jamie Donley - currently on loan with League One promotion seekers Leyton Orient - has had an enquiry lodged for his services ahead of a potential temporary switch in the 2025-26 season.

West Brom backed to land Tottenham, Jamie Donley loan agreement

Whilst a new manager has to be a priority for West Brom right now, deals for players can still be done without one being in place, hence why there is reported interest in Donley's services.

And when asked on Donley's links to Albion, FLW's Baggies fan pundit Callum Burgess thinks that the youngster could be an exciting addition for whoever is the next manager of the club, and it would make even more sense if current Spurs coach Ryan Mason lands the vacancy at The Hawthorns.

"It'd be an interesting signing because he's certainly made a big impact at Leyton Orient this season," Callum told FLW.

"And with the losses of Grady Diangana and John Swift, I think attacking midfield is going to be an area where Albion will look to invest in the summer.

"The only player really you can play as a recognised number 10 is probably Tammer Bany, and hopefully he kicks on next season after having a bit-part role this year.

"I think it would be good to get Donley in. He's definitely on an upwards trajectory and proved he's good enough for League One level, but the next step for him will be to prove himself at Championship level.

"In terms of Lankshear, it was his first spell away from Tottenham and away from youth level, so he'll probably be let off because of that and he could be someone Albion look to bring back to The Hawthorns next year.

"Donley would be a nice player to have, he can play in central midfield or as an attacking midfielder, and he's certainly talented with the numbers he's put up this year, and I think it might also rely on Ryan Mason moving to The Hawthorns as well if he ends up becoming our manager."

Jamie Donley is ready to step up to the Championship, but West Brom will be a demanding ask of the 20-year-old

There's no doubting that with his 18 goal contributions so far this season, Donley has proven to be one of the top creative performers in League One, and the Championship is his next natural port of call.

With West Brom though, there will be a natural pressure to deliver a play-off place next season, as there has been most years recently, and even for a player with his talent levels and ceiling, Donley might take a while to fully adapt to the rigours of England's second tier.

At 20 years of age and already capped twice by Northern Ireland, Donley has the world at his feet and he will only get better with experience, and Callum rightly makes a point that in comparison to Will Lankshear, he's already had a lot more EFL experience thanks to his full season at Brisbane Road, so he may be more prepared for the pressure.

It would not shock anyone now if Donley were to rock up at The Hawthorns this summer, but arguably he'd be better suited to a club with less expectations than Albion do.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Despite Ipswich Town's Premier League dream only lasting one season, the same might not be said for their manager, Kieran McKenna.

The 38-year-old remains one of the most highly-rated in the country after his exploits at Portman Road, which saw the Tractor Boys rise from mid-table obscurity in League One at the time of his appointment back in December 2021, to competing with the elite of English football just three years later.

Despite investing heavily in a new-look squad, Ipswich have been unable to stave off relegation and will return to the Championship next season alongside Leicester City and Southampton, who they were promoted with just 12 months ago, with the disparity in quality and finances between the EFL and top-flight a whole different topic of discussion.

Given his remarkable feat of back-to-back promotions between 2023 and 2024 in East Anglia, the Blues were able to maintain the services of their boss this time last summer amid interest from Brighton, Chelsea and Manchester United, with the Northern Irishman committing to a fresh four-year deal.

However, with reports of a potential departure failing to dissipate, we asked our resident Ipswich fan pundit, Alex Wilkin, whether he sees McKenna staying at Town for the long haul, or whether an exit is more likely.

Kieran McKenna situation discussed amid Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur exit fear

It has been reported by Football Insider that the hierarchy at Portman Road, fronted by owner, Mark Ashton, are preparing to resist offers from top-flight outfits for the highly-coveted manager amid links to Tottenham Hotspur and the Red Devils.

Unsurprisingly, given McKenna's history with the two clubs, it is the duo who are causing Wilkin to feel uneasy regarding his long-term future, although he admits he is more confident than last year when his stock was at an all-time high.

"I'm actually less worried about losing McKenna this summer than I was last summer," he told FLW.

"That's nothing to do with his reputation, which I don't think will have been impacted that much by the relegation, given how it happened and it being the second season that all three newly-promoted clubs have gone back down.

"It's more around the stability of the rest of the clubs in the Premier League," our Ipswich fan pundit explained. "I think the top 12-13 are all stable and all still competing for Europe, so I can't see any changes there.

"The ones below those have either changed manager with West Ham, Everton and Wolves. Vitor Pereira's done great at Wolves, so I can't see him leaving, Moyes has fitted in at Everton, which is unexpected. Graham Potter is potentially one who could go at the end of the season.

"But, I don't think McKenna would fancy going to a club that has sacked two managers, which leaves United and Tottenham, which are the two that I'd be most worried about given they're his former employers," Wilkin stated.

"He came through the youth academy at Tottenham and, obviously, did a lot of his coaching work at Manchester United.

"I think whoever loses the Europa League final - assuming they both get through this week - could be out of a job, potentially," he claimed. "They're the two who I'd be most worried about him leaving for.

"They're probably also the two that would happily pay his release clause, because I'm sure Mark Ashton secured a big release clause when he signed his new, improved contract last summer."

Kieran McKenna may be swayed by sentiment as Tottenham, Man Utd talk lingers

Of course, McKenna has built up a strong connection with those at Portman Road to the point where he may overlook the sentimental value of moving to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or Old Trafford should the opportunity arise.

However, if they were to, it would be a swift route back into Premier League management, with the likes of Rob Edwards struggling to adapt to the change in pressure after an unexpected promotion and then returning to the second-tier as strong favourites in the promotion race, with the 42-year-old leaving Luton Town in January as the club's second successive relegation was confirmed last weekend.

The ins and outs of McKenna's current deal haven't been disclosed other than the fact it made him one of the country's highest-paid managers, although that could change once more as wage reductions after relegation have become the norm in order to balance the books.

Tottenham Hotspur have set an asking price of £20 million for Leeds United loanee Manor Solomon amid interest in a permanent deal.

According to TBR Football, the Whites are interested in keeping the forward beyond his current deal, which has now effectively expired with the end of the Championship campaign.

Solomon arrived last summer on a temporary basis, and proved a key part of Daniel Farke’s side over the course of the season.

The 25-year-old contributed 10 goals and 12 assists from 39 appearances in the Championship, helping Leeds secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

Manor Solomon asking price

Spurs have set an asking price of £20 million for Solomon this summer, although Leeds are reportedly hopeful of signing him for closer to £15 million.

Farke will be keen to bolster his attacking options for life in the Premier League, and that includes retaining the winger beyond this loan spell.

Solomon struggled for game time under Ange Postecoglou prior to his loan move, and it remains to be seen whether he has a future with the London outfit.

Postecoglou’s own future is in doubt after a disappointing top flight campaign, but victory in the Europa League might be enough to stave off any threat of dismissal.

Leeds also face competition from the likes of Everton in the race to sign Solomon, as well as Ligue 1 club Marseille.

Solomon has a contract with Tottenham Hotspur until the summer of 2028, meaning they hold a lot of leverage in any potential talks in the upcoming transfer market.

Leeds United’s Premier League promotion

Solomon proved a key part of Leeds’ promotion back to the Premier League, contributing towards 22 goals.

In particular, in the last six fixtures, he scored three and assisted five, which helped secure top spot in the Championship.

Given his performances, it comes as no surprise that it’s understood his preference is to remain with Leeds beyond this season.

However, no movement has been made just yet on securing a deal beyond this loan spell.

Leeds will need attacking reinforcement this summer

Leeds need to bolster their attacking options for life in the Premier League, and going back in for a permanent move for Solomon would be a solid start.

The £20 million asking price might be a bit much, but the £15 million mark could be a reasonable compromise to finding a deal.

Solomon has performed well in the Premier League in the past with Fulham, which led to his move to Spurs.

If he can recapture that kind of form, then he’ll prove a valuable asset to Farke’s side in the top flight, should a deal go through in the coming months.

Tottenham Hotspur are very keen on a move for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, and there is a growing belief at the club that they could win the race for the striker.

Even though it has been a miserable campaign in the Premier League for the Tractor Boys, with their relegation confirmed in late April, it has been a positive season for Delap on an individual level.

The 22-year-old has scored 12 times in 34 games, and he has impressed with his ability to lead the line as a number nine.

Spurs hope to muscle to the front of Liam Delap transfer queue

Therefore, with reports confirming Delap has a release clause of £30m, it’s no surprise a whole host of clubs have been linked with the England U21 international.

The likes of Man Utd and Chelsea are thought to be keen, among a host of other clubs, but it’s Spurs who are now thought to be pushing hard to land the youngster.

That’s after Give Me Sport revealed there is ‘confidence behind the scenes’ at the north London outfit that they could secure his signature.

The update explains that Spurs may be in the market for a striker as there are doubts over Richarlison’s future, and they see Delap as a ‘bargain’ option due to the release clause in his contract at Portman Road - even if he is expected to command a hefty salary.

Liam Delap will have a big decision to make about his future

It’s no surprise to see there are so many admirers of Delap, because he is a young, talented striker who has proven that he can score goals in the top-flight.

Simply put, those players are hard to find, so for him to have a £30m release clause means he will be one of the bargain signings of the summer, which is why so many are keen.

Ultimately, he is going to be in a position where he can decide his next move, and the appeal of Spurs is obvious in that they are a big club who play in a fantastic stadium, and if they can win the Europa League, they will be able to offer Delap Champions League football.

But, others will be attractive to Delap as well, and he will have to weigh up plenty of factors before making a decision.

From Ipswich’s perspective, there will be a sense of frustration with the release clause, as they could have commanded a bigger fee, but it may have been integral in convincing Delap to move to them in the first place.

One positive is that you would expect a transfer to happen relatively quickly, which will allow Kieran McKenna time to find a replacement and to strengthen other areas of the squad with the funds Delap brings in.

Leeds United have been dealt a potential blow in their efforts to sign Tottenham Hotspur's Manor Solomon permanently following his spectacular loan stay during the 2024/25 Championship campaign, with Marseille reportedly joining the race for the winger's signature.

That's according to a recent report from French outlet Team Football, which has claimed that Marseille are plotting a move to sign Solomon ahead of Leeds this summer.

Solomon is currently contracted to Tottenham Hotspur until 2028 but is seemingly poised to leave in the coming months, having found himself out of favour in North London over the last two seasons after joining in the summer of 2023.

The 43-cap Israeli international winger was plagued by injury in his debut season with Spurs before sealing a loan switch to Leeds last summer, where he played an instrumental role in the Whites' return to the Premier League as champions.

Solomon registered a career-best return of 10 goals and 12 assists from 39 Championship appearances to help Leeds to promotion, and scored the all-important 91st-minute winner to ensure their return as league champions in a dramatic 2-1 final day victory at Plymouth Argyle.

It's little wonder that Leeds have been continually linked with a permanent agreement for the 25-year-old, but they now appear to be facing fresh competition in what could prove an obstacle to their pursuit.

Leeds United facing Marseille transfer competition for Spurs' Manor Solomon

As per the aforementioned report, Marseille are interested in Solomon's services and are said to have gone as far as to initiate "concrete discussions" with the player's representatives.

Marseille have reportedly enquired about Solomon, whom current boss Roberto De Zerbi is described as an admirer of, amid Spurs' €17 million (£14.3 million) valuation of the attacker.

This latest development could represent a blow for the Whites. It was recently reported that Leeds intend to sign Solomon on a permanent basis this summer, with Spurs eager to offload the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk man in a bid to raise funds for incomings.

Solomon's own stance is not yet clear, and this saga will be an interesting one to observe in the coming weeks and months.

Marseille could be more attractive to Spurs' Manor Solomon than Leeds United

While it remains unclear, for the time being at least, whether Solomon would be more open to a switch to the south of France than a return to Elland Road, it would be easy to see why he could favour Marseille.

The French giants are currently second in Ligue 1 and are on course to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.

Solomon, who has previously both featured and starred in Europe's premiere club competition with Shakhtar, may well wish to return to the grandest stage once again, as opposed to potentially spending a season battling against relegation with Leeds.

Tottenham Hotspur's UEFA Europa League exploits have created a stumbling block in West Bromwich Albion's pursuit of Ryan Mason.

The Baggies rounded off their Championship season on Saturday lunchtime with a resounding 5-3 victory over Luton Town at The Hawthorns - a result that consigned their opponents to back-to-back relegations - with former midfielder James Morrison rounding off a two-game spell as interim boss following Tony Mowbray's dismissal on Easter Monday.

Albion knew the fate of their season heading into its final week of regular action, with Shilen Patel's immediate attention turning towards a successor for the 61-year-old, with Mason emerging as one of the favourites before links to Marti Cifuentes - which have since been quashed - and St Pauli boss, Alexander Blessin.

However, fresh developments mean that supporters may have to wait a little longer before finding out who the next man in the hotseat will be.

Tottenham Hotspur's UEFA Europa League exploits causing West Brom, Ryan Mason stumbling block

It was reported the day after Mowbray's last game in charge, a 3-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Derby County in B71, that Mason, who has previously overseen 13 games as interim boss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in between duties as an academy coach and assistant manager, was fronting the queue.

Such news was reported by Alan Nixon via Patreon, with the 33-year-old said to be a key reason behind the North London side's run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, where they emerged 3-1 victors over Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt in the first leg on Thursday night, with it looking highly probable that Ange Postecoglou's side will face Manchester United in the final in Bilbao on May 21st.

Nixon initially reported that Spurs' developments on the continent could cause the Baggies issues in their pursuit despite a dismal Premier League season, and that has continued to be case, as per a fresh update from the journalist.

Unsurprisingly, the side from the capital have their sights set on winning the competition, which would give them a route into the UEFA Champions League, although the timing in relation to the conclusion of the second-tier is causing the West Midlands side issues.

The report continues to state that the Baggies' hierarchy are willing to wait when it comes to striking an agreement with any potential candidates. But, a delay in their pursuit of the highly-rated Spurs figure could see other candidates move into pole position as a pivotal off-season at The Hawthorns begins.

West Brom supporters may be willing to accept Ryan Mason wait

In the current footballing landscape, every supporter wants immediate clarity regarding club matters, especially on key decisions such as the latest man in the hotseat.

However, in this case, Albion supporters may be willing to accept a slight delay in proceedings as Mason can bring along fresh, youthful ideas that would increase optimism in B71, having endured a chaotic season and plenty of managerial turnover in recent seasons.

Those at The Hawthorns may also not be worried by the former England international's lack of experience as a 'number one', as former Spurs assistant, Chris Davies, has enjoyed plenty of success just a few miles away with Birmingham City, with the two clubs set to renew rivalries after Blues' record-breaking season in League One.

Of course, the off-season can certainly spring plenty of surprises, meaning that a more experienced figure could end up taking the reins with the door now left ajar.