Football League World

Charlton Athletic should explore a loan move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Dane Scarlett as Nathan Jones looks to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the Addicks' return to the second-tier.

The 21-year-old striker - who was recalled from his loan spell at Oxford United this past season - could find himself surplus to requirements at Spurs following their qualification for the 2025/2026 Champions League.

Scarlett's situation was quite complex after making his first senior appearance in a 3-0 win over Elfsborg when he went back to Spurs. UEFA regulations prevent players from playing for more than two clubs in the same season - meaning he couldn't be sent back out on loan.

Spurs' boss Ange Postecoglu did say Scarlett has had a couple of disappointing loans and felt the club were better off keeping him in North London for the remainder of 2024/2025, rather than sending him somewhere that would hinder his development further.

This now makes a temporary move to The Valley an attractive proposition for all involved.

How Dane Scarlett would fit in at Charlton Athletic

There is no questioning that the Addick's attacking department has undergone huge changes in recent seasons - the exit of top scorer Alfie May to Birmingham City was a considerable loss at the time.

Nathan Jones responded by bringing in Matt Godden and Gassan Ahadme, whilst also working with academy graduates Miles Leaburn and Tyreece Campbell.

Healthy competition for places does suggest that Scarlett would enter an environment where he would need to earn his opportunities - providing that gaining a competitive edge is necessary for his development.

Furthermore, having experienced poachers around the place like Godden would prove invaluable for Scarlett's growth - offering mentorship while maintaining a nice level of pressure to perform that younger players need to experience.

Nathan Jones could get the best out of Dane Scarlett at Charlton Athletic

Charlton's style of play under Jones appears well-suited to Scarlett's attributes, on the surface of things, as a mobile, energetic striker who can operate well in various attacking phases.

The manager's commitment to developing young talent - evidenced by his work with both Campbell and Leaburn - shows he could be the ideal person to oversee Scarlett's progression.

From Tottenham's perspective, placing Scarlett back in a competitive Championship environment where he could, realistically, expect better playing time would keep their long-term interests content.

Pundit Lee Hendrie has backed Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason to be a better fit at The Hawthorns over Eric Ramsay, as Albion close in on appointing Tony Mowbray’s successor.

The Baggies have placed the former Spurs midfielder as their number one target, with The Telegraph’s John Percy reporting that the Black Country outfit are set to formally offer him the job this week.

It is yet to be known whether Mason wants to take the job though, with TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook claiming the 33-year-old is still weighing up his options.

Sky Sports have recently reported that the Baggies want to talk to Mason about the vacancy and are set to approach the London club this week to request permission, although it’s unclear what position Spurs will take regarding this.

Meanwhile, Minnesota United boss Eric Ramsay is also in the frame for The Hawthorns hotseat, with Birmingham World reporting that the former Manchester United assistant first-team coach holds admirers in the Black Country for his early work in the MLS.

It appears the West Brom vacancy is narrowed down to these two candidates, with the hierarchy keen to wrap up an appointment before pre-season begins.

With West Brom seemingly closing in on a new manager, Lee Hendrie has discussed who he would prefer to see on the touchline at The Hawthorns this term.

Lee Hendrie prefers Ryan Mason to take the West Brom job

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, pundit Lee Hendrie has backed Ryan Mason for the West Brom job, believing he has now got enough knowledge from his coaching stint at Tottenham to make a name for himself as a manager.

Hendrie said: “West Brom are down to Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay. I look at this and if I personally had to pick, I would go for Ryan Mason.

“He’s had enough time around the game where he’s learnt a lot, and he’s run the ship at times at Spurs, so with fresh, young ideas and knowing the Championship well means he would be a better fit if I’m being honest out of the two.

“I think Mason would be a good appointment for them, and they have to give him the stability and drive to bring in players of his own caliber, and he will probably attract players going into the Championship as well.”

West Brom, Ryan Mason appointment will be a gamble

There’s no doubt the appointment of Ryan Mason to The Hawthorns is a gamble, with the 33-year-old possessing no previous experience of managing in the Championship and taking on his first full-time role in English football.

The appointment could either be a disaster or a masterstroke, and it’s dependent on how quickly Mason can adapt to being the leading figure at a football club and getting used to the relentless nature of the Championship.

With consistently high expectations at The Hawthorns, it’s set to be a season of struggle or success, but Mason will have an excellent opportunity of proving his credentials and bringing about a long-awaited promotion back to the Premier League in B71.

Back in August 2009, soon to be 35-year-old Sol Campbell signed a five-year contract with League Two side Notts County – he lasted less than two months of that five-year deal at Meadow Lane.

Then former England international Campbell had played Premier League football as recently as the previous season with Portsmouth and he was a key part of the Pompey side that had won the 2008 FA Cup just 15 months or so before his move down to the fourth-tier of English football.

A storied footballer, Campbell earned 73 England caps and was a part of the Three Lions’ squads at UEFA EURO 1996, the 1998 FIFA World Cup, UEFA EURO 2000, the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2004 – only playing his last game for his country less than two years before his move to the Magpies.

Within three days of his debut for the club, Campbell had departed Meadow Lane in what was a chaotic and frankly bizarre period for the club – but Campbell bailing out would not come as a surprise to Tottenham Hotspur supporters.

The bizarre Notts County situation

In the summer of 2009, there was a high profile takeover of the club by Munto Finance, who had said they wanted to take the club into the Premier League and former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was appointed as Director of Football.

County had already brought in many players for the new season before the takeover but then added strikers Luke Rogers and Lee Hughes in the week after the takeover was completed before the arrivals of Campbell as well as Kyle Hawley, Ade Akinbiyi, Kasper Schmeichel, Johnnie Jackson and Matt Ritchie among others – whilst also being linked with players such as Roberto Carlos.

Campbell had begun to suspect that the money involved in the takeover of the club was not real and defender Mike Edwards had said that Campbell had begun to warn teammates of that.

Two days after a 2-1 loss to Morecambe, the Football League confirmed that they were indeed investigating the legitimacy of the takeover and that it had not yet been approved, demanding to be made aware of the identity of the new owners – which remained a mystery.

A day later, Campbell walked out on the club and terminated his contract, saying in his 2014 autobiography, that he “was being a mug” in believing the club’s owners were ambitious billionaires with intentions of making the Premier League.

The Football League did approve the takeover, despite not knowing the identity of the owners, a month later, and a month after that, Eriksson held talks with Roberto Mancini about becoming the new manager.

Eriksson, though, had reportedly himself grown suspicious and concerned about the finances of the club so warned Mancini and told him to wait with Eriksson’s former Manchester City and Mexico assistant coach Hans Backe taking charge instead.

It eventually became clear that the club had been acquired by convicted fraudster Russell King, who had attempted to enlist the club as a fake mining company on the stock exchange but he fled when the scheme collapsed and it left the club in financial turmoil.

Ray Trew completed a takeover later in the season to save the club from bankruptcy and, with Steve Cotterill now in the managerial dugout, County somehow achieved automatic promotion to League One as fourth-tier champions, amid all of the gloom and chaos, with Hughes scoring 30 goals in the league campaign.

Campbell’s habit of a change of heart

Having come through the academy first at West Ham United but then at Tottenham Hotspur, Campbell was worshipped at White Hart Lane as one of the club’s best ever centre-backs, making 315 appearances for the Lilywhites before the end of his contract in the summer of 2001.

Campbell had said in a post-match interview towards the end of the season that he would indeed remain at Tottenham and that he wasn’t leaving the club, even though he had yet to agree terms on a new deal.

However, with no leaks to the press as they arrived for a press conference which was expected to be Arsene Wenger unveiling the signing of Richard Wright, out stepped Campbell, who had decided to join Spurs’ arch-rivals Arsenal.

The lack of rumour or speculation that he would or could possibly move to the Gunners left north London and the footballing world in shock – so Campbell producing a spectacular u-turn, as he did with Notts County, will probably not have surprised many Spurs fans.

In terms of County, whilst they gained promotion, his own concerns about the ownership were proven to be right and, in terms of Arsenal, he did go on to become an ‘invicible’ in the 2003/04 Premier League season as well as winning the 2001/02 league title, three FA Cups and the Community Shield, also scoring the opening goal in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final defeat to Barcelona at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

Campbell could well make the argument that on both occasions he was right to do what he chose to do in the end but, on both occasions, he had gone back on his word in dramatic fashion.

Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason is weighing up whether to leave the UEFA Europa League winners and become the new manager at West Brom.

This is according to Alex Crook of talkSPORT, who reports that the 33-year-old is making a decision as to whether or not he leaves his current role - which he has held for the past seven years since his early retirement - in favour of his first permanent managerial job.

The Baggies have been without a manager since April 21, when Tony Mowbray was sacked after losing 3-1 against relegation-battling Derby County at The Hawthorns.

Mason has twice been the interim manager at Tottenham Hotspur, and famously took charge of the club's EFL Cup final against Manchester City in 2021 in just his second ever game in the dugout.

Ryan Mason is in pole position to become West Brom manager

It was reported by Football Insider on Saturday that West Brom had started opening talks with Ryan Mason to become their new head coach.

Now, 24 hours later, the Tottenham coach is reportedly "weighing up whether to leave Tottenham to become the new West Brom manager," per a report from Alex Crook.

The 33-year-old is currently a member of Ange Postecoglou's first-team coaching staff and has been a face in the dugout since his forced retirement in 2018. During that time, he worked for four different managers.

West Brom are aiming to make a swift return to a top-six position in the Championship following a disappointing end to the 2024/25 season, which saw them win just two of their final ten games en route to a ninth-placed finish.

They'll be hoping that the former Spurs and Hull City midfielder will want to end his lengthy stay in North London for a new start in the West Midlands.

Ryan Mason's interim manager record amid West Brom interest

Ryan Mason has had some experience leading training sessions and being the main tactical head on a gameday, however, having been made interim head coach at Tottenham twice after the dismissals of José Mourinho in 2021 and Cristian Stellini in 2023.

His 2021 stint saw him become the youngest ever manager in the Premier League at just 29 years old, winning his first match against Southampton. His second game didn't end in a similar vein, as his Spurs side lost the EFL Cup final to Manchester City.

Over both his periods as interim and acting manager, Tottenham won six, drew one and lost six of his 13 games in charge. An average win percentage, but one that West Brom decision makers likely won't be looking too much into, given his interim status.

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…

Leyton Orient are keen on keeping Josh Keeley at the club following his heroic performances while on loan at the club from Tottenham Hotspur.

According to Alan Nixon, the O’s are keen on finding a solution to keep the goalkeeper in the side next season, regardless of what division they’ll be in.

The 20-year-old played a key role in their run to the play-off final, including saving a penalty in their semi-final shootout triumph over Stockport County.

Keeley’s performances this season have also earned him a call-up to the Ireland national team ahead of this summer’s June friendlies.

Josh Keeley deal is vital for Leyton Orient

When asked about Keeley potentially coming back next season, FLW’s Leyton Orient fan pundit Alex Rose claimed it would be the best bit of business they could do all summer.

He praised the goalkeeper as possibly the best shot-stopper in League One this year, and believes that he has all the tools to become a top goalkeeper.

“That will probably be the best bit of business that we could do this summer, regardless of what league we’re in next season,” Rose told Football League World.

“The last three years we’ve had different goalkeepers, and we haven’t had any continuity among the backline.

“Josh has come in around October, November time and has been absolutely amazing.

“I think he’s kept 17 or 18 clean sheets, he’s won three penalty shootouts, he even scored a goal and he’s only 20-years-old.

“He’s Just had his first senior call-up [for Ireland], and that would be the best bit of business that we could do.

“He’s arguably the best shot-stopper in the league, got brilliant distribution, seems a great character.

“He does need to develop, I think physically he needs to get a bit bigger but that will come with age.

“For a 20-year-old goalkeeper, he’s been absolutely fantastic.

“That would probably be the best bit of business that we could do this summer, hopefully it’s on a permanent, but if it’s another year loan then he’s basically been our player for two years and I’d be very happy with that.”

Leyton Orient will play Charlton Athletic at Wembley Stadium on 25 May for a place in the Championship next season.

Keeley deal would be great business for Leyton Orient

While it remains unclear whether a permanent deal for Keeley is feasible, especially if the club remains in League One, another loan move would still be great business.

The youngster has proven a valuable addition to the team, playing a key role in their run to the play-off final.

It’s no surprise that Richie Wellens would be keen to keep him in the squad, as he is someone that has the potential to keep improving.

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.