The West Brom new manager outsiders who could challenge Spurs' Ryan Mason for top job
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The latest contenders as West Brom carry out their search for a new manager.
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West Bromwich Albion’s search for a new head coach continues following the parting of ways with Tony Mowbray a fortnight ago.
The Baggies relieved Mowbray of his duties just three months into a two-and-a-half-year contract at The Hawthorns after the 61-year-old won only five of his 17 matches, losing eight and drawing the other four. The 3-1 defeat to relegation battlers Derby County proved to be the final straw.
It was a great shame it didn’t work out for Mowbray after he was welcomed back for an emotional return 16 years on from his initial exit. His historic first stint included a Championship title, still reminisced about by many in the present day. When Mowbray rejoined Albion, he had only just been given the all-clear after recovering from the bowel cancer scare that had ended his time at Birmingham City prematurely.
Football is a results business, though, and Albion’s higher-ups removed all emotional ties when making their decision. Football moves on and the Baggies are now being patient in their approach to hiring Mowbray’s successor, making their way through a shortlist of candidates.
Tottenham Hotspur first-team coach Ryan Mason has been the clear favourite ever since Mowbray’s exit and there was a significant update on Monday. The Sun reports that Albion are so eager to appoint Mason that they are willing to wait for Spurs’ season to end to make it a reality.
No other reports have followed, however, and Birmingham World hasn’t heard of any West Brom talks with Mason, let alone anything advanced. That doesn’t mean Albion aren’t keen on the Spurs man, but it makes it less likely than The Sun makes out.
Who else could be in contention for the West Brom job?
If Mason isn’t the one for the Baggies, then, who else could be lined up? Well, West Brom are remaining very tight-lipped about the whole situation with very little being given away. As a result, many of the outsiders we are about to list are based more on logic and gut feeling than anything substantial.
Raphael Wicky, spoken to in January before Mowbray was appointed, could be an outside shout. The former Basel and Young Boys manager was close to joining the Baggies at the turn of the year but the deal fell through due to complications over backroom staff.
It’s unknown whether West Brom have sounded out Wicky again this month - or vice versa - but an effort could be made to resolve the previous hiccup. All parties were keen at the time and the prospect of a summer rebuild could prove tempting. As it stands, the bookies aren’t even listing Wicky as an option for punters to back.
Marti Cifuentes was briefly a firm favourite to be appointed by West Brom when he was placed on gardening leave by Queens Park Rangers. The Telegraph initially reported that Albion were going to enter talks with Cifuentes before going back on their information, instead ruling out a move.
That would suggest Cifuentes won’t be going to West Brom, but that could change. Strange and sudden twists in narrative are common in football and Cifuentes is still expected to move on from QPR. It’s not as likely as the bookies would suggest (2/1) but it’s possible.
Russell Martin, relieved of his duties by Southampton earlier in the season, is yet to earn a proper mention. The 39-year-old earned promotion with the Saints via the play-offs in 2023/24 and would be tasked with repeating those heroics with West Brom if he were to be approached.
Martin certainly backs his ability and may be waiting out for a Premier League opportunity, but beggars can’t be choosers and Albion coming knocking could be tempting. The ex-Southampton man plays entertaining, fast-flowing football and could help get the best out of a host of new signings expected to come through The Hawthorns doors.
Unlike with Mason, Wicky and Cifuentes, there haven’t been credible reports linking Martin with the job. But he’s one of those who could make sense if moves for others don’t materialise. Don’t rule him out, is all we’d say. Martin’s chances stand at 16/1.
Other managers listed by the bookies - in likelihood order - are: Steve Cooper, Luke Williams, Sean Dyche, Steven Gerrard, Gary O’Neil, Des Buckingham, Darren Moore, Gareth Southgate, Rob Edwards, Shaun Maloney, Grant McCann, Lee Carsley, John Terry, David Wagner, Nathan Jones, Chris Hughton and Wayne Rooney.
