West Brom now considering “unbelievable” 3-4-1-2 manager to replace Mowbray
West Bromwich Albion are now considering a move for an “unbelievable” manager as a replacement for Tony Mowbray, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
West Brom searching for Mowbray replacement
West Brom were in a strong position to reach the Championship play-offs for much of the season, but they endured a torrid run of form during the business end of the season, with the Mowbray era coming to an end after a 3-1 home defeat against Derby County.
Ultimately, the Baggies ended up finishing in ninth place, four points below the top six, which indicates a play-off finish could be possible next season if they appoint the correct successor to Mowbray, and they have a number of potential options in mind.
Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason has been reported to be the top target, while the Albion board could also look at bringing in Steve Cooper or Russell Martin, who are both out of work after being sacked by relegated Leicester City and Southampton this season.
It could make sense to bring in a manager with Premier League experience, but with West Brom looking to secure a top-six finish next season, there may be nobody better suited to the task than Stockport County boss Dave Challinor.
According to EFL Analysis correspondent Graeme Bailey, West Brom are now considering a move for Challinor, who may be capable of leading The Hawthorns outfit to the top six, considering he has never finished outside the play-offs in his career.
The Stockport manager has been shortlisted by the Baggies, having caught the eye by leading his side to a third-placed finish in League One this season, while also leading the Hatters to promotion from the National League and League 2.
“Unbelievable” Challinor could be exciting appointment
The 49-year-old is yet to manage a club the size of West Brom, but he has managed to impress everywhere he’s been in the lower leagues, achieving a total of seven promotions and most recently leading Stockport to League 1.
Wrexham may dominate the headlines, but what the former Tranmere Rovers man has achieved at Stockport is just as impressive, with his side finishing third in their first season in League 1, just five points below the Welsh side.
The Chester-born manager, who often deploys a 3-4-1-2 system, also received high praise for his achievements during his time with Hartlepool United, leading them to promotion from the National League in 2021.
It would be a gamble to appoint Challinor, given that he has no experience as a manager at Championship level, but his stellar record of leading teams to the play-offs indicates he could be an exciting appointment for West Brom, who will have aspirations of returning to the Premier League next season.
The West Brom next manager outsiders who could challenge Tottenham’s Ryan Mason for top job
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.
