‘SOS call’ – Darren Moore reflects on time with ‘divided’ West Brom
Former West Brom manager Darren Moore has argued that he was answering an “SOS call” when he took the top job at The Hawthorns.
The 46-year-old stepped into the dugout for Albion in April 2018 with the club fighting for Premier League safety.
Despite failing to keep them up, the Baggies were suitably impressed to give Moore the top job on a permanent basis – a role he held until March 9th 2019.
And speaking to Sky Sports, Moore has now reflected on the dire situation that he faced in the midlands.
He said: “It [the appointment] propelled or sort of thrusted me into the managerial limelight really.
“The club was rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, all parts of the club were divided at the time, and I stepped in and answered an SOS call for the final six games of the Premier League campaign.
“I stepped in and managed that short spell, and it led into me continuing the role in the Championship the following season.
“That was my breakthrough.”
Full credit to Moore, from the moment he stepped into the dugout he was a breath of fresh air around the Hawthorns.
To take an average of 1.83 points per game from his first six matches, despite the fact that the Baggies were firmly rooted to the foot of the Premier League, is testament to just how talented he is as a manager.
In fact, that tally is higher than Slaven Bilic’s PPG of 1.79, although it is also worth point out that Moore’s PPG in his first full season as Albion manager fell to 1.69.
Still, it felt harsh to let him go in March last year, with the Baggies very much in the race for promotion.
Of course, if we go up this year, you could argue that the decision will have been vindicated, but Moore should be proud of what he achieved with his former club nonetheless.
In other West Brom news, Athletic journo: West Brom player may have to make ‘sacrifice’ for ‘greater good’ v Sheff Wed.