‘Absolute disgrace’ – Goodman savages West Brom board, delivers verdict on Bilic future at WBA
Don Goodman believes it’s an “absolute disgrace” that Slaven Bilic’s future is in doubt at West Brom amid reports about him potentially being sacked.
After the 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace last week, a report by the Mirror suggested that Bilic could face the sack if he lost against Newcastle on Saturday.
Albion looked good in large spells at St James’ Park but ultimately fell to a 2-1 defeat thanks to Dwight Gayle scoring a header for the hosts in the 82nd minute.
Miguel Almiron put Newcastle into the lead within 20 seconds and after the break Darnell Furlong equalised with a superbly-struck goal.
However, ex-Baggies striker Gayle might be the man who steers Albion’s board towards axing Bilic with the Croatian overseeing just one win in 12 Premier League matches.
However, Goodman cannot understand why they would get rid of Bilic when the board hasn’t backed their manager financially.
“The West Brom board haven’t done Bilic any favours,” said Goodman on Sky Sports Main Event in the second half.
“If those reports that he’s under pressure are true, that’s an absolute disgrace.”
Later in the game, Goodman said: “If someone else comes in, what on earth are they going to do?”
Bye-bye Bilic?
West Brom have won just one of their last 16 league matches in both the Premier League and the Championship, have by far the worst defensive record in the top-flight this season and have only scored more goals than Sheffield United and Burnley.
If Albion were considering axing Bilic after the 5-1 humiliation against Palace at The Hawthorns, they will be seriously considering it now.
The Baggies simply had to win that game. Not even a draw would have been good enough.
It is frustrating that the team played well in spells of that game but when they have Newcastle’s backs up against the wall, they failed to punish them.
Bilic’s in-game management should also be called into question.
He took Callum Robinson, Karlan Grant and Conor Gallagher off. They are three players that he signed in the last transfer window and Robinson and Gallagher have been two of the better performers this season.
They were replaced with outcasts like Kieran Gibbs, Charlie Austin and Kamil Grosicki and none of them had an impact.
West Brom have sacked managers for less in the past.
In other West Brom news, a FIFA intermediary has warned Albion of transfer “turmoil” due to Brexit.
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