‘Huge gamble’ – Exclusive: Phillips baffled by who West Brom reportedly want to replace Bilic
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Slaven Bilic’s future at West Brom appears to be hanging by a thread after West Brom lost 2-1 to COVID-hit Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Last week, after the 5-1 loss to Crystal Palace, the Mirror ran a report which suggested Bilic might be sacked if he lost the game at Newcastle.
It was also understood that Albion have started looking into potential replacements for Bilic, with Charlton manager Lee Bowyer being one of them.
According to ex-West Brom striker Kevin Phillips, the 43-year-old would be a risky appointment.
“Lee Bowyer, that surprises me,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“As much as I admire what he’s done, he’d be a huge gamble. He’s got a fantastic career ahead of him but for me, he wouldn’t be the right choice.”
Bowyer has been in charge of Charlton since 2018, which is his first job in management after a playing career saw him play for England, the Addicks, West Ham, Leeds, Newcastle, Birmingham and Ipswich.
The former midfielder has done a good job at Charlton.
He led the London club to promotion from League One in his debut season at The Valley thanks to a play-off final win against Sunderland at Wembley.
However, he then oversaw the Addicks being relegated from the Championship in a season that was blighted by injuries.
Charlton aren’t doing bad in their first season back in League One and currently sit fifth but you would hope West Brom will set their sights on someone with experience in the Premier League if they do go ahead and sack Bilic.
As Phillips says, Bowyer has made an encouraging start to his management career and the future does look bright for him.
But right now, he seems like a better bet for a mid-table Championship club rather than one trying to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
In other West Brom news, fans tore this player to shreds for his performance against Newcastle.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.