Steve Madeley: Luke Dowling fears cast aside as Xu Ke spearheads West Brom bid for Valerien Ismael
West Brom chief executive Xu Ke has been a driving force behind their recent attempt to prise Valerien Ismael from Barnsley, according to The Athletic.
The West Midlands club have been without a manager since Sam Allardyce announced last month that he would be departing The Hawthorns after he was unable to inspire the Baggies to Premier League survival.
Albion have suffered a number of disappointments in their search for his successor, but they appear to have finally found another number one candidate in Ismael.
According to many well-placed journalists, including The Athletic’s Steve Madeley, Albion have opened talks with the Tykes about appointing the 45-year-old Frenchman.
This news comes just days after sporting and technical director Luke Dowling exited the club after appearing to be at odds with the club’s hierarchy over their pursuit of a new manager.
Indeed, Madeley claims Ismael was previously ruled out of the running due to concerns over Barnsley’s style of play, which was considered as “too direct” by Dowling.
However, he looks to be a firm favourite of chief executive Xu Ke and other directors who believe the “intensity” of Ismael’s approach will excite Albion supporters.
Dowling days are over
Are we finally beginning to find some sense of order about the club, amid chaotic recent scenes?
Part of the issue in our search for Big Sam’s successor seems to reside in the in-fighting amongst Albion boardrooms big wigs.
Those with the most power seem to have forgotten all sense and caused mass disruption behind the scenes, with no semblance of sanity or control.
How can a club operate properly when there is no logic or philosophy behind an approach or decision?
Dowling may well have his grievances with how much control he was actually ceded, but at least now there is one less heavyweight trying to dictate proceedings.
Yet, we still can’t be confident a deal for Ismael will go through.
We’ve been burned too many times before, so we’ll wait until we see Ismael put pen to paper and paraded around The Hawthorns before we make any more judgements.
In other West Brom news, Kevin Phillips has admitted his shock at this Albion man’s exit.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitterfor 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.