David Prutton: ‘Very ambitious’ Gary Rowett will be lured to Hawthorns by West Brom history
West Brom remain in pursuit of a new manager after sacking Steve Bruce earlier this month, and David Prutton believes Gary Rowett could be a good fit.
Following Bruce’s sacking, West Brom are taking their time over the next managerial appointment, with the club desperately needing the new man to turn things around at The Hawthorns.
Among the candidates for the job is current Millwall boss Rowett [The Sun]. The 48-year-old has done a great job at The Den, but Prutton believes he’ll seriously be attracted by the West Brom vacancy.
Speaking via Sky Sports, Prutton said: “There will be a pull there because obviously we’ve seen the recent history of West Brom compared to Millwall.
“That’s not in any way, shape or form to disrespect Millwall given where they’ve been, specifically with their cracking home form over the last few seasons, getting near the play-offs but not quite getting into the playoffs.
“But you would think possibly with West Brom, the players that he’s got or maybe the squad that he’s got and the ability possibly in January to go again could be a bit of a lure.
“He’s a very loyal manager and character though is Gary, but also very ambitious.”
Doubtful
Rowett has done a good job during his time at Millwall, but his overall managerial CV remains unconvincing and he’d be a huge risk for the Baggies.
Of all the candidates available to West Brom, Rowett is one that boasts a lot of experience in the Championship having both played and managed in it.
But experience isn’t everything, and the Baggies desperately need someone that can navigate them away from the drop zone this season.
Rowett has spent a maximum of two seasons at every club he’s managed, and West Brom don’t really need a short-term fix at the moment.
The club needs gutting from top to bottom and a long-term plan putting in place. Rowett doesn’t fit the bill and should be discarded in the hiring process, but the club still seem interested.
If the Baggies are to seriously take their time on this appointment and make sure they get it right, they need a better final decision than just taking an in-form manager from Championship rivals.
In other West Brom news, Richard Beale expects to take charge of the Bristol City clash as the managerial pursuit continues