West Brom board deserve credit for ‘proactive’ Carlos Corberan contract decision
West Brom’s much-maligned board deserve credit for being “proactive” in deciding to offer Carlos Corberan a new contract, following Leeds United’s managerial interest, according to journalist Matt Maher.
The former Huddersfield Town and Olympiakos manager had been strongly linked [Sky Sports, 7 February] with the vacant managerial post at Leeds, following the sacking of manager Jesse Marsch on Monday [6 February].
Reports in the Daily Mail [7 February] suggested that Corberan was considering leaving the West Midlands and returning to Elland Road where he worked under Marcelo Bielsa.
However, things took a dramatic turn when West Brom swiftly announced on Wednesday [WBA website, 9 February] that the Spaniard had signed a new deal at the Hawthorns, extending his stay until 2027.
And Maher, writing in his column for Express & Star [10 February] claimed that Marsch’s sacking would have worried the board but praised them for their proactive decision to offer Corberan a new contract, following his impressive spell so far.
He wrote: “Marsch’s sacking sent shivers through Albion’s fanbase as Corberan was immediately installed as favourite to replace him. Fortunately, the nail-biting lasted little more than 24 hours as the Spaniard signed a contract extension, committing his immediate future to the Baggies.
“How close was he to joining Leeds? All indications are not very and while some supporters might take umbrage at reports even initial talks took place, the reality is football is a brutal business where loyalty on both sides is thin. No player or manager worth their salt wouldn’t at least instruct their agent to get an idea of where their land lies.
“The most important thing is when a contract extension was offered, Corberan signed. Credit is due to Albion’s often-maligned board for being proactive and not allowing a potentially unsettling situation to fester.
“With 10 wins in 13 Championship matches, since he arrived, Corberan’s appointment has so far proved a masterstroke.”
Future secured
The Baggies have enjoyed a stunning transformation since the Spaniard’s appointment in October, winning 10 of their 13 games since he was installed and going from relegation favourites to playoff promotion hopefuls in the matter of just a few months.
Such form, progression and a stark renaissance simply had to be rewarded, especially admist all the interest and pressure from Leeds United on the Spaniard to accept a fairytale return as Marsch’s successor.
The Spaniard would not have been scolded for being tempted by the offer, but he really couldn’t jeapordise the tremendous work he’s currently doing at the Hawthorns.
The Baggies board have been heavily criticised for their scandalous operations in recent months, but their decision to swiftly hand the former Huddersfield Town manager a new contract is indeed a masterstroke.
With his future now secured in the West Midlands, the club can now look ahead and work towards building a successful future.
In other West Brom news, this Baggies striker will be gutted by the news that Corberan has signed a new deal at the Hawthorns.