Sky Sports say who will be in charge of Stoke City for Championship clash v West Brom on Saturday
Caretaker manager Paul Gallagher could be in charge of Stoke City when West Brom face the Potters at the Hawthorns on Sunday, according to Sky Sports News.
The online news outlet reported [13 December, 13:59] that, following the sacking of Alex Neil, the club want to spend time deciding on a new coach which could leave West Brom facing a Stoke side without a permanent manager.
Tony Mowbray and John Eustace are being considered for the manager role but a 1-1 draw with Swansea City on Tuesday night may have consolidated more time for Gallagher at the helm.
Slavisa Jakanovic is also thought to be on Stoke’s shortlist. Whoever the next manager is, it will be Stoke’s sixth manager in as many years.
As good a chance as any
Despite Stoke’s positive result against the Swans, a managerless side is as good a chance as any for the Baggies to put a run of form back together.
Back-to-back defeats to Leicester City and Sunderland halted their progress but Rotherham United presented an opportunity for West Brom to win their 10th game of the season, maintaining a fifth-place spot in the Championship.
With Sunderland’s recent turn in form, claiming wins over the Baggies and Leeds United, the Black Cats are just two points behind West Brom. They, as well as Hull City and Preston North End, are within touching distance.
A victory against the Potters at the Hawthorns is vital, with Southampton and Leeds pulling away slightly. However, the Stoke challenge is not one to be underestimated.
Since 2010, West Brom and Stoke have shared the spoils, boasting 10 wins each, with five draws. The visitors have won three of the last five fixtures between the two, with the most recent a Potters win in the EFL Cup.
In other West Brom news, John Percy has shared an Albion update on the EFL owners and directors’ test.