West Brom fans to blame if Carlos Corberan joins Southampton – ex-Baggies player
Carlton Palmer wouldn’t be surprised if Carlos Corberan left West Brom for Southampton, suggesting the recent reaction from the fanbase could play a part.
The Spaniard has emerged as one of the leading candidates to succeed Russell Martin at the Premier League strugglers [Sky Sports], with Southampton eager to appoint a new figurehead at St Mary’s before the clash against Fulham on Sunday [22 December].
Former Baggies midfielder Palmer believes Corberan will not hesitate to leave The Hawthorns for Southampton and warned the Albion faithful to be careful what they wish for.
He told Football League World [17 December]: “Carlos Corberan has done a fantastic job at West Bromwich Albion, but the major problem for them is that they have drawn far too many games.
“Carlos is linked with a move to Southampton and it wouldn’t surprise me [if he left] as the faithful at West Brom have been getting on his back a little bit and that is the one thing that changes a manager’s mind.
“Look at Neil Harris when he walked away from Millwall, Ryan Lowe when he walked away after the job he had done at Preston.
“Southampton are a Premier League club who will pay the compensation if they have to, and I could see him leaving West Brom if Southampton come for him.
“He will obviously speak to them [Southampton] and while they are in a difficult position, he will believe he has the tools to get them back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
“So, it is worrying times for West Brom supporters and I always say be careful what you wish for.”
Carlos Corberan could leave West Brom for Southampton
Corberan has split opinion among West Brom supporters as his name continues to be mentioned in the same breath as any Premier League outfit seeking a new manager.
While a sensational move to Black Country rivals Wolves has cooled down since the initial interest was reported [Matteo Moretto], a switch to Southampton appears a very real possibility for the Spaniard.
Despite developing a reputation as a draw specialist in the Championship, his ability to consistently put points on the board is undoubtedly an attractive prospect to a Southampton side who have managed only five points in 16 outings.
However, there is still hope for the Albion faithful as the “substantial” release clause in Corberan’s contract will be a stumbling block in negotiations and, with the Saints eager for a swift appointment, they could very well move on to alternative targets should the reported £2million buyout fee prove too costly.
Regardless, leaving The Hawthorns at this stage of the season would be a huge risk for Corberan – Southampton are nine points adrift of safety in the Premier League, and West Brom are still in the hunt for playoff contention heading into the New Year.
Whether Corberan himself – or his representatives – are behind the constant speculation is up for debate, but the Baggies would kiss goodbye to all hope of challenging for promotion to the top-flight should the Spaniard leave West Brom high and dry.
In other West Brom news, Southampton fans react to Carlos Corberan news at Albion.
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