West Brom told to expect the unexpected as left-field manager may now be hired
Matt Maher has told West Brom supporters “to expect the unexpected” as the search continues for Carlos Corberan’s replacement.
Valencia activated the Spaniard’s £2.8million release clause on Christmas Eve [Fabrizio Romano], and he is due to greet the Spanish media for the first time on Saturday (28 December) after his exit from the Baggies was confirmed.
As Andrew Nestor steps up his search for a new manager at The Hawthorns, Maher provided the latest update in his column for the Express & Star [28 December] and believes a left-field appointment could yet be on the cards.
He wrote: “It may prove to be a familiar face, with both Slaven Bilic and Tony Mowbray among those tipped to be in the early running.
“Yet for the first managerial appointment of a new ownership, it may prove shrewd to expect the unexpected. Liverpool assistant John Heitinga, who led the betting markets on Friday, would be intriguing.
“Neither should we rule out a completely different, as yet untouted name, emerging. Bilkul do not see Championship experience as essential and are prepared to cast the net far before making a decision they know they must get right.”
West Brom continue search to replace Carlos Corberan
While Corberan’s exit is untimely, no West Brom supporter will begrudge the former boss for taking the opportunity to take the reigns at his boyhood club.
The Baggies lost the first match of the post-Corberan era in a 2-1 defeat against Derby County on Boxing Day, but the board will not be forced into a rash appointment with the side still on track to secure a playoff berth.
West Brom News understands Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga is high on the shortlist but still, negotiations would prove difficult only five months after his arrival on Merseyside.
Furthermore, Shilen Patel will not be put off by compensation fees to secure the next managerial appointment [Express & Star] and will soon begin the fine-tuning process of narrowing down the shortlist.
It is paramount that Albion appoint the right successor to avoid derailing their campaign and bring a new lease of life to the West Midlands.
Despite Corberan’s efforts at The Hawthorns, his style of football was considered bland at times, and he found himself firing blanks more often than not, with 11 draws in 22 Championship outings before his departure.
The Baggies are a desirable landing spot for many top-level managers, and regardless of stature or credentials, Patel must ensure that the right man is placed in charge of leading the new era.
In other West Brom news, Albion have been given a boost ahead of the Sheffield United clash.
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