West Brom new manager: Surprise last-minute Sean Dyche twist emerges
Sean Dyche has emerged as a surprise last-minute candidate for the West Brom job, with Raphael Wicky still not appointed.
Despite the Baggies having been “finalising negotiations” to bring Wicky to The Hawthorns on Friday [Sky Sports, 10 January], the 47-year-old has still not been confirmed as their new manager.
As a result, the field remains open with other names still in the frame, and following his recent sacking by Everton, Dyche is currently the joint-second favourite at 8/1 (Bet Victor).
Those odds are ahead of previous front-runner Rene Hake and leave Dyche only trailing Wicky – who at 1/6 is the odds-on favourite – and level with early candidate Steven Schumacher in the running.
West Brom new manager race still to be resolved
Dyche emerging as one of the leading candidates to succeed Carlos Corberan in The Hawthorns’ dugout – despite their move for Wicky seemingly being done and dusted – is certainly a surprise turn of events.
The Baggies’ 5-1 thumping by Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Saturday was a disappointing way for Chris Brunt’s interim management team to end their tenure, yet their replacement is still to be confirmed.
With a record of two draws, two defeats and a single victory across their five games in charge since Corberan’s exit on Christmas Eve, it’s clear that the Baggies’ new direction needs to come quickly.
The Albion remain firmly lodged in the promotion race, but uncertainty over who will occupy the dugout going forward could make its way onto the pitch, a far-from-ideal scenario in a January transfer window.
Dyche is far from the only experienced head suggested when it comes to potential appointments, but if Wicky passes up the job, Albion could do much worse than turning to him as Corberan’s successor.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies are keen on signing a “forgotten” man from one of the UK’s biggest clubs this month.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channelfor instant updates to be sent straight to your phoone.