Grady Diangana exit confirmed as West Brom sack Tony Mowbray
Tony Mowbray will always be considered fondly at West Brom given what he achieved in his first spell at The Hawthorns, but his return has come to a meek end.
Albion have been nothing short of dreadful in recent weeks and have thrown away their play-off bid to now sit 10th in the Championship table.
Mowbray and assistant Mark Venus saw their spell in charge come to an end on Monday night (21 April), after a 3-1 home defeat by survival-chasing Derby County.
The outgoing Baggies boss’ final media duties, shortly before the crucial meeting with the board, revealed an insight into players who will depart this summer, including Grady Diangana.
Mowbray reveals Diangana exit from West Brom
Mowbray and Venus leave with the best wishes of all associated with West Brom, but supporters cannot help feeling the latter part of this season has been thrown away.
As reported by Lewis Cox of the Express & Star (22 April), Mowbray revealed the out-of-contract Diangana, who has made over 200 appearances for the Albion, will leave on a free transfer this summer.
The same is likely to be the case with John Swift, who has turned out 126 times in the famous stripes, as a squad overhaul is planned to attempt a sustained promotion push next year.
Mowbray told Cox: “I think [Diangana is] a wonderful football player, but he’s one who won’t be here next year.
“I just hope we get the recruitment right so we can have footballers who can take the place of a Diangana and a Swift, and these footballers who want to play with the ball.”
As well as Diangana and Swift, Semi Ajayi is also out of contract this summer and is expected to move on, having struggled with injuries this year. Kyle Bartley has triggered an extra 12 months on his deal, keeping him at The Hawthorns until 2026.
Baggies already underway with new manager search
West Brom are now under the interim reign of James Morrison, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill as the second managerial search of their season develops.
The Baggies are focused on at least giving the supporters a consolation of positivity to end the season, though the two remaining fixtures are against Cardiff City and Luton Town who, like Derby on Monday, are fighting for their Championship status.
As of Tuesday morning (22 April), former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil is the 3/1 favourite with BetVictor to succeed Mowbray, with Steve Cooper, Liam Rosenior and Sean Dyche also among the widely-fancied managers.
| West Brom – final two | Date |
| Cardiff (A) | 26 April |
| Luton (H) | 3 May |
West Brom need a solid summer of recruitment and a squad efficient enough to maintain the best of their ability throughout a whole season.
It just never quite felt right with Mowbray in the second spell, and it’s an inevitable move better off for all parties concerned.