West Brom suffer major setback in new manager search amid confirmed Championship news
West Brom remain on the hunt for a new manager with just over a month to go until the summer transfer window opens.
The Baggies have already witnessed twists and turns in their search for Tony Mowbray’s successor, as Marti Cifuentes was placed on gardening leave by Queens Park Rangers amid links between the Spaniard and the vacancy at The Hawthorns.
But it later emerged that the QPR boss was not a candidate to take the reins in the West Brom dugout ahead of next season.
The likes of former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper remain in the frame, whereas Steven Gerrard’s position has significantly changed in the betting odds.
Watford sack Tom Cleverley amid West Brom managerial search
Similarly to the Albion, Watford boasted playoff aspirations at the start of the season, but faded away from the top-six race.
On Tuesday, 6 May, the Hertfordshire side confirmed that they had sacked Tom Cleverley and will now join West Brom in the search for a new boss.
One of Cleverley’s last games in charge of Watford turned out to be the 2-1 defeat the Hornets suffered at The Hawthorns on 8 April.
Watford’s managerial search could hinder West Brom
Before Watford had even confirmed Cleverley’s sacking, Sportscasting published the betting odds of candidates in the race to become the new boss at Vicarage Road on 5 May.
| Opponent | Result |
| Derby (H) | 1-3 L |
| Cardiff (A) | 0-0 D |
| Luton (H) | 5-3 W |
It could spell bad news for West Brom, as the Baggies have been linked with a swoop for Cooper, who is the current favourite to become the new Hornets boss.
The likes of Russell Martin and Sean Dyche have also been mentioned as potential successors to Mowbray at West Brom, but now feature in the frame to replace Cleverley at Watford.
Watford’s search for a new boss could hinder the Albion’s progress in their managerial hunt, while both Championship clubs are seemingly looking for a similar managerial profile.
Baggies owner Shilen Patel already faced a difficult decision in appointing West Brom’s next permanent manager, and the Hornets could have made that task all the more tough now.
Albion supporters will be desperate to see the Black Country outfit land a playoff spot, or even better, automatic promotion next term, though.