West Brom next manager: Favourite interviewed by Norwich City in Baggies blow

West Brom have suffered a setback in their search for Tony Mowbray’s successor.

Despite Mowbray losing his job at West Brom nearly a month ago, an appointment has yet to be made. 

Ryan Mason remains the favourite to take over at the Baggies, but there are plenty of other candidates who could be in The Hawthorns dugout next season.

However, West Brom have seemingly missed out on Gary O’Neil, after the former Wolves manager was interviewed by Norwich City. 

Gary O'Neil
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Brighton & Hove Albion – Premier League Gary ONeil, manager of Wolves warming up before the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton and Hove Albion at Molineux, Wolverhampton on Saturday 19th August 2023. Wolverhampton West Midlands United K…

Gary O’Neil interviewed by Norwich City amid West Brom rumours 

Upon Mowbray’s sacking, O’Neil was installed as the favourite for the West Brom job

The former Wolves manager had been out of a job since December as the Black Country club lingered in the relegation zone.

After Carlos Corberan left West Brom, O’Neil was considered for the West Brom job then before Mowbray was eventually appointed.

O’Neil would no doubt be a controversial appointment at The Hawthorns, but he is considered a top, upcoming English coach. 

Gary O’Neil’s manager stats so far
Games managed100
Won31
Drawn17
Lost32
Win percentage 31 per cent
O’Neil has only ever managed in the Premier League

However, the Baggies’ hopes of appointing the 41-year-old could now be over, according to reports.

The Telegraph (14 May) has claimed that O’Neil has been interviewed by Norwich City as the Championship outfit also searches for a new manager. 

Credit: Imago

West Brom will dodge a bullet by not appointing O’Neil

While O’Neil may be a good manager, any appointment at The Hawthorns is a disaster waiting to happen.

Many of the West Brom fanbase will be immediately against the Englishman before a ball is kicked given his Wolves links.

On top of this, O’Neil was a disaster at Molineux in his last few months, and their revival in 2025 has only cast more doubt on his ability as a manager.

If Norwich decides to appoint the 41-year-old, West Brom will likely have lost little in their hunt for a head coach.