Aston Villa hero admits he’s thrilled by Ryan Mason news emerging from West Brom
West Brom are reportedly getting closer to finding a new manager for next season.
The Baggies have been on the hunt for a new manager since Tony Mowbray was sacked in April after a run of one win in eight games.
The torrid run quashed any hopes of making the play-offs as they finished ninth, four points outside the top six.
Now, more than one month on, West Brom look set to begin preparations for next season with the appointment of a new manager.
Lee Hendrie full of praise for Mason
Ryan Mason is reportedly West Brom’s number one target, and his contract as Tottenham’s assistant coach is set to expire this summer.
Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie backed Mason for the vacant job.
Speaking to Football League World, the former Aston Villa midfielder said: “West Brom are down to Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay.
“I look at this, and if I personally had to pick, I would go for Ryan Mason.
“He’s had enough time around the game where he’s learnt a lot, and he’s run the ship at times at Spurs.
“With fresh, young ideas and knowing the Championship well, means he would be a better fit if I’m being honest, out of the two.
“I think Mason would be a good appointment for them, and they have to give him the stability and drive to bring in players of his own calibre.
“He will probably attract players going into the Championship as well.”
Mason had his first taste of Championship football in 2010, while out on loan with Doncaster Rovers.
The 33-year-old continued to be loaned out in England and abroad before breaking into the Spurs side during the 2014/15 season.
Mason then went on to coach for Tottenham after being forced into an earlier retirement.
With Tottenham’s season now finished, West Brom are reportedly set to make a move to hire Mason as their new manager.
The Baggies hierarchy has already held talks with Mason and looks to ramp up their interest in the coming days.
Mason could be a risk worth taking for West Brom
Mason has managed just 13 Tottenham games in his interim spells with the club.
The former England international won just six of his games in charge, including a a loss against Manchester City in the 2020/21 Carabao Cup final.
However, Mason could be an investment from Nestor and the West Brom board, who look for more managerial stability next season.
Albion must give the 33-year-old time and a chance to put his own ideas into the team.
After years of trying to get back into the Premier League, the Baggies must accept that they might not get immediate success under such a young coach.