Valencia hire yet another ex-West Brom man as Corberan shines in Spain
Carlos Corberan has become a much-loved figure at his new club Valencia after a terrific start to life in Spain.
Following two successful years at The Hawthorns, the ex-West Albion manager left in December to return to his homeland.
The Baggies are now searching for a new boss after collapsing under Tony Mowbray following the Spaniard’s exit.
Valencia were languishing in 19th place before Corberan’s arrival, but have shone under the Spaniard, rising all the way up to 12th, beating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the process.
Now, the La Liga outfit are looking forward to Corberan’s first full season in charge, and are looking to improve both on and off the pitch this summer.
Ex-West Brom CEO Ron Gourlay joins Valencia
Corberan’s side have begun their summer activity with a change in the boardroom.
Ron Gourlay has been announced as the Spanish side’s new CEO, following a spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli.
Valencia said via their website: “Valencia CF are pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Gourlay as the club’s new CEO of Football, marking a key strategic step in the mission to return to the top tier of European football under the presidency of Kiat Lim.
“Gourlay brings with him over two decades of top-level experience in football, having held senior executive roles at prestigious clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea FC, West Bromwich Albion and Al-Ahli FC.
“In this new chapter, Gourlay will reunite with Carlos Corberán, following a previously successful partnership. Their proven alignment, shared vision, and leadership will form a solid foundation for driving Valencia CF toward the growth and success our fans rightly expect.”
Gourlay was appointed as West Brom’s CEO in February 2022, following the dismissal of Valerien Ismael, and had a major hand in the hiring of Corberan later that year.
Under the ex-Chelsea CEO’s oversight, the Baggies narrowly missed out on the play-offs in 2023 after losing to Swansea City on the final day, before he departed midway through the 2023/24 season, in which West Brom made the play-offs in fifth place.
Corberan looks to rebuild Valencia just as he did West Brom
Following Corberan’s excellent start as Valencia manager, he will now be looking to start a rebuild of the fallen giant, as he did at The Hawthorns.
The Spaniard arrived at West Brom with the club sitting in the relegation zone following a disastrous start in 2022/23 under Steve Bruce.
Corberan had an instant impact, winning nine of his first 11 league games in charge, taking the Baggies from the bottom of the Championship into the play-off places.
After narrowly missing out on the play-offs, he took his side’s form into the next season and made the top six before losing in the play-off semi-final to Southampton.
Now, after keeping the former Champions League regulars in La Liga this season, Corberan will be looking to bring Valencia back into consistent European contention, with a strong summer transfer window behind him.