Paul Simonis jets in for West Brom talks after new manager twist
West Brom appear to be close to appointing Ryan Mason as their new manager, but Paul Simonis looks to be a backup option already.
Tottenham coach Mason is considered the front-runner for the role, but he is yet to confirm if he will take the West Brom job.
The Baggies have been searching for a successor to Tony Mowbray for over a month, but several candidates have come and gone at The Hawthorns.
Simonis is the manager of Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles, and West Brom have taken a keen eye after his historic success there this season.
West Brom welcome Simonis to England
Shilen Patel has ambitious plans for the Albion, but these cannot be accelerated until a new manager is appointed.
While Mason mulls over the opportunity to join West Brom, it is clear they want a manager appointed quickly, and are now speaking to potential alternatives.
According to Dutch outlet Transfer Inside NL, West Brom’s interest in Simonis is concrete, and he has flown into England for talks with the Baggies.
| Paul Simonis’ manager record | |
| Teams managed | Go Ahead Eagles |
| Win percentage | 46.3 per cent |
| Honours | Dutch Cup x1 |
Simonis has spent one season in charge of Go Ahead Eagles, with the 40-year-old improving their league position after a promising season, and also won their first-ever Dutch Cup, beating AZ Alkamaar in the final.
West Brom need to appoint manager soon
With the transfer window set to open imminently, West Brom run the risk of falling behind in pursuit of their targets if they do not appoint a manager soon.
The Baggies need to decide transfer strategy in conjunction with their new head coach as they aim for promotion from the Championship.
Mowbray could not get the best out of a squad he inherited from Carlos Corberan, and any incoming transfers should be suited to the style of the manager appointed.
Whether it is Mason or Simonis, West Brom need to speed up their process and put a manager in place as the transfer flurry will begin in June.
Should Mason join, top young Spurs talents such as Mikey Moore could join on loan, with the former midfielder well aware of their best prospects.
This may make West Brom fans favour the more unproven Mason over Simonis, but either appointment would see a young manager with fresh ideas appointed after Mowbray’s disappointing return.