Ex-West Brom employee drops Ryan Mason sack update: ‘He’s going to be in trouble’
West Brom’s Championship clash with Birmingham City on Wednesday could have bad ramifications for Ryan Mason’s future in B71.
Mason is under huge pressure at West Brom to get the Baggies back in the Premier League, but woeful displays in recent months have left them in 17th place.
After a promising start to the campaign, one away win since August has been hugely detrimental to West Brom‘s performance in the league.
West Brom’s 3-2 defeat to Coventry is the latest in a string of results that has left supporters convinced Mason isn’t the right man to lead them forward.
The Hawthorns could hit another level of toxicity if the Baggies were to lose to ninth-placed Birmingham, and Chris Lepkowski, former head of media at West Brom, fears the worst for Mason‘s tenure if that happens.
Ryan Mason could be in danger if West Brom suffer at hands of Birmingham
West Brom are predicted to beat Birmingham, although supporters certainly won’t be feeling optimistic after recent results.
Speaking on The Liquidator podcast on 23 November, Lepkowski said he fears for Mason’s long-term future if they were to lose against the Blues.
He said: “If we have a bad result against Birmingham, I think he’s going to be in trouble. People will start to question him really seriously.
“Would you bet on it right now? I’m not sure I would?”
| Stat | Ryan Mason |
| Games managed | 17 |
| Wins | 6 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Losses | 7 |
| Win percentage | 35.29% |
The Baggies have begun their fifth consecutive season in the second tier with a whimper, and Mason has clearly struggled to adapt to his first managerial role.
His lack of experience was a concern at the start of the campaign, and the doubters have evidently been proved right.
It seems remarkable that the Baggies only sit four points behind sixth-placed Hull City, but even the staunchest Mason advocate would find it hard to argue that a playoff place looks realistic based on current evidence.
Birmingham’s attack is on fire at the moment, and Chris Davies’ side will certainly be licking their lips ahead of the clash on Wednesday.
How can Ryan Mason effectively set his side up vs Birmingham?
Jay Stansfield has notched eight goals for the Blues, but Aune Heggebo could also have a huge say in Wednesday’s clash.
Heggebo starred for West Brom against Coventry on Saturday, with his two goals against the league leaders proving what he is capable of.
West Brom’s best hope is to quickly move the ball out wide and fire in low crosses that Heggebo or Isaac Price can latch on to.
Too many times this season, we have seen Mason set up his side to control possession but not do anything with it, and there needs to be a more direct tempo to their philosophy.
Against a Birmingham side that have lost their last two away games, it’s imperative that the ball is moved around quickly in midfield to give Mason the best chance of staying in the job.
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