Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Fri 22 May 2026 12:00, UK

Tony Mowbray could be back at The Hawthorns sooner than expected, with the former West Bromwich Albion boss in contention for a new role.

James Morrison is the head coach in the Black Country, and there is no danger of him being replaced at this stage.

However, Championship rivals Blackburn are looking for a new boss, and the ex-Baggies manager is the leading candidate for the post.

That would be interesting as Rovers were right down with Albion towards the bottom of the table, and looked in danger at one point.

West Brom fans would probably wish Mowbray well, though, if he did take over in Lancashire.

Who are the contenders for Blackburn job?

Another former West Brom boss Slaven Bilic was a contender, but Rovers face competition from Turkish side Amedspor.

Now, Mowbray has moved to the odds-on favourite, according to a leading bookmaker on 22 May, as he is 1/3 for the job.

The Croatian is the second favourite at odds of 9/4, with Leam Richardson rated at 10/1 and Russell Martin another outsider at 12/1.

Richie Wellens is also 12/1, while several names are 16/1, with the most notable being former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard.

That means that the two ex-Thostles bosses are firm favourites to be the next man in the Ewood Park dugout.

What do Blackburn fans need to know about former West Brom man Mowbray?

Mowbray still has a lot of love among the Baggies fanbase.

Many still remember his promotion-winning campaign in the 2007-08 season, and there was hope that he could repeat those antics when he came back in January 2025, and take the B71 club back to the Premier League.

However, he struggled, with his side crashing out of playoff contention after just five wins in 17 matches upon his return.

The atmosphere turned toxic very quickly, and he was dismissed from his post before that season ended.

That threatened to derail his status in the West Midlands, and if he was to take over at Blackburn, he would have a lot to prove.

The financial situation that Albion were in probably did not help his case, but ultimately, results were not good enough for the squad at his disposal.