Pressure is mounting on West Bromwich Albion manager Ryan Mason after a disappointing defeat to Swansea City on New Year's Day. The 1-0 loss at the Swansea.com Stadium has left the Baggies languishing in 18th place in the Championship table after 25 games of the season.
Baggies' Struggles Under Mason
The Midlands club has found consistent form hard to come by this campaign and now sits just seven points above the relegation zone. With a crucial home fixture against league leaders Leicester City looming on Monday, the club's hierarchy faces a critical decision regarding Mason's future if results do not improve swiftly.
Artificial Intelligence Names the Leading Contenders
Intriguingly, artificial intelligence analysis has produced a shortlist of potential successors should the Albion decide to make a change. The AI's primary prediction points to Millwall's Alex Neil as a strong candidate.
The Scottish manager has earned plaudits for his work at The Den over the past 12 months and brings extensive Championship experience from previous roles at Norwich City, Preston North End, Sunderland, and Stoke City.
The technology also suggests several other notable figures:
- Michael Carrick: The former Manchester United midfielder, 44, is currently available after his departure from Middlesbrough at the end of last season.
- Liam Rosenior: Highly regarded for his work with Hull City and now making waves in France with Strasbourg, though he has recently been linked with the Chelsea vacancy.
- Gary O'Neil: The ex-Bournemouth and Wolves manager is seeking a return to the dugout after a period out of the game.
Further Names in the Frame
AI analysis extended the list to include John Eustace of Derby County and Stoke City's Mark Robins. However, both managers appear settled in their current posts, with Eustace building a play-off push at Pride Park and Robins recently embarking on a project at the bet365 Stadium after a successful seven-year spell at Coventry City.
The coming days, starting with the Leicester clash at The Hawthorns, will be pivotal in determining whether the club activates a search for a new manager or continues to back Ryan Mason to turn their season around.
