West Bromwich Albion have begun the search for a new head coach after parting company with Ryan Mason. The decision was confirmed in the wake of a dramatic late defeat away to Leicester City.
Mason's Departure After Leicester Heartbreak
The club acted swiftly following a 2-1 loss at the King Power Stadium on Monday night. The match saw Abdul Fatawu score a winner in injury time, extending a miserable run of form for the Baggies. It was their tenth consecutive away defeat in the Championship, leaving the team languishing in 18th place in the table.
Supporters' frustrations were audible at full-time, with chants of 'We want Mason out' echoing around the ground. A subsequent club statement confirmed not only Mason's exit but also the departures of his assistant Nigel Gibbs and First Team Coach Sam Pooley. Former player James Morrison has been placed in temporary charge as the club seeks a permanent solution.
Bookmakers Name Early Favourite for Hawthorns Hotseat
Attention has now turned to who will take the reins at The Hawthorns on a full-time basis. Bookmakers have already installed a clear front-runner for the vacancy. Former Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick is the early favourite, with odds as short as 4/1 from some bookies.
In a surprising twist, Carlos Corberan is listed as the second favourite at 5/1. The Spaniard left West Brom for Valencia just twelve months ago but is currently struggling in La Liga, having failed to win any of his last five matches. National radio station TalkSPORT has also suggested that England U21 boss Lee Carsley could be in the frame.
Full List of Contenders for the West Brom Job
The early betting market, provided by BetVictor, features a mix of experienced heads and emerging coaches. The leading candidates are as follows:
- Michael Carrick – 4/1
- Carlos Corberan – 5/1
- Gary O'Neil – 8/1
- Interim boss James Morrison – 10/1
- Michael Skubala, Russell Martin, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – all 12/1
Other notable names in the wider list include former Baggies manager Slaven Bilic, highly-rated coach Will Still, and ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, all priced at 16/1.
Critical Appointment for Baggies' Season
This managerial change comes at a pivotal moment in West Brom's season. The club's hierarchy will be under pressure to make an appointment that can halt the slide and push the team back towards the play-off conversation. With Morrison holding the fort, the board will hope to secure a new leader who can bring stability and improved results, particularly on their travels.
The decision is crucial for the club's ambitions, and the choice of the next permanent West Brom manager will be scrutinised by fans desperate for a return to the Premier League.
