Hodgson was a means to an end as a manager to steady the ship, now he’s moved on it’s time for progress and the long term Albion project to begin, now who would be the best for the job
Why he should be the next WBA Head Coach: After taking Newcastle straight back to the Premier League with no managerial experience, only to be unjustly sacked mid last season (this fact has been over shadowed by Alan Pardews success, but there was no reason to sack Chris Hughton) and playing good, successful football with a Birmingham team everybody effectively written off this year, Hughton must be a strong candidate. Financial difficulties and losing a majority of the first team at Birmingham should have seen them mid-table to relegation fodder, but instead theyre in the playoffs with realistic qualification potential. Hes adept at getting results on a budget, which would be required at the Albion, whilst his long term as a coach at Newcastle and Tottenham have set him up to work within the Albion form of management perfectly. Why shouldnt he: Theres no real reason why not, the only difficulty will be if Birmingham get promoted he will be difficult to lure away. If they dont it will take a serious wage increase for him to leave Birmingham, but not any more than Roy Hodgson was on anyway... Though Hughton is known to be a loyal manager in an un-loyal sport and we could imagine that he might stick with Birmingham despite offers elsewhere.
Michael Appleton
Why he should be the next WBA Head Coach: Well he already has been before... for one match. But still. He owes a lot to West Bromwich Albion who kept him after injuries wrecked his playing career and saw him up through the clubs coaching ranks to the stage of Assistant Head Coach last year. He was being groomed as the next Head Coach and his stint at Portsmouth could be seen as WBA letting him out for a little bit more experience. Although he didnt keep Portsmouth up he was always fighting a losing battle and managed to play attractive football in the mire with the aid of two of Albions most promising youngsters, George Thorne and Scott Allan who got their first big bite of first team football in England. Hes worked with both Hodgson and Di Matteo and knows all the players; he could continue the current success without a too big deviation in the style of football with a squad he has trained before, whilst also integrating the promising youth we know Jeremy Peace (Chairman) wants done after all the youth investment. Why shouldnt he: His managerial experience hasnt been brilliant, although he knows the club inside out, him taking control could be a difficult change for him. Although he does have the respect of all the players and their backing last season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Why he should be the next WBA Head Coach: Young? Up and coming? None fit the bill better than former Manchester United last minute goal getter Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer, a manager keen to find an in to English football to throw his hat in the ring for the soon to be vacant Manchester United job. West Bromwich Albion could be a very attractive and productive in for him. Hes won trophies in his early career and will play an attractive style of football, which is always nice. Why shouldnt he: At fear of sounding like a Sky Pundit: its a lot more difficult in the Premier League. He could be seen as a glamour manager signing, as he is quite hot property but if results dont pan out because of the change of setting and difficulty it could not end well for him or the club. Also the idea of having a long term replacement is somewhat dented by the idea of him running off to the much smaller club Manchester United in a few years.
Roberto Martinez
Why he should be the next WBA Head Coach: Plenty of Premier League experience and an attractive style of football, hed be a perfect candidate. Hes performed miracles with Wigan, a team who really should have been relegated by now without spending too much; but could be looking for a step up in his career away from a team who have to battle relegation every season. Why shouldnt he: Well he seems to be only capable of motivating teams in March/April, which is fine, but for a team who have had small ambitions of Europa League football, a glorious escape from relegation is a little much from them. Maybe with Albions players and resources he could achieve more, that remains to be seen. Also he is almost unnaturally loyal and would be difficult to pry away from Wigan.
Derek McInnes
Why he should be the next WBA Head Coach: After being Albion captain for their first of many one hit wonders in the Premier League, he has the love of the crowd and the board and was tipped for the job last season before Roy Hodgson got the position. Made good progress in Scotland before moving over to Bristol City where he successfully averted relegation despite them being bottom of the table. Hes got Albion credentials and is a strong, long term candidate for the job. Why shouldnt he: Saving a Championship club from relegation at your first attempt is a wonderful achievement, but the board may be looking for someone with more consistent success to take the reins of a team not quite assured of yearly Premier League survival. Comments welcome below with who you think would be the best WBA Head Coach candidate.
