West Bromwich Albion remain without a permanent manager following the departure of Carlos Corberan to Valencia on Christmas Eve.
While interim coaches Chris Brunt and Damia Abella have steadied the ship, the club’s search for a new head coach has intensified, with a range of domestic and international names linked to the role.
Leading Contenders
Raphael Wicky, former head coach of Swiss champions Young Boys, is now the bookmakers’ favourite to take over at the Hawthorns. Wicky is renowned for his tactical nous and European experience, making him an appealing candidate as Albion explore options beyond the English game.
Second in the running is Blackburn Rovers manager John Eustace. The former Birmingham City boss has earned plaudits for his work at Ewood Park, guiding the team into promotion contention in the Championship. His knowledge of the English football pyramid and track record of development make him a strong candidate.
Steven Schumacher, currently managing Plymouth Argyle, is another prominent name on the list. The former Stoke City midfielder has impressed with his work at Argyle, particularly in nurturing young talent and achieving strong performances in League One. Schumacher could also be in line for a return to Home Park, given Wayne Rooney’s sacking recently.
Other Candidates
Former Plymouth Argyle boss Luke Williams, currently with Swansea City, was heavily linked with the job but has since cooled speculation. Fabio Grosso, a World Cup-winning defender with Italy, and ex-Ajax defender John Heitinga are also outside contenders, adding an international flavour to the potential options. However, they’re considered outsiders, with Wicky leading the pack in terms of viable favourites.
Recent Form and Interim Leadership
Since Corberan’s exit, West Brom’s results have been mixed. The interim duo of Brunt and Abella led the team to a 3-1 win over Preston North End and a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Sheffield United. However, a Boxing Day defeat at Derby County and a disappointing draw with Swansea City highlighted the need for a permanent appointment to stabilise the team’s promotion ambitions.
Writer’s View
West Brom’s managerial decision is pivotal as they look to solidify their promotion push. Raphael Wicky’s European experience could bring fresh ideas, while John Eustace and Steven Schumacher offer proven track records in English football. The Baggies must act decisively to avoid losing momentum and ensure the squad is fully aligned with the incoming manager’s vision.
