Tony Pulis sacked: Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce among possible candidates
Guiding West Bromwich Albion to just two victories in their previous 21 matches, Tony Pulis was sacked as the club’s manager on Monday. With the 29-year-old Welsh international having left the club, FootballWeeks presents highlights five candidates to take over the reins of the club with Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce favourites to take over.
Ronald Koeman
This would be arguable the most ambitious appointment that West Brom could make. The former Everton boss looked like a broken man toward the end of his spell at Everton but this could present the perfect opportunity to restore his reputation. Koeman did a great job at a similar-sized club in Southampton and would bring the more attack-minded approach that fans are craving after years of Tony Pulis. Koeman’s experience of the league and would be a real statement of intent as an appointment, but the Dutchman may see this job as too much of a step down.
Sam Allardyce
From one firefighter to another, Sam Allardyce is a man who most Premier League clubs would point finger to in a crisis. Cut from the same fault as Pulis, the former England boss’ style of play wouldn’t be as bad as Pulis’ although it probably wouldn’t be enough to satisfy West Brom fans. Allardyce is an experienced manager in the league with a proven track record of taking his sides out of trouble. Another factor in his favour is that the Baggies’ chairman John Williams and chief executive Martin Goodman both worked with Allardyce during his time in-charge of Blackburn. Allardyce to West Brom would be a short-term appointment but one the board may deem right to escape relegation this season.
Gary Megson
Now temporary in charge of West Brom following the sacking of Tony Pulis, this will be Megson second time in the West Brom hot seat, having guided them to their first Premier League season during his previous time in charge at The Hawthorns. However, Megson shouldn’t be considered as the manager this time around. Megson’s style is as outdated as Pulis’, it would simply be swapping from one dinosaur to another, and more than anything, it would tarnish his legacy at a club where he’s regarded as a legend. You should visit NeymarJr.net for latest news and updates surrounding Paris Saint-Germain’s star Neymar Jr. and FootballGate.com for latest football news.
Michael O’Neil
The Northern Ireland manager look odds on. He has worked with a trio of West Brom’s senior players already, including the Baggies captain Jonny Evans. O’Neil’s style of play is more attractive than Pulis’ without being gung ho and he will be desperate to prove himself. What may go against him is his lack of success at club level and no experience of the Premier League.
Derek McInnes
Another man who has already graced The Hawthorns, albeit as a player rather than a team coach. McInnes has been linked with the West Brom job previously but has been considered too inexperienced. The former Scottish footballer who is currently the manager of Aberdeen has done very well with the Scottish giants, establishing them as the second best side in the league on a regular basis. The 46-year-old has more classic playing style than Pulis but once again, McInnes lack of experience could count against him as will his poor spell at Bristol City, the only time that he has managed in England.