The Daily Discussion - Who Do West Brom Turn To?

By Alex Henshaw


West Bromwich Albion have today announced that manager Roberto Di Matteo has been relieved of his duties and placed on ‘gardening leave’ with immediate effect.

The Baggies, who lost 3-0 to a Carols Tevez inspired Manchester City yesterday, have cited a run of 13 defeats in their last 18 games as reason behind the decision. Chairman Jeremy Peace has offered the following rationale:

"This has been a tough decision. But we, as a board, believe it is the right one to give the club the best possible chance of remaining in the Premier League."

"Roberto embraced the structure in which we wanted him to work and he has been a good colleague. However, we are in a results-driven industry and felt we had no choice but to act now."

Di Matteo leaves West Brom lingering precariously above the relegation zone in 16^th position with 26 points from 25 games. However, their recent form comes in stark contrast to the newly promoted side that took the early part of the Premier League season by storm.

After being crushed 6-0 on the opening day of the season by a rampant Chelsea, The Baggies confounded their doubters by beating the likes of Birmingham and Manchester City before recording a breathtaking victory over Arsenal at The Emirates. Di Matteo also received plaudits for instilling the team’s fearless and attacking brand of football.

The timing of the decision will be questioned by the West Brom faithful. Despite languishing in 16^th, Albion welcome fellow relegation rivals West Ham and Wolves to The Hawthorns in consecutive weeks. Di Matteo would have considered both excellent opportunities to advance up the league.

Peace and his board clearly have a different view, and who they turn to next will have a basic remit: preserve the club‘s Premier League status.

The shorltilst will undoubtedly have two exceptional candidates somewhere near the top. Sam Allardyce, recently sacked by the new owners of Blackburn Rovers, would be keen to return to the right job. Martin O’Neill also made clear his willingness to return to top flight management with his ill feted flirtation with West Ham over the vacant managerial position at the Boleyn Ground that nearly but never was.

The question is whether either, or any other potential candidate, can rejuvenate a team low on confidence and tumbling down the table with worrying inevitability?