Tony Pulis is expected to be named as new manager of West Bromwich Albion, who were also considering Tim Sherwood.
The Baggies are in the market for a new boss after dismissing Alan Irvine earlier this week, due to a bitterly disappointing start to the season. The Scot was a surprise appointment in the summer, when Pepe Mel left, and he has managed to win just four of the club’s opening 19 league fixtures, a sequence which leaves them in 16th position and just a point above relegation.
Before Irvine was appointed, Albion had interviewed Sherwood who had recently lost his job at Tottenham Hotspur. The two parties were unable to agree a financial deal though, and the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder remains available. Despite this, it has emerged that Pulis is the man the Hawthorns club want, and they are said to be close to concluding a deal.
The 56-year-old performed something of a minor miracle last season when he kept Crystal Palace in the Premier League, and did so in style, but he walked out on the club after a disagreement over transfer funds in August. He is now eager to return to the game, and it is understood he has held talks with West Brom and is on the verge of accepting an offer to succeed Irvine.
One potential stumbling block was said to be the insistence of chairman Jeremy Peace for Pulis to work within the existing director of football model. According to The Express, the Welshman has agreed to these terms, as he has been given assurance that he will have total control of all transfers. He could now be in charge for the FA Cup third round clash with Gateshead this weekend.
Pulis will surely keep West Brom in the Premier League…won’t he? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below.
