West Brom 'ready' to move for EFL boss if they sack Ryan Mason, Middlesbrough also keen

West Brom won 2-1 at home to Oxford United over the weekend. They fell 1-0 down against the U’s early in the second half. However, they equalised through an own goal by Greg Leigh before striker Aune Heggebo found the net.

Ryan Mason’s side are sat in 14th place in the Championship table after their first 14 fixtures. They are four points off the play-offs. The Baggies are back in action after the international break with an away trip to league leaders Coventry City.

West Brom eye Millwall boss Alex Neil

West Brom are ‘ready’ to move for Millwall boss Alex Neil if results don’t improve under Mason, according to journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon. The Scotsman has done an impressive job since taking over the Lions just over 12 months ago and they could face a battle to keep hold of him amid attention from elsewhere. Football Insider have claimed that Middlesbrough are admirers as well.

Neil, 44, took over at The Den in December last year to replace Neil Harris. He has since transformed the London club to promotion contenders. They are positioned in 6th and are inside the top six along with Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City.

The Aidrie-born man spent his playing days with the likes of Barnsley, Mansfield Town and Hamilton Academical. He hung up his boots in 2015 and started his managerial career with the latter before moving down to England. Norwich City turned to him in 2015 and he guided the Canaries to promotion to the Premier League.

Neil has since had spells at Preston, Sunderland and Stoke before Millwall came calling. He is a vastly experienced operator in the Football League and the Lions won’t want to lose him, especially to a team in the same division amid links to West Brom and Middlesbrough. He penned a new deal earlier this year.

What now for West Brom and Ryan Mason?

West Brom turned to Mason in the summer as their replacement for Tony Mowbray. The 34-year-old, who penned a three-year contract running until 2028, left his position in the backroom staff team at Tottenham Hotspur to take on his first number one role in the Football League. However, his team have lacked consistency so far this term.

Neil could be seen by the Baggies as a more steady pair of hands if they decide to part ways with Mason. After penning his extension with Millwall in June, he said at the time: "I'm delighted and incredibly proud to sign this new contract. Since my first day, the commitment and togetherness I've seen from everyone at the club - players, staff, and fans - has been really special. That unity has helped us build strong foundations for the seasons ahead, and to be a part of that journey is incredibly exciting."

He added: "I've said it many times - this club is special. It's only when you truly experience the work going on behind the scenes, speak with the fans, and work alongside the players and staff day in and day out, that you realise just how unique it really is."