Next West Brom manager: new front-runner emerges as ex-Sunderland and Celtic boss revealed as top target
West Brom have set their sights on a former Sunderland and Birmingham City boss
Former West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Mowbray has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to make a stunning return to the Hawthorns stadium nearly 16 years after his departure.
The Baggies are currently on the hunt for a new head coach to succeed Carlos Corberan in the dugout after his decision to leave for Valencia in December.
Corberan described leaving the promotion-chasing West Midlands club as one of the ‘hardest’ decisions of his life and added: "In my more than two years here I have only felt love from this community and the decision to leave has been the hardest of my life.
“There will always be a place in my heart for this special club and I hope one day I can return to thank you all for your incredible support."
Former West Brom midfielder Chris Brunt and Damia Abella have taken interim charge of the Baggies since Corberan’s departure, with the help of former goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.
In that time, West Brom have picked up four points from a possible 12 while falling from sixth to seventh in the Championship table.
West Brom were heavily linked with the likes of Rene Hake, Raphaël Wicky and most recently ex-Everton and Burnley boss Sean Dyche, but now appear to have their sights set on a manager with a proven track record of leading the Baggies into the top-flight.
How did Tony Mowbray fare in his last spell at West Bromwich Albion?
Tony Mowbray joined West Brom in October 2006 after an impressive stint with Scottish Premiership side Hibs which had seen him secure a top four finish in both of his seasons in Edinburgh.
He joined a West Brom side that had just been relegated under Bryan Robson and was tasked with restoring the club’s fortunes after a slow start to the campaign. During his first season, he led West Brom to a fourth place finish before falling short in a 1-0 Play-Off final defeat to Derby County.
Mowbray sat this as an ideal opportunity to rebuild the team and sold a number of his more experienced names to raise funds for long-term favourites such as Chris Brunt and James Morrison.
This method worked to great effect and while playing a front-foot and expansive style of football, the Baggies steamrolled their way to the title with 81 points while scoring an impressive 88 goals from 46 matches, with Kevin Phillips in particular shining with 22 league goals.
However, Mowbray’s side struggled to make the jump up to the Premier League and were relegated in 20th position a year later while picking up just 32 points. Mowbray remained popular despite relegation but agreed to leave in the summer of 2009 when Scottish giants Celtic came calling.
Could Tony Mowbray return to West Brom?
Former Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland and Birmingham City boss Tony Mowbray is now the clear front-runner to take the reins at the Hawthorns for the first time in 15 years.
The 61-year-old is keen to return to the dugout after being diagnosed with bowel cancer during his time with Birmingham City 12 months ago.
The Express & Star wrote: “Mowbray as spent a number of months out of the game, but it was revealed ast week that talks had taken place between Albion and their former boss.
“The former defender, who has had a number of successful managerial spells in the Championship, is awaiting the green light to return to work following his health problems.
“Following talks last week, it is believed Albion decided to head in a different direction as they pursued a deal for Wicky. However, following developments earlier this week, it is thought the club could still mount a bid to bring the much loved former boss back to The Hawthorns.”