West Bromwich Albion are now considering a move for an “unbelievable” manager as a replacement for Tony Mowbray, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
West Brom searching for Mowbray replacement
West Brom were in a strong position to reach the Championship play-offs for much of the season, but they endured a torrid run of form during the business end of the season, with the Mowbray era coming to an end after a 3-1 home defeat against Derby County.
Ultimately, the Baggies ended up finishing in ninth place, four points below the top six, which indicates a play-off finish could be possible next season if they appoint the correct successor to Mowbray, and they have a number of potential options in mind.
Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason has been reported to be the top target, while the Albion board could also look at bringing in Steve Cooper or Russell Martin, who are both out of work after being sacked by relegated Leicester City and Southampton this season.
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West Bromwich Albion look to have a new top candidate to replace Tony Mowbray.
1 ByKelan SarsonMay 5, 2025
It could make sense to bring in a manager with Premier League experience, but with West Brom looking to secure a top-six finish next season, there may be nobody better suited to the task than Stockport County boss Dave Challinor.
According to EFL Analysis correspondent Graeme Bailey, West Brom are now considering a move for Challinor, who may be capable of leading The Hawthorns outfit to the top six, considering he has never finished outside the play-offs in his career.
The Stockport manager has been shortlisted by the Baggies, having caught the eye by leading his side to a third-placed finish in League One this season, while also leading the Hatters to promotion from the National League and League 2.
"Unbelievable" Challinor could be exciting appointment
The 49-year-old is yet to manage a club the size of West Brom, but he has managed to impress everywhere he’s been in the lower leagues, achieving a total of seven promotions and most recently leading Stockport to League 1.
Wrexham may dominate the headlines, but what the former Tranmere Rovers man has achieved at Stockport is just as impressive, with his side finishing third in their first season in League 1, just five points below the Welsh side.
The Chester-born manager, who often deploys a 3-4-1-2 system, also received high praise for his achievements during his time with Hartlepool United, leading them to promotion from the National League in 2021.
It would be a gamble to appoint Challinor, given that he has no experience as a manager at Championship level, but his stellar record of leading teams to the play-offs indicates he could be an exciting appointment for West Brom, who will have aspirations of returning to the Premier League next season.