Tony Mowbray claim as ex-West Brom boss linked with Championship return six months on from Albion sacking

The 61-year-old made an emotional return to Albion last season - 16 years on from the end of his first and successful spell as manager where he won the Championship title and took Albion to an FA Cup semi-final.

Mowbray had been out of work after being diagnosed with cancer, but having been given the all clear he quickly made a return to management and replaced Carlos Corberan at Albion.

However, his second spell at the club did not go as planned, and Mowbray was axed after just five wins from 17 games, with the club slipping out of play-off contention.

Now it has been reported that Mowbray has been considered by struggling Southampton - as a possible replacement for Will Still.

The young coach was sacked this week after a terrible start to the season - which has left the Saints, only relegated last season, hovering above the drop zone.

The reports state that Southampton have explored the possibility of bringing Mowbray in on a short term deal - if results don't improve under interim boss Tonda Eckert, who is the Saints' under 21 boss.

It has also been widely reported that the Saints are considering bringing Russell Martin back to the club, following his ill-fated spell at Rangers.