Next West Brom boss: Fans back Nigel Pearson for Baggies job
Nigel Pearson has emerged as the favourite choice of fans and former players to be next Albion manager.
Pearson, who currently manages Belgian second tier team OH Leuven, was Bryan Robson’s assistant at the Baggies for nearly two years.
The 54-year-old went on to win promotion to the Premier League with Leicester in 2014, but has not managed in England since October 2016.
The former Baggies coach received the most votes in an Express & Star poll of 10 potential candidates for the vacant Albion job.
Pearson received 23 per cent of the votes, with former Wolves boss Mick McCarthy coming second with 17 per cent and ex-Baggies skipper Derek McInnes third with 16 per cent.
Pearson has also been given the backing of Albion’s former players, and is the first choice for many of those who still attend games and take an interest in the club.
A number of former players feel he would be a good fit based on experience, strength of character and knowledge of that particular division.
McCarthy is currently the shock bookies favourite to be next Albion manager, and the straight-talking 59-year-old has responded to the links with the job.
“The Albion? That would p*** a few people off wouldn’t it?” he said, with a smile. “But you know me, I like p***ing people off.”
The former Wolves boss is due to leave Ipswich Town at the end of the season after it was announced the club would not be renewing his contract.
Albion are looking for a new head coach after parting ways with Alan Pardew by mutual consent on Monday following nine straight defeats.
Darren Moore has been put in temporary charge until the end of the season, when a new man will be installed.
Moore took training for the first time as caretaker boss yesterday and welcomed Nacer Chadli back for his first full session since December.
The Belgian playmaker, who has only played 16 minutes for Albion since October, has been sidelined for the majority of the season after injuring his thigh last year.
He is now expected to be available for selection for this weekend’s clash with Swansea City at The Hawthorns.
Meanwhile, veteran midfielder Gareth Barry has reportedly triggered a 12-month extension to his Albion contract.
