Pleat in frame for Albion job

Pleat, who is currently working as a football consultant to Colin Calderwood at Nottingham Forest, is understood to have spoken to Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace about the role.

Peace's blueprint for a bright Hawthorns future is to employ a technical director to work alongside boss Tony Mowbray to bring the club into the internet age.

The aim is for the new man to develop the football side of the club, allowing Mowbray to concentrate on coaching and running team affairs.Pleat carried out a similar role at Spurs during former Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle's reign at White Hart Lane, which is sure to be a factor in him coming on to Albion's radar.

The 61-year-old has a wide knowledge of the English game, having enjoyed spells in charge of Luton, Spurs and Sheffield Wednesday during his managerial career.

But it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to sway the Baggies board into handing him the chance to develop the long-term future of the club.

Albion have advertised the job since July and have employed head-hunters to a bid to fill the role, but are yet to find the right man.

And even though Pleat's name has today entered the frame I understand an appointment is still some way off.

Indeed, it is likely to be well into the New Year before a formal interview process is carried out and any appointment made.

Pleat's is not the only name to be linked with the job today, with Belgian Ariel Jacobs also emerging as a possible candidate.

Jacobs has performed a similar role with RC Genk and has admitted to informal talks with head-hunters working on behalf of the Baggies.

Jacobs is understood to have flown into Manchester last week for a meeting about the job, but refused to be drawn on his chances of moving to The Hawthorns.

"They rang in 2005 regarding a similar position at Tottenham Hotspur, but I thought it was an April Fool's joke," said Jacobs.

"We had a good conversation. Tiring, but very professional."

by Steve Marshall