By Darren Bent

21st Dec, 2020 | 4:00pm

'The owners are panicking' - Exclusive: Bent on big West Brom development

West Brom owners are “panicking” but were right to call time on Slaven Bilic’s reign and install Sam Allardyce in the managerial hotseat, according to Darren Bent. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Villa and England striker said that Bilic’s dismissal was “harsh” but understandable with Allardyce waiting in the wings.

Bilic was dismissed after the Baggies won just once in their opening 13 Premier League matches following last season’s Championship promotion.

Some have questioned the clinical nature of the decision which came after Bilic’s side earned an impressive 1-1 draw away to Manchester City.

But Bent believes West Brom were right to roll the dice in bringing in a manager of Allardyce’s stature, an appointment confirmed by the club on Wednesday of last week.

“Sam Allardyce is one of them,” he told Football Insider.

“I think it’s harsh on Slaven Bilic, I like him as a manager I think he showed signs this season – Chelsea 3-3, that 1-1 with Manchester City, the 1-0 against Sheffield United – I think he’s shown that they can potentially get themselves out of it, and that they had a fighting chance.

“Obviously they’ve gone, they didn’t want to take that risk. They wanted somebody they know has got proven pedigree when it comes to doing that and that certainly is Big Sam.

“I still think he’s got a tough job on his hands but listen, I think it’s a bit harsh, but I do understand it. The owners are more panicking and thinking about this season, rather than long term.”

In other news, West Brom have been tipped to lure Newcastle United star in January after board reveal.