Pundit makes bold West Brom promotion prediction after Dowling manager talks revealed
The appointment of Chris Wilder would make West Brom favourites for promotion next season, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 53-year-old’s experience of the Championship is exactly what the Baggies need.
As revealed by Football Insider, Wilder is a leading contender to take charge at the Hawthorns after and has already held talks with director of football Luke Dowling.
It is understood the Baggies had already been preparing for the prospect of Allardyce leaving this summer.
Wilder actually held talks with West Brom chief Luke Dowling before Slaven Bilic was appointed in 2019.
The former Sheffield United boss has been out of work since leaving the Blades in March.
Whelan insisted Wilder’s appointment would put West Brom among the favourites to bounce straight back up to the Premier League.
Whelan told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “If they’re going to get Chris Wilder, he’s a man that knows the Championship.
“He knows how to get results, a very strong personality, he will make that club stronger by him being there. There’s no doubt about that.
“I think Sheffield United were weakened by the loss of Chris Wilder when he went. Relationships were soured between the owner and him.
“It would be West Brom’s gain if they brought in a Chris Wilder, absolutely. It would probably made them strong contenders to bounce right back up.
“They’d probably be favourites with him underneath them. He knows how to get promotions, he knows the Championship.
Allardyce was appointed in December and won four out of 25 games in charge.
Meanwhile, Wilder was promoted twice with Sheffield United in three years to reach the Premier League.
In other news, a Football Insider pundit has blasted West Brom after “bad mistake”.