West Brom manager hire: ‘Major update around odds-on favourite’

Fri 3 January 2025 12:03, UK

Luke Williams may be the “odds-on bookies favourite” but is not currently being pursued by West Brom in their search for a new manager, Steve Hermon has reported.

The Baggies are looking for a new head coach following the departure of Carlos Corberan, who after links with Wolves and Southampton, took charge of La Liga side Valencia last month.

Swansea manager Williams has been named among the favourites by bookmakers, although it appears those links are premature.

According to the latest update from Hermon, West Brom are not currently pursuing the 43-year-old in their search for a new boss.

Instead, the BBC WM journalist has suggested that Williams being in that position with bookies is more likely down to an agent attempting to generate speculation around one of their clients.

Luke Williams might be the odds-on bookies favourite for the Albion job but it’s my understanding that #WBA aren’t pursuing the Swansea head coach for their vacant role.
It’s likely another case of an agent drumming up interest in their client, as seen with Martin links.
— Steve Hermon (@SteveHermon) January 2, 2025

View Tweet

Football Insider also understand that former Everton defender and current Liverpool coach John Heitinga is among the leading contenders for the role.

Luke Williams would be a risky appointment for West Brom

Football Insider Opinion

There is likely to be a fair few of a Baggies persuasion who will not be all that disappointed about these links with Williams being played down.

Under Corberan, West Brom had become a team that were once again among the favourites to claim promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League.

If Williams was to take over at The Hawthorns there may be less confidence in them staying in the mix for such success.

While he previously did well lower down the leagues with Notts County and has been solid with Swansea, there has yet to be any tangible progress up the table with the 43-year-old in charge.

That could lead to questions about whether he could maintain that position for West Brom and a recent 4-0 thrashing for the Swans by a struggling Portsmouth side will no doubt add to those concerns.

With that in mind many around The Hawthorns may be happier to see the club take their time in exploring alternative options instead, as Chris Brunt does a steady job in interim charge.

In other news, Everton are plotting to sign a West Brom star.

For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.