West Brom next manager: Front-runner named as ex-England boss in the running
West Brom have considered former England manager Lee Carsley among the contenders to replace Ryan Mason following his dismissal at The Hawthorns.
However, they are now moving ahead with their decision to appoint Minnesota United manager Eric Ramsay after he emerged as the clear front-runner.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Carsley was uncertain about stepping away from the England setup, where he remains Under-21s manager, to take the Baggies job, forcing them to pursue other targets.
The 51-year-old took charge of six games with the senior England side, won five and lost one, and earned widespread praise for his style of play.
He has since been linked with a number of roles both in the Championship and the Premier League, with the likes of Leeds United eyeing Carsley in recent months.
Lee Carsley considered for West Brom job
West Brom have considered a number of potential appointments since they decided to part ways with Mason following a late 2-1 defeat to Leicester City.
They have not, however, veered away from their plan to hire a young and upcoming manager who they hope will lead them into an ambitious future.
Carlsey and fellow contender Michael Carrick both fit into that description, although Ramsay is now likely to take the job ahead of both of his rivals.
As I explained on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Eric Ramsey, who’s over in the MLS with Minnesota, he’s a name that’s in the frame and he’s somebody that West Brom are looking at.
“He’s the current favourite for the job and I think he’s got a real good chance of getting the job on a full-time basis if it’s a job that he wants to take as well.
“So I would say right now Ramsey’s the favourite and then you’ve got others the likes of Lee Carsley.
“He’s been mentioned as well but I don’t think Carsley’s in any rush to move into club management, he’s still happy with his job with England under 21s.
“So looking at that you would say maybe the road’s clear for Eric Ramsey to maybe get that West Brom job.”
West Brom close in on Eric Ramsay appointment
Despite ongoing discussions about the Baggies’ targets, they are finally closing in on a permanent appointment, with the clear front-runner now emerging.
Football Insider revealed on 9 January that West Brom are closing in on appointing Ramsey, who has moved ahead of rivals in his pursuit of the job.
Carrick’s emergence as a contender for the Man United interim role cleared the road for the Baggies to pursue Ramsey, and they are now close to getting their man.
The 33-year-old became the youngest British coach to receive his UEFA Pro License in 2019, and previously worked as a coach under Ole Gunnar Soskjaer at Man United.
Since taking his first full-time managerial role at Minnesota United, Ramsey’s reputation has continued to grow and West Brom are now willing to take the gamble on him.
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