West Brom fans left confused by latest new manager search development

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West Brom are just one of the many clubs looking for a new manager this summer, and now a promising update has emerged on their pursuit.

With the likes of Norwich City, Cardiff City and Hull City looking for new managers to guide them into the 2025/26 campaign, there are plenty of clubs battling to land the right appointment.

West Brom sacked Tony Mowbray in April after failing in his mission to get the Baggies into the Championship play-offs.

James Morrison was placed in temporary charge until the end of the season, but there was no intention of handing him the job full-time, with Ryan Mason fitting West Brom’s profile.

Mason is currently an assistant coach at Tottenham, who recently celebrated their Europa League final victory over Manchester United. However, he could quickly find himself in his first full-time managerial role.

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West Brom fans react to Ryan Mason manager update

On Tuesday, Telegraph journalist John Percy revealed that Mason is Albion’s number one target and an official approach expected in the coming days.

Although the 33-year-old is a promising, young coach, there’s always a risk in appointing someone who has never managed full-time.

The Baggies’ director of football, Andrew Nestor, also previously spoke about using a data-driven approach to scouting, and West Brom fans have pointed out that this hasn’t been used in this instance, with Mason possessing no data as a manager.

Reacting to this update on X, one fan wrote: “So it looks more than likely it will be Ryan Mason after the news breaking today. Still baffled at the data approach without any data but the club clearly see something in him.”

“‘Data-led approach’? How can you have access to reliable data on an asst coach who’s had two spells as interim boss totalling 13 games, all played over two years ago?” another questioned.

“Like to see the data used for Mason!” someone else exclaimed.

“If we are to hire Ryan Mason then I’m fascinated to understand how hiring a manager with 13 games in management was “data-driven,” a fifth commented.

“Doesn’t seem to be ‘data driven’ as the managerial data for Mason is just a few interim games,” another said.

While some fans were angry at Nestor’s previous comments, others are willing to give him a chance, with one supporter using Steve Clarke’s success as an example.

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What is Mason’s footballing philosophy?

Hiring Mason is undoubtedly a risk as he’s only taken charge of 13 matches as a caretaker.

But in terms of his style of football and what he would bring to the Hawthorns, the former Hull City midfielder implements a possession-based approach and is also known for wanting to control the game and squeeze the opposition through territorial dominance.

So, it appears Mason likes a lot of pressing and possession in dangerous areas, something that has become very common in the modern game.