It’s become so clear who should replace Tony Mowbray at West Brom, his record speaks volumes

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West Brom sacked Tony Mowbray as manager on Monday following the defeat to Derby County, and now the search has begun for his replacement.

The 61-year-old replaced Carlos Corberan in the hot seat in January and only oversaw 17 matches in charge, the last being West Brom’s 3-1 loss to Derby.

Mowbray led the Baggies through a horrid run of form at the most pivotal point of the season, with the Midlands side seeing their Championship play-off hopes evaporate.

West Brom fans reacted to Mowbray’s sacking, with many feeling it was the correct decision, while others were ‘gutted’ it didn’t work out for him.

Ultimately, after Mowbray slammed the West Brom players following Monday’s defeat, there was no way back for the veteran and it’s become clear who should replace him.

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Steve Cooper should replace Tony Mowbray as West Brom manager

West Brom join a list of sides looking to hire a new manager ahead of the summer. Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League, are eyeing a replacement for Ivan Juric.

The Saints will be looking for someone who is experienced in the Championship and there are several who tick that box, including Steve Cooper.

That is why the Baggies must go all in to land the Welshman before other clubs swoop in, as he could be the perfect replacement for Mowbray.

Cooper has been out of work since Leicester City sacked him in November, with the 45-year-old taking on a role as a Technical Observer for UEFA, which means he’s responsible for analysing matches and spotting talent in European competitions.

But, despite throwing himself into that role, the former Nottingham Forest boss will be ready to take on a new job, and West Brom should waste no time offering him it.

Although Cooper doesn’t play the most exciting football, he’s pragmatic and tactically astute, as seen during his time at Swansea City and Forest.

He led Swansea into the top six in 2020/21 before losing in the play-off final to Brentford, and sought redemption in the following campaign by guiding Forest into the Premier League after beating Huddersfield Town in the play-off final.

It’s this proven track record and his ability as a manager that make him perfectly suited to the role at the Hawthorns, who want to go a step further by finishing in the top six.

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Cooper’s record at Swansea City and Nottingham Forest

Ultimately, the biggest sticking point for the Baggies to hire Cooper is whether they can afford his wages and whether he sees the role as an attractive proposition.

West Brom have an ageing squad, and that means a huge rebuild will be needed this summer. It’s a project that could require a manager to stay for a long period, with uncertainty surrounding the future of several players.

Also, Mowbray publicly slamming players for their lack of effort doesn’t bode well for any incoming manager this summer.

However, if Cooper is confident he can take on this project and deliver success to the Hawthorns, his record in the Championship speaks volumes, and it would be a fantastic appointment.