Championship betting tips: Tottenham Hotspur’s Ryan Mason favourite for West Brom job
West Bromwich Albion are destined for another season in the Championship as the club failed in their pursuit of a top-six finish.
Veteran manager Tony Mowbray departed shortly after a 3-1 home defeat against relegation-threatened Derby County.
James Morrison, who made over 300 appearances for the Baggies, took charge of the following game against Cardiff City.
Following a goalless draw, West Brom’s place in the second tier of English football was confirmed, with the club now in search of a replacement.
With the managerial hot seat up for grabs, Transfer News Blitz’s Harry Whitfield examines the bookmakers' frontrunners to take over at the Hawthorns next season.
Ryan Mason
The youngest ever Premier League manager, Ryan Mason took interim charge of Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 29 back in 2021.
Since then, the Englishman has taken up roles as a first-team coach and assistant head coach at the North London club, the latter of which he still occupies.
Mason has yet to venture into management full-time, with his brief caretaker roles at Spurs being his only experience thus far.
Nevertheless, bookmakers have listed him among the favourites to take over at West Brom.
An odd choice, certainly considering how well former England internationals, like Wayne Rooney, have fared in the Championship.
However, the Baggies’ hierarchy could be hoping for Mason to succeed like Frank Lampard has at Coventry City.
BEST ODDS: 5/4 (BetVictor)
Marti Cifuentes
The Spanish manager has been placed on gardening leave by Queens Park Rangers following reports suggesting he had met with representatives of West Brom.
Marti Cifuentes was set to take charge of the Hoops’ final match after he guided the club to safety once again.
But an apparent fallout has led to Cifuentes in need of a new club, however, Sky Sports News reported that he is not on the Baggies’ shortlist for a new manager.
That hasn’t stopped the bookies from listing him as one of the favourites for the position.
Who knows, with his experience in the Championship, West Brom may change their stance.
BEST ODDS: 2/1 (BetVictor)
Steve Cooper
Sacked by Leicester City after a poor run of form, Steve Cooper’s second stint with a Premier League side did not go well.
The Welshman, however, does have experience in taking sides up to the top-flight of English football, as he was victorious in the 2022 Championship play-off final with Nottingham Forest against Huddersfield Town.
Whilst he is not the favourite for the job, Cooper is a solid option should West Brom opt for a manager with previous experience in guiding clubs to promotion.
BEST ODDS: 6/1 (BetVictor)
Russell Martin
Another manager whose stint in charge of a Premier League side did not last long, Russell Martin is still on the hunt for a new job following his dismissal as Southampton manager.
He guided the Saints to promotion via the play-offs, defeating Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley before departing the club before Christmas.
Martin has been linked with a return to his former club, Norwich City, who replaced Johannes Hoff Thorup with Jack Wilshere in recent weeks, but West Brom are also considering a move for the 39-year-old.
The bookies suggest the young manager is unlikely to be considered for the role, but if you like a long shot, Martin is definitely worth a punt.
BEST ODDS: 16/1 (BetVictor)
Keep up with all the latest news, rumours and betting tips with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us across our social platforms on Facebook, X and BlueSky.
READ MORE: Soccer betting tips: Jamie Vardy tipped with move to Wrexham and Leeds Utd
