West Bromwich Albion Fans will now be a little impatient for the upcoming saga involving their next head coach, with the Lantern Baggers waving goodbye to Carlos Corberan all the way on Christmas Eve.
It is now halfway through January, championship Promotion hopefuls have still not succeeded in finding Corberan’s successor, though not for a lack of trying.
In fact, it looks like a deal for the former Young Boys manager Raphael Wiki Taking over the reins would have been a stress-free formality over the line, but the deal went pear-shaped at the last minute.
The West Midlands side have since moved on from a disappointing collapse and appear to have hit the ground running with Tony Mowbray He reportedly made a dramatic return to the helm, having previously managed West Brom earlier in his coaching career.
Mowbray’s final XI as West Brom manager |
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Blackburn 0-0 West Brom (May 24, 2009) |
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Goalkeeper – Dean Keeley |
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RB – Gianni Zueflon |
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CB – Ryan Tonk |
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CB – Jonas Olsen |
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LB – Paul Robinson |
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CM – Borja Valera |
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CM – Jonathan Greening |
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CM – Chris Brent |
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CAM – Robert Curran |
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ST – Marc-Antoine Fortune |
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ST – Juan Carlos Menzegues |
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source: transfer market |
A lot has happened since Mowbray named his last Knickerbockers XI in 2009 and one of his midfield picks that day was Chris Brunt, now interim manager at The Hawthorns.
Now he can hand the baton to Mowbray with a squad that falls short of the eleven the 61-year-old might have dreamed of at the end of the transfer window…
1
GK – Alex Palmer
Mowbray is unlikely to change the goalkeeping position upon his arrival, with Alex Palmer proving himself to be a top-class Championship goalkeeper over the past few seasons.
In 26 games in the second tier this season, the reliable goalkeeper has amassed 11 games without conceding a goal So it’s likely to be retained.
2
RB – Darnell Furlong
Likewise, Mowbray would not want to make any drastic changes at right-back if he returned to the Hawthorns, with Darnell Furlong’s position on the wing already as concrete as possible.
In fact, the Knickerbockers stalwart has missed just one league game so far in the 2024/25 season, with his presence helping the West Midlands side remain firm at the back.
3
CB – Torbjorn Heggam
While Furlong is an iconic piece of furniture at West Brom, Torbjörn Heggham is a newcomer who only arrived last summer.
Despite this being his first season in the English game, the 26-year-old centre-back has adapted well to his new surroundings and put in impressive performances.Average of 5.3 duels He has made 26 appearances in the league so far.
If the move goes through, Mowbray would also enjoy working with Hegham, having previously worked with equally tough Scandinavian defender Jonas Olsen during his first spell at the club.
4
CB – Kyle Bartley
While Mason Holgate has been on the sidelines of late, Mowbray is likely to bring him back into the heart of the backline following the arrival of Kyle Bartley.
After all, West Brom rarely looked vulnerable when the experienced defender was on the pitch as they won a game Pretty big 11 duels Against Sheffield United at the end of December.
5
LB – Callum Styles
Callum Styles forms the final component of this fantasy eleven’s backline alongside Bartley, who has impressed on the left flank for the Lantern Bags in recent weeks.
The Hungary international can also play in midfield, but it was in this left-back position that he made his name at The Hawthorns, even scoring against Preston on New Year’s Day. .
6
CM – Alex Mowat
Alex Mowatt has been battling injury of late, keeping him on the sidelines, but he is likely to be a starter for Mowbray.
After all, when he was healthy and on fire this season, he was Four goals and two assists.
Mowbray is also well aware of what is in the former Leeds United man’s locker, having been on the receiving end of the pearl back in 2022 when he was Blackburn manager.
7
CM – Jason Morumby
His teammate in the middle of the park is likely to be Jayson Molumby, who has now signed a new contract extension to stay at the Lightbags until 2028.
While the Irishman has had to battle his own injury demons, he has stood out when he has suited up for his side and will see the new management regime serve as a fresh start. 13 goal contributions Counted from 127 games.
8
RM——Tom Fellowes
West Brom fans will be worried about Tom Fellowes leaving this January Everton lurking in the shadows Waiting to poach the electric lantern bag attacker from his boyhood club.
However, Mowbray may be able to convince the 21-year-old to stay put and help lead his new side to the top of the league as he has already amassed an impressive haul of results 12 goals contributed In Champions Action.
9
CAM – Callan Grant
If Mowbray were to take charge again, he would certainly appreciate Callan Grant’s versatility, with Grant able to operate centrally, forward or behind a lone striker.
It is in that last position that Grant has found success in recent games, as evidenced by the former Cardiff City loanee’s goal away to Sheffield United in December. .
10
LM – Lewis Coomas
The first of two new potential additions could see the Lewis Koumas joins building On a loan deal, Mowbray is a manager who doesn’t shy away from using youngsters when needed.
After all, at Sunderland last season, the average age of his named XI was just 22.3、 That performance at the Stadium of Light also saw him bring out the best of Amad Diallo on the wing.
Koumas hopes he can play in the same impactful way for the Lightbags as he has progressed four goals Loaned to Stoke City this season.
11
ST——Ben Brareton Diaz
Last but not least, Mowbray is tasked with snapping up a new lethal striker should he arrive, with 12-goal hero Josh Maja now sidelined as he requires surgery.
With Ben Brereton Diaz having thrived under Mowbray in the past, it would be no surprise to see the Lightbags jump to the front of the queue Ahead of Sheffield United Make a deal with the Chileans.
After all, his best goal return in a single season came under the 61-year-old – 22 league goals He will arrive for the 2021/22 season, meaning he could reunite with Mowbray here.
Mowbray’s complete Dream XI: GK – Palmer; RB – Furlong, CB – Hegham, CB – Bartley, LB; Stiles, CM – Mowat, CM – Morumby; RM – Fellow, CAM – Grant, LM – Coomas; ST-Brareton Diaz