West Brom chiefs Luke Dowling and Mark Jenkins are set to hold talks this week over potentially bringing in two new coaches to help support James Shan as the caretaker looks to take charge until the end of the season, according to the Express and Star.
The newspaper claim on their website that the Baggies top brass are likely to keep the current man in the manager’s hot seat in place for the rest of the season and will discuss the option of bringing in some fresh blood to boost the coaching staff after Darren Moore’s sacking saw Graeme Jones and Wayne Jacobs follow him out the door.
Michael Appleton, Craig Shakespeare, Steven Reid and Kevin Phillips are said to be the names in contention for a temporary role until the end of the season.
Opinion
Shan has done very little wrong since stepping into the fray in place of Moore – although that is exactly how his predecessor was handed the permanent job and look how that turned out. It seems the Baggies board, whether it is through their faith in his abilities or lack of alternative options, are willing to give the caretaker boss the chance to prove his ability to lead the club to glory and by giving him the chance to recruit some new coaches, show that this could prove to be something long term. The four names mentioned are individuals who all possess great experience in football and in Appleton and Shakespeare a vast amount of time in the dugout themselves. The club obviously feel Shan’s weakness lies in his lack of time as a senior coach and manager and so bringing a wise old head to support him makes perfect sense.