Frank Skinner shared that if he was going to pick West Bromwich Albion’s next manager than he would choose Slaven Bilic.
The comedian and known Baggies supporter amusingly shared that he wanted the former West Ham boss in the Hawthorns dugout as he looked like the type of bloke who smoked 50 cigarettes a day.
However Skinner then went back to being serious by admitting he has a lot of time for Bilic so would be happy if he was appointed Baggies manager.
“If I was going to pick a manager, I’ll be very happy with Slaven Bilic, I know this is not how you should judge a manager but I’ve always had a soft spot for a bloke who looks like he smokes 50-a-day,” said Skinner on talkSPORT (12:52, Friday June 7th).
“I really like Sarri at Chelsea last season and he has that haunted look about him, of someone who is thinking I can’t have a cigarette for 45 minutes.
“And I’ve a lot of time for Slaven Bilic so I’d be really happy with him.”
OPINION
Skinner may get his wish as recent reports suggest that Bilic is the favourite to be the next West Brom manager. The Birmingham Mail reported on Friday that the 50-year-old boss was edging closer to being appointed after a second round of talks with the club about their vacant position. While Skinner jokes about only wanting Bilic due to him looking like a smoker, it’s fair to say he probably rates the experienced manager. Bilic had a semi-successful spell as manager of West Ham and enjoyed success when in charge of Croatia, so it’s safe to assume he could do job at the Baggies. The only issue is that the experienced boss hasn’t managed in the Championship before so may need some time to find his bearings. Hopefully the West Brom chiefs, if they appoint Bilic, will give him the time and resources he needs. It looks like being a big summer for the Baggies and if they want to have a successful transfer window, you feel they need to hurry up and appoint a manager.