West Bromwich Albion podcaster and journalist Chris Lepkowski has been sharing his thoughts on current Baggies manager Sam Allardyce and his future with the Midlands club.
This comes after Lepkowski recently co-hosted the latest episode of West Brom-themed podcast The Liquidator where he discussed a variety of subjects surrounding the club, including their recent 0-0 draw against Newcastle United in the Premier League.
On the subject of Allardyce and whether or not he would like to see the 66-year-old keep his role at the club – even if they are relegated this season – Lepkowski had this to say on the matter.
He said: “At the start, I was a bit reluctant. I thought it was very much a needs-must appointment. Several months on, I’m happy to admit he’s turned my head.
“I think that he’s done a decent job of making us better. Yes, the results haven’t improved, but on the basis of what you see, living the games, watching the games, you know that we look like work in progress in the right direction.
“For that reason alone, I wouldn’t be averse to Allardyce being given the [job in] Championship, if we were to go down. I think he would bring us back up.
“I think not only would he bring us back up, but if he was to remain beyond that, I think he would give us a stronger chance of survival in what could be this time in 18 months’ time.
“I feel he knows he knows the Premier League well enough; he knows the Championship; he knows what’s required.”
Allardyce was appointed as West Brom’s manager back in December after the sacking of their previous manager Slaven Bilic.
TIF Thoughts on Chris Lepkowski’s comments on Allardyce and his future at The Hawthorns…
Even though West Brom have only won two out of the 16 games Allardyce has taken charge of since his arrival, this backs up Lepkowski’s point that their results under their current boss have not been particularly impressive.
Would you want Allardyce in charge next season if West Brom get relegated?
Yes
No
However, with Lepkowski having seen enough from the team performances since Allardyce’s arrival to believe he has improved them in some way shows what impact he’s had on the players – and perhaps the fans.
With the club still sat in the relegation zone of the Premier League table and Allardyce’s contract set to run out at the end of June next season, it will be intriguing to see whether or not West Brom will be back in the Championship next season and whether Allardyce will still be in charge if that does happen.