West Bromwich Albion confirmed on Monday that head coach Eric Ramsay had been relieved of his duties just 44 days after taking charge, bringing a chaotic chapter to an abrupt end.
It has been a torrid campaign for the Baggies. The summer arrival of Ryan Mason was initially viewed as a progressive appointment, but he too was dismissed in January. Ramsay’s short spell failed to steady the ship, yielding no victories and just four goals in eight matches.
James Morrison – current interim boss
Club legend James Morrison has once again stepped in on an interim basis, marking his third spell at the helm. With Albion hovering dangerously close to the Championship drop zone, the threat of relegation to League One is no longer unthinkable.
Morrison’s connection to the club — including two promotions to the Premier League as a player and a Player of the Year award in 2014 — offers familiarity and goodwill at a critical time. His short-term presence could stabilise the dressing room, much like the lift seen at Manchester United under Michael Carrick in a similar caretaker role.
Should Morrison guide Albion clear of danger comfortably, the hierarchy would have to seriously consider giving him the job permanently.
Below are five managerial options Albion could weigh up:
Sean Dyche – unattached
Sean Dyche recently departed Nottingham Forest despite improving their fortunes and maintaining a respectable win percentage.
Few managers boast Dyche’s pedigree when it comes to survival battles. Though best known for his Premier League resilience, he also secured two promotions with Burnley. His experience and pragmatism could be invaluable in a relegation scrap.
Russell Martin – unattached
Russell Martin continues to be linked with Championship vacancies, largely due to his promotion success with Southampton in 2024.
Previous spells at Milton Keynes Dons and Swansea City highlight his commitment to a possession-based style. However, his brief and troubled stint at Rangers — including a heavy aggregate defeat to Club Brugge — raises questions.
He was previously linked with The Hawthorns and may yet re-emerge as a contender.
Alex Revell – Stevenage
Alex Revell has quietly impressed at Stevenage, positioning them firmly in the League One play-off conversation.
While appointing another relatively inexperienced coach would represent a gamble after Ramsay, Revell’s upward trajectory suggests he may not remain in the third tier for long. Interest from a Championship side feels inevitable.
Michael Skubala – Lincoln City
Michael Skubala has enhanced his reputation since taking charge of Lincoln City in 2023.
With the Imps pushing for promotion and sitting comfortably in the automatic places, Skubala is widely regarded as one of the brightest young coaches outside the Championship. A move would be difficult to negotiate, particularly if Lincoln achieve promotion, but Albion may view him as a long-term solution with significant upside.
After two misfires this season, Albion’s next decision is pivotal. Whether they opt for experience in the mould of Dyche, potential in Skubala or Revell, or stick with Morrison, the priority is clear: stability, survival, and a reset before deeper damage is done.
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