Russell Martin and Leam Richardson have joined Millwall manager Gary Rowett in distancing themselves from speculation regarding a potential move to Championship strugglers West Brom, speaking to the BBC and Express and Star.
Four days after Steve Bruce was given his marching orders – to the delight of many a Baggies matchgoer – we are no closer to finding out the identity of his successor.
The Sun claimed in midweek that Gary Rowett was a leading candidate to take over at the Hawthorns; West Brom seemingly targeting a manager who can build a club from the ground up, and thrive on a limited budget.
Rowett, however, committed his future to perennial overachievers Millwall on Thursday.
And now both Martin and Richardson have done likewise.
Who will replace Steve Bruce as West Brom manager?
“We’re really happy here,” says Martin, who’s Swansea side are up to sixth following four wins in a row. The South Welsh side even beat West Brom 3-2 away from home recently.
“I have said that all the way along. I wouldn’t say that if we didn’t feel that. We have a job to do and we love the job we’re in.”
“When you get linked with certain bits, hopefully it highlights you’re doing a good job,” former Rangers defender Martin adds. “It would take something really special to take us (from Swansea).”
42-year-old Richardson is another name reportedly on West Brom’s radar. The Leeds-born tactician still has a job to do at Wigan, however, after guiding to the Latics to the League One title with 92 points during a superb 2021/22 campaign.
“I don’t think anyone should listen to rumours or anything else,” Richardson explains.
According to The Mirror, Sean Dyche is unlikely to be tempted by the West Brom job either. The former Burnley boss is biding his time, waiting for a Premier League job to present itself. Rob Edwards is another candidate, but he reportedly held talks with top-flight Wolves this week.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
