EFL pundit David Prutton believes the allure of West Brom could appeal to Gary Rowett with the Millwall manager one of the leading candidates to take over from Steve Bruce at the Championship giants, speaking to Sky Sports.
While fellow strugglers Middlesbrough look set to put their faith in a 41-year-old who has never before taken sole charge of a senior football team, Gary Rowett would represent a very different sort of appointment at the Hawthorns. Not quite as glamorous or intriguing, maybe, but certainly sensible and considered.
The 48-year-old, during spells at Burton Albion, Birmingham City and perennial overachievers Millwall, has proven that he can build a side far greater than the sum of it’s parts, all the while working on a limited budget.
An attribute that, according to The Sun, appeals to a West Brom side who’s parachute payments run out at the end of this season.
Would Gary Rowett leave Millwall to become West Brom’s new manager?
“There will be a pull there,” says former Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Southampton midfielder Prutton. “Because, obviously, we’ve seen the recent history of West Brom compared to Millwall.
“That’s not in any way, shape, or form to disrespect Millwall, given where they’ve been specifically with their cracking home form over the last few seasons. Getting near the play-offs but not quite getting into the play-offs.
“(But) you would think West Brom could be a bit of a lure.”
Rowett signed a new contract with Millwall as recently as July. And while some have suggested that the Bromsgrove-born tactician would be tempted by the chance to return to the Midlands, Rowett distanced himself from the speculation last week.
“He’s a very loyal manager and character is Gary, but also very ambitious,” Prutton adds. “I know he likes where he’s at in this moment in time; who he’s got in his team and at the club, and there’s that very unique atmosphere down at Millwall.
“Whether that’s replicated at a place like West Brom, I think remains to be seen.”
West Brom are also keen on former Huddersfield Town boss Carlos Corberan, as well as the recently-departed Watford coach Rob Edwards. Carrick was another on their radar, but he looks set to succeed Chris Wilder at Middlesbrough instead.
Sean Dyche is holding out for a Premier League job. And both Leam Richardson and Russell Martin have, like Rowett, kept speculation at arms’ length.
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