Report: Nigel Pearson tops West Brom’s shortlist; Alan Pardew also being considered

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West Bromwich Albion are looking for a new manager after sacking Tony Pulis after their latest Premier League defeat.

According to a report from ESPN, West Brom have put Nigel Pearson at the top of their shortlist as they look for Tony Pulis’ successor at The Hawthorns, but Alan Pardew is also being considered by the Baggies.

West Brom are looking for their next boss after parting company with Tony Pulis on Monday just two days after they were beaten 4-0 at home to Chelsea at the weekend, leaving the Baggies one place and one point above the bottom three in the Premier League.

And, perhaps unsurprisingly, they have taken little time to put together a shortlist of potential candidates as the club try to end their long wait for a win in the top flight – which stretches back to August – and try to get themselves out of trouble.

According to ESPN, the man at the top of West Brom’s shortlist is Pearson. The 54-year-old currently manages Belgian side OH Leuven and has not worked in the English game since leaving Derby County last year.

The highlight of Pearson’s managerial career to date was arguably his second stint as Leicester City boss when he guided the Foxes into the Premier League and then oversaw an incredible escape to keep them up in their first year in the top flight.

ESPN reports that Pearson, if appointed, may bring Craig Shakespeare with him as his assistant, but he is not the only name in the frame at this stage, with Pardew also being considered.

Pardew has been out of work since leaving Crystal Palace in 2016 but would provide the Premier League experience that the Baggies may be looking for as they try to salvage their season.

ESPN reports that Pardew has fans amongst the West Brom hierarchy, so it will be interesting to see whether their search widens much beyond the two names currently in the frame.