Report: West Brom line up Tony Pulis’ replacement – and three Baggies stars should be excited

Follow us on Google Discover

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill.

According to The Mirror, West Bromwich Albion are interested in making Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill their new manager amid questions over Tony Pulis’ position.

The Baggies were beaten 4-0 at home by Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, leaving fans voicing their discontent with manager Pulis after another disappointing result.

Pulis has now won just two of his last 21 Premier League games as West Brom boss, and with only 10 points from 12 outings this season, the pressure is mounting on the Welshman.

Fans are now calling for the 59-year-old to be sacked, and The Mirror report that West Brom are keen to bring in Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill as their new manager should they sack Pulis.

O’Neill, 48, has impressed in a six-year spell in charge of Northern Ireland, taking his country to the 2016 European Championships in France, but his World Cup hopes ended last weekend with a play-off defeat to Switzerland.

Now, O’Neill is in demand, with the Scottish FA keen to make him the new Scotland manager, whilst The Telegraph report that Rangers are also keeping tabs on him after they sacked Pedro Caixinha last month.

Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley of West Bromwich Albion

West Brom now appear to be wading into the race, and their greater funds and Premier League status may just put them at the front of the queue for O’Neill’s services – though fans may feel that he is something of a gamble, given that his only club management experience has been with Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers.

Three Baggies stars figure to be excited by the possibility of O’Neill arriving at The Hawthorns though, as Jonny Evans, Gareth McAuley and Chris Brunt have all been key parts of his Northern Ireland side, and all three could lobby for a reunion – but much will depend on whether Pulis is sacked, and if any decision comes before Scotland or Rangers can land O’Neill.