Ruel Fox identifies Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes as perfect match for West Bromwich Albion

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The former West Bromwich Albion midfielder has been listed among the contenders for Alan Pardew’s old job.

Derek McInnes is a perfect match for West Bromwich Albion, Ruel Fox has told the Daily Record.

The former Baggies midfielders played together for two seasons at The Hawthorns, winning promotion to the Premier League in 2002.

And as West Brom prepare for life outside the top flight for the first time in eight years, McInnes is reportedly a candidate to return as manager after Alan Pardew’s sacking this week. The Aberdeen boss has Fox’s vote.

“I get tired of seeing clubs going for the same old faces so I would prefer West Brom to adopt a fresh approach and go for Derek McInnes,” said the 50-year-old.

“No disrespect to the likes of Alan Pardew and all these other managers who always seem to get jobs but others should get a chance.

“I’d rather see someone younger come in but they would have to be patient and accept there’s going to be a transition.

“If they are willing to do that then Derek would be ideal. He knows the division from his time at Bristol City and it’s a natural progression for him.

“If they can agree a plan to get the club back up then I don’t see why they shouldn’t make an approach for him. Derek and West Brom are the perfect match.

“I felt the club made a mistake getting rid of Tony Pulis but a young, ambitious boss with connections to the club like Derek would be the perfect appointment.

“It was no surprise Rangers wanted him. He’s strong-minded so he won’t move until it’s right. He’s under no pressure because he has taken Aberdeen to a good level.”

Pardew’s four-month tenure was brought to a premature end after Saturday’s defeat against Burnley – their eighth in a row.

The 56-year-old, who only won one of his 18 games in charge, will be replaced on in interim basis by another of Fox’s Hawthorns colleagues, Darren Moore.

McInnes (5/1) is currently fourth favourite for the role with Sky Bet, behind former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy (7/4) and ex-West Brom pair Craig Shakespeare (4/1) and Michael Appleton (9/2).