With bookies suggesting Tony Pulis is a candidate to replace Chris Coleman as Wales boss, West Brom should look at Cardiff City’s Neil Warnock as a potential replacement.
Following Wales’ heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Monday night, Chris Coleman revealed that he may well step down as Wales boss after missing out on World Cup qualification (Sky Sports).
On Wednesday night Sky Bet cut West Brom boss Tony Pulis’ odds of becoming the next Wales boss to 6/1, making him fourth favourite behind Ryan Giggs, Kenny Jackett and Mark Hughes in the betting order and sparking rumours that the former Stoke City boss could be in contention for the job.
The Welshman currently has 20 months left on his contract, having put pen to paper on a one-year extension at the beginning of the season, but he may well be tempted away from the club should the national job become available.
Despite enjoying two successful seasons under Pulis, West Brom fans have been quick to criticise his negative and ‘boring’ style of football, with West Brom becoming a symbol for long-ball football.
Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock would potentially be the perfect replacement at West Brom, should Tony Pulis opt for a move away from the Hawthorns. His Cardiff side currently sit top of the Championship, with Bluebirds fans having been treated to some scintillating football of late – Cardiff have averaged the second most shots per game in the division (15.6), with only Brentford (17.9) pulling the trigger more often – the kind of football Baggies fans have been craving.
Whilst this season’s unexpected success can be somewhat traced back to the performances of new signings Nathanial Mendez-Laing and Neil Etheridge, the rapid turnaround can be attributed to Warnock’s incredible ability to get the most out of his players, with Cardiff stalwarts Joe Ralls, Aron Gunnarsson and Sean Morrison all stepping up this season.
Appointing the 68-year-old wouldn’t be as much of a risk as it appears, considering Warnock has experience managing in the top flight following stints at Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers. Whilst Pulis remains in the job for now, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him jump ship should the opportunity present to manage the national team, and in the case of that happening, Warnock seems a perfect fit.
Would Neil Warnock be a good replacement for Tony Pulis at West Brom? Let us know on Twitter @HITCSport.
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