Following the dismissal of head coach Alan Pardew, West Bromwich Albion are apparently looking for a possible replacement for the former Newcastle United boss. The Baggies have already started their search for the ideal candidate, who might, realistically, have to lead them in the Championship next campaign.
And according to recent reports, former Leicester City coach Craig Shakespeare could be in line to take charge of the West-Midlands outfit next season.
Currently languishing at rock bottom of the table, West Bromwich Albion need an almighty effort and substantial help from others to avoid getting relegated to the Championship next season, meaning the former Leicester City manager will likely be tasked with the responsibility of leading the Baggies back up to the top flight football in 2019.
Shakespeare, who was replaced by former Southampton coach Claude Puel at Leicester City, earlier this season, has been open to managing a Premier League outfit but West Brom could be an ideal challenge for the 54-year-old.
One of the facets that will surely help Shakespeare to lay his claim at West Brom, is that he will have ample time to build an identity at the Hawthorns. While the second-tier comes with its own set of challenges, Craig is likely to get more of a free hand in trying to implement his ideas over the course of the season. In addition, they have also shown a lot of promise, in the defensive department this season, especially with the likes of Ahmed Hegazy, emerging as one of the most impressive players for the club this campaign. The Egyptian defender will surely improve under the leadership of Craig Shakespeare along with his compatriot Ali Gabr, both of whom are expected to play a key role for the club in the long run.
Currently the assistant coach of Sam Allardyce at Everton, Craig Shakespeare can surely impart his experienced knowhow to the young players at West Bromwich Albion next season. Furthermore, Shakespeare has also worked with the Baggies, where he was the assistant coach of Nigel Pearson about a decade ago.
But that being said, it would surely be a challenging task for the 54-year-old to guide the Baggies to promotion in his debut season, considering the ever-improving level of football and competence of the teams in the second tier.
Sky Sports understands that West Brom, despite sacking Alan Pardew, are expected to be patient in their pursuit of finding a new coach with David Moore expected to remain as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
