Next West Brom manager odds: Chris Wilder shortens further to replace Sam Allardyce
Former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has come into 1/8 to become the new West Brom boss.
Wilder, who left the Blades in March after five years in charge, was quickly installed as bookies' favourite after Sam Allardyce announced his departure.
It wasn't long before his price was cut to 1/2 to move to The Hawthorns, where he will be challenging his old club for an immediate return to the Premier League should he be appointed, with that price then tumbling to 1/8 on May 28.
Wilder a promotion specialist
The 53-year-old enjoyed an enormously successful period with his boyhood club, guiding them from League One to the top flight, and then a ninth-placed finish in 2019-20.
That was on the back of having won League Two as Northampton Town manager, and promotion into the Football League with Oxford United.
But after four years of sustained success at Bramall Lane, Wilder ultimately could not keep it going in 2020/21, losing his job after presiding over 22 defeats from 28 in the league this term.
They had only 14 points – and were 12 points from safety - when he was replaced by interim boss Paul Heckingbottom.
Next permanent West Brom manager odds (via Sky Bet)
- Chris Wilder - 1/8
- Frank Lampard - 8/1
- Michael Appleton - 12/1
Odds correct at 07:30 BST 28/05/21
Allardyce a 'short-term manager'
Allardyce replaced Slaven Bilic as West Brom boss in December but had a break clause in his contract which could be activated if Albion went down.
He held talks with the Baggies following their relegation from the Premier League, which was confirmed by a 3-1 defeat to West Ham, and left after their finale at Leeds.
"West Bromwich Albion made me a generous offer to stay at The Hawthorns that shows the commitment of an ambitious club. After serious consideration I have decided not to accept that offer," he said.
“If I were to stay and achieve promotion next season the expectation would be for me to continue for at least another season and, sadly, that is not a commitment I feel able to make at this stage of my career.
“I believe the club now needs stability and continuity and this would, in my opinion, best be provided by a young and ambitious manager who can get us back to where we should be as an established Premier League football club.”
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