...but Big Sam could remain even if Baggies are sunk
SAM ALLARDYCE will be kept on aswest Brom’s boss if the Baggies are relegated – but only if a sale of the club is going through.
The former England chief (left) has a break clause in his contract that comes into play if the Black Country side loses its battle to stay in the top flight.
Allardyce revealed in the build-up to yesterday’s clash at Stamford Bridge that he can be retained if both parties agree to an extension at the end of this season.
But the veteran manager wants assurances that he will be able to compete in the Championship next term if he is to continue the relationship.
Nevertheless Allardyce’s men showed they were not giving up the battle to retain their Premier League status yesterday with a thumping
5-2 win over high-flying Chelsea.
The Baggies boss said: “It’s just a bit of a shame we didn’t show that quality in some other games. But this still gives us a bit of hope.”
It is understood that ifwest Brom fail in their survival fight they will look for a new long-term boss. However, the situation at The Hawthorns is complicated by the fact that an active sale process is now under way.
Owner Lai Guochaun has entered into an exclusive arrangement with one interested party – negotiations remain ongoing – and there are others on the fringes waiting to see what happens.
Should those talks end with a definite sale – and they have been taking place during the past couple of months – Allardyce is likely to be asked to stay on while it goes through. It would be pointless for the Baggies to ditch the 66-year-old and then recruit his replacement only for the club’s new owners to bring in their own man.
In the meantime, contingency plans are being drawn up to find a new boss.
Ex-sheffield United manager Chriswilder was on a previous shortlist for the role and it is likely he would be approached.
Another name in the frame is ex-chelsea chief Frank Lampard.
But neither of them would be appointed if a sale was likely.