Baggies in turmoil

WEST BROM’S protracted managerial search has claimed the scalp of sporting and technical director Luke Dowling.

He left the club yesterday after West Brom struggled to replace Sam Allardyce.

Dowling wanted to appoint Chris Wilder but he was vetoed by Chinese owner Guochuan Lai.

The Baggies then turned to former Huddersfield boss David Wagner, but he turned Albion down in favour of a move to BSC Young Boys in Switzerland.

Lincoln manager Michael Appleton, who used to play for West Brom and was also previously caretaker boss, is now the new favourite.