David Wagner is out of the running to become West Bromwich Albion‘s new manager.
West Bromwich Albion’s hunt for a new manager following Sam Allardyce‘s departure will now be extended, after talks with former Huddersfield Town and Schalke boss, David Wagner, broke down.
Ex-USA international player, Wagner, is now being tipped to join the Swiss Pro League’s current title holder’s BSC Young Boys in the coming days.
Wagner, 49, remarkably achieved promotion to the Premier League for the time in Huddersfield Town’s history during the 2016/17 season. The German’s achievement was rewarded with the Championship Manager of the Year award – pipping one of football‘s most illustrious managers in Rafa Benitez to the award.
The West Midlands club’s owners had initially attempted to retain the services of Sam Allardyce – following the Baggies’ relegation back to Championship – Allardyce stated upon his departure that despite receiving “a generous offer” from the club, he didn’t feel he could commit to another two seasons at the Hawthorns.
“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. Said Allardyce.
“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.”
West Brom had previously held talks with fellow relegated side Sheffield United’s former manager, Chris Wilder about taking on the role. The club’s owner, Guochuan Lai, has reportedly blocked the proposed appointment after having doubts about Wilder, over his publicly known rocky relationship with Blades chairman Prince Abdullah.
The Baggies are currently being linked with Lincoln City manager Michael Appleton and ex-Norwich and Preston boss Alex Neill, over the vacant manager’s position.
