---
title: "West Brom: Richard Beale still expected to return to under-21s after Reading win"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/richard-beale-west-brom-manager-under-21-reading/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Championship News"
published: "2022-10-16T08:05:34Z"
modified: "2022-10-16T08:05:34Z"
---

# West Brom: Richard Beale still expected to return to under-21s after Reading win

**[West Bromwich Albion](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-brom-news/) caretaker manager Richard Beale expects to return to his role as under-21 boss despite the win over Reading on Saturday.**

### The Lowdown: Reading beaten

The 43-year-old took charge of the Baggies for the first time yesterday following Steve Bruce’s departure earlier in the week.

He guided West Brom to an impressive 2-0 win over high-flying Reading, with goals from Matty Phillips and Taylor Gardner-Hickman sealing just Albion’s second [Championship](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/championship-news/) win of the season.

The victory took West Brom [out of the relegation zone](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/championship/table), which led to [speculation](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwj86YDeluT6AhUURUEAHcdeBLAQFnoECBgQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FChapmanJ92%2Fstatus%2F1580892925063745537%3Fref_src%3Dtwsrc%255Etfw&usg=AOvVaw1iP4mBD9FXUKKwLwPdgTjZ) of Beale possibly taking the role for longer than expected.

### The Latest: Burke’s comments

[The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/3679523/2022/10/14/west-brom-score-reading-albion-wba-away/)’s Elias Burke was asked by one Baggies supporter in a matchday Q&A on the site about the possibility of Beale taking over on a full-time basis.

Burke replied, insisting that the [3-4-3](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/richard-beale/profil/trainer/21241) style caretaker ‘fully expects’ to return to the under-21s, stating: *“Wins change everything, but he is very much focused on his job as the U21s manager.*

*“He spoke about it as a short-term gig yesterday and fully expects to return to the role he’s done so well in.”*

\[freshpress-poll id=”412381″\]

### The Verdict: Handy…

Beale beginning his spell as interim manager with a win will come as welcome news to all associated with the Baggies, especially Ron Gourlay.

The chief executive is the man tasked with landing Bruce’s replacement, but he may feel a little more relaxed knowing the club is in good hands with the 43-year-old in temporary charge.

Beale may well be in the dugout again for Tuesday’s meeting with Bristol City, and who knows, another win could result in further speculation over a permanent role.