Joe Chapmam gives new WBA manager update

West Bromwich Albion may not have a new manager in place this weekend after Steve Bruce’s sacking, reliable journalist Joe Chapman has claimed.

The Lowdown: Bruce sacked as West Brom boss

On Monday morning, the 61-year-old was relieved of his duties as Baggies boss following a dire run of form which has seen Albion drop to 22nd in the Championship table.

Saturday’s limp 0-0 draw at home to Luton Town proved to be the final straw for West Brom’s owners, with a change badly needed to alter the course of their season.

The search is now on for a new manager, although it appears that The Hawthorns faithful shouldn’t hold their breath for Bruce’s successor…

The Latest: Chapman shares managerial claim

Taking to Twitter shortly after Bruce’s sacking, Chapman admitted that a new permanent manager may not be confirmed by the time the Baggies head to Reading this coming Saturday, with the club’s under-21 boss Richard Beale in line to oversee next weekend’s clash.

The Birmingham Live reporter tweeted:

“No guarantees that Albion will have a new man in place by Saturday. Rich Beale, who has filled in as caretaker boss at Blues before now, on standby to oversee Reading game. Recruitment process starts now but no instant appointment is expected.”

The Verdict: Sooner rather than later, please

The crucial thing now for West Brom is to act quickly, getting the right man in to succeed Bruce and oversee a huge improvement on the pitch as the season progresses.

Roy Keane has emerged as a front-runner and could be a good option, ironically replacing his former Manchester United team-mate.

However, while the Irishman has previous of taking over a team in the Championship relegation zone and getting them promoted in the same season (Sunderland in 2006/07), he hasn’t managed a team since leaving Ipswich Town in January 2011.

Whoever comes in must be viewed as a long-term solution and not a quick fix – somebody who the club firmly believe can take them back into the Premier League in the near future and keep them there.