West Brom manager shock: 'Update behind Raphael Wicky collapse'

01/13/2025 10:18 AM

Raphael Wicky’s talks to become the new West Brom manager has broken down despite support from the club over his backroom staff, Steve Hermon reports.

The Baggies have been on the hunt for a new boss, following the departure of manager Carlos Corberan to Valencia in December.

Swiss manager Wicky looked to have been chosen by the Baggies’ board as their replacement for the Spaniard, but the move has fallen through.

BBC WM journalist Hermon posted on X that the deal was off and stated: “The issue appears to be that Raphael Wicky was unable to assemble the backroom staff he wanted. This was not because of any financial concerns from Albion's end. I understand WBA were fully behind him and the 2 staff he wanted but it's not worked out, so the search moves on.”

Hermon, in response to a tweet saying that the deal was off because the Swiss manager wanted his own men, clarified that was “Not entirely correct. Albion were happy for him to bring in his own men.”

West Brom are running out of time to find a new manager

Football Insider opinion

Football moves at an insane pace sometimes, the need to hire somebody to run a club within days or weeks of their predecessor being let go is unlike any other field, but in the Baggies case, they really need to pick up the pace.

Corberan left the Midlands club in good shape before his departure, they are currently sat in sixth place in the Championship and have a squad full of talented players.

Josh Maja is on 12 goals this season and Tom Fellows has chipped in with a league-leading 10 assists.

However, the squad are currently 11th in goals per match and need an alternative to Maja if they are to make a serious push in the second half of the season. [Fotmob]

Any new manager would likely want to sign off on new signings, and 13 days into the January transfer window, West Brom find themselves back to square one in their search for a new head coach, potentially delaying any acquisitions.

Prior to the move for Wicky, Swansea boss Luke Williams looked like he was going to fill the role, but he has since played down any links to the job.

With news that Fellows could be leaving, the Baggies need to act fast to prove to their star’s that they are a club worth playing for, or else this season could be yet another that disappoints.

In other news, Blackburn Rovers have issued their stance on West Brom target John Eustace.

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