Hughton may top West Brom managerial shortlist and not Ranieri
Published:Claudio Ranieri remains the odds-on favourite to take over at West Brom, but the support has been coming for Chris Hughton in recent days and 2/1 looks a decent price that he is named as the replacement for Roy Hodgson.
Ranieri has stated personally that he would be interested in the vacancy at the Hawthorns and reports suggest that he has already met officials at the club to discuss the possibilities of taking charge.
However, despite his collection of big European jobs, Ranieri’s trophy cabinet remains fairly empty and he would certainly be among the most expensive appointments available to West Brom.
Hughton was one of the fancied contenders on the last occasion that the Baggies were looking for a new manager, but even after interviewing well he remained second choice behind Hodgson.
He has since taken over at Birmingham where his managerial stock has risen further after guiding the club to the Championship play-offs despite being forced to oversee a complete squad overhaul on a majorly tight budget.
With these financial restraints unlikely to be loosened any time soon, a move across the Midlands may appeal to Hughton, even if he does succeed in leading Birmingham back into the Premier League.
West Brom would certainly guarantee Hughton a Premier League position, alongside greater job stability.
Aside from Hughton, West Brom do have some other names on their shortlist.
Roberto Martinez has gathered solid Premier League experience from his two seasons at Wigan and keeping the club up on a tight budget has its appeal.
Martinez may be waiting for a bigger job than West Brom though if he is to depart Wigan and so 25/1 seems a fair price that he is appointed.
Former West Brom players Michael Appleton and Derek McInnes are other names in the ring and can be backed at 7/2 and 20/1 respectively.
