Roy Keane takes early lead in race for vacant West Brom manager's role

Scott Allen
10 October 2022

Roy Keane has emerged as the surprise favourite for the vacant West Bromwich Albion manager's role following the departure of Steve Bruce.

The Baggies binned Bruce on Monday morning after an eight-game winless run left them in the Championship's relegation zone.

The 61-year-old was appointed as Valerien Ismael's successor in February, three-and-a-half months after his turbulent reign at Newcastle had drawn to a close. He was handed the challenge of taking the club back into the Premier League but only succeeded in guiding them to a 10th-placed finish in the 2021/22 season.

The usual list of suspects were quickly installed in the bookies markets to become the next West Brom manager, but former Manchester United legend and TV pundit Roy Keane has surprisingly edged his way to the top of the pile at 5/1.

Keane has not managed since leaving Ipswich Town in 2011, but was involved at Nottingham Forest as assistant manager in 2019. He was also heavily linked to a return to Sunderland last season but ruled himself out.

Former Premier League bosses Chris Wilder and Sean Dyche are the second favourites at 6/1, with recently-sacked Bournemouth boss Scott Parker at 8/1.

Carlos Corberan, who left Huddersfield Town in the summer and had a miserable spell at Olympiacos, where he won only two games before getting the bullet this season, is lurking at 10/1.

Middlesbrough targets Rob Edwards (12/1) and Michael Carrick (14/1) are also in the hunt, along with Coventry boss Mark Robins (14/1). Although the Sky Blues are no better off than West Brom and are currently propping up the Championship table.

Chelsea and Belgium coach Anthony Barry and former Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal are the best of the rest at 16/1.

Wayne Rooney (20/1), John Terry (25/1) and Warren Barton (33/1) are lurking further down the market if you fancy a bit of wild punt.