“Masterstroke or disaster” - Reaction given as West Brom eye Ryan Mason to replace Tony Mowbray | OneFootball

West Brom have identified Spurs coach Ryan Mason as a candidate to succeed Tony Mowbray at The Hawthorns.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

West Brom have been told they would be taking a risk if they decide to move for Tottenham coach Ryan Mason to succeed Tony Mowbray.

The Baggies' hierarchy made the decision to sack Mowbray following the disappointing defeat to Derby County on Easter Monday, a result which effectively ended their hopes of reaching the play-offs.

Now, all attention turns to his replacement, and it has been claimed by Sun reporter Alan Nixon that Mason is emerging as a frontrunner for the role.

Ryan Mason is on West Brom’s radar

With James Morrison leading the Albion side for the final two games, there’s no rush to make an appointment, but the club will want to ensure everything is in place for pre-season, and there will be an expectation for the team to be in the mix for promotion next season.

Therefore, it would be a bold move to hire Mason, as he is unproven as a manager, even if he is highly-rated as a coach.

A head injury forced the ex-Spurs midfielder to retire early from the game, with the 33-year-old then putting his focus on being a coach.

He has worked his way through the ranks with the north London outfit, and Mason is currently assistant to Ange Postecoglou.

West Brom would be taking a risk with Ryan Mason appointment

Even though he may feel ready to make that step into management, his lack of experience means Albion would be taking a risk if they appointed Mason.

And, when quizzed by FLW on Mason’s suitability for the role, fan pundit Callum admitted that whilst he would be open to giving him a chance, he just doesn’t know how it would play out.

“It reminds me of January when we were linked with Arne Slot’s assistant at Liverpool, Johnny Heitinga. He has a bit more experience in a senior role than Mason, but you do get the feeling that Mason now feels it’s time to be the main man somewhere.

“He has spent quite a lot of time with Spurs as a coach. He has worked with Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, and Ange Postecoglou, of course. So, he has a lot of experience being with different types of coaches.

“But it is unknown as to what he will do as a manager, as he hasn’t had that role outside of being placed in interim charge. So, it would be a risk.

“I think someone in the mould of Mason, who is a young manager that will bring new ideas and is looking to test himself out as the main man, is one that could go brilliantly or go wrong. I think he is someone that Albion fans would be willing to take a bit of a chance on.

“I wouldn’t say I am totally against it. I would be open-minded about it, and I would take a chance on Mason, although I would prefer someone with more experience. Of course, without Mason having been a permanent manager, you don’t know how he will do. It could be a masterstroke or disaster.”

West Brom must get this appointment right

There's an argument to say that any managerial appointment is a risk, as just because someone was successful at another club, it doesn't mean they will replicate that with Albion.

Nevertheless, giving Mason his first job as the main man would be a bold move, and the spotlight would be on Andrew Nestor and Shilen Patel as much as the new boss.

The new owner still has a lot of goodwill after his takeover, but Mowbray's return didn't work out, and questions will be asked if they don't improve next season.