Russell Martin to West Brom? 'Doubts' cast on move for ex-Rangers boss | OneFootball

Russell Martin has emerged as a potential favourite for the current vacancy in B71

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 Bromwich Albion's hierarchy are on the lookout for their latest managerial appointment after parting company with Eric Ramsay in midweek.

It has been a grim season for the Baggies, who now have the short-term aim of preserving their Championship status in the final weeks of the campaign, in what is their first serious involvement in a relegation battle at this level since the year 2000.

Throughout recent history, Albion have become a stereotyped 'yo-yo' side between the second tier and the Premier League, and, just two seasons ago, missed out on a first return to the top-flight since 2021 after suffering defeat to Southampton in the play-off semi-finals.

Three failed managerial appointments have since followed on from the departure of Carlos Corberan 14 months ago, with Ramsay becoming the holder of an unwanted B71 record, as his tenure only lasted eight matches and 44 days, with the 34-year-old unable to oversee a single victory after he replaced Ryan Mason on January 11th.

The West Midlands outfit are just one point above the Championship relegation zone with 12 matches remaining, as nearest rivals, Leicester City, have earned two points from their opening two encounters under Gary Rowett, meaning the Baggies are still in massive danger of slipping into League One for the first time in 33 years.

As such, the list of potential candidates has already been drawn up by various bookmakers, and one man who features prominently, and has done in the past when it comes to the need for Albion to appoint a new boss, is Russell Martin.

The 40-year-old has become a divisive figure throughout his intriguing managerial career path to-date, and is currently out of work following his own failed stint with Scottish Premiership giants, Rangers.

However, whilst Martin does have experience of managing in the Championship with the likes of Swansea City and Southampton, Football League World's West Brom fan pundit, Callum Burgess, believes the club's current situation means Shilen Patel should be looking elsewhere.

West Brom urged to avoid potential Russell Martin appointment - timing claim issued

Martin's spell at Ibrox saw him become the subject of constant criticism from Light Blues fans, as he oversaw just five victories throughout 17 matches in all competitions, with just one of those coming in the Scottish Premiership.

Beforehand, he endured an extremely tumultuous 18-month stint at St. Mary's after previously impressing in South Wales. Whilst able to guide Saints back to the Premier League at the first attempt through the 2023/24 play-offs against Albion and Leeds United, Martin, again, received criticism due to the fact he was unable to guide such a highly-valued squad to automatic promotion or the Championship title.

It was reported last month that Albion and Charlton Athletic, who put the final nail in Ramsay's coffin in midweek, were eyeing the former full-back as their next boss. However, Burgess believes a move for Martin would only make sense if he was appointed in the off-season, something which the Baggies cannot afford to risk at this moment in time.

"I very much doubt that Russell Martin's style of play, first of all, will be suited to the West Brom squad, and secondly, I don't think he's a manager you'd want to appoint mid-season," he told FLW.

"He's someone who you'd want to have the full pre-season preparations where the squad can adjust to his style, even though that didn't exactly go to plan at Rangers.

"I just think it wouldn't be a good match, and I doubt it will happen in the first place," Burgess claimed.

"I think Albion will go down the route of a 'pragmatic' manager, possibly, or someone that's more experienced than Russell Martin who can galvanise the group, instead of someone who's already had pre-existing negative relationships with supporters."

Shilen Patel has to nail West Brom's latest managerial appointment

There is no getting away from it, whoever Patel appoints next in the Black Country has to be the right fit in the short and long term, after months of instability when it comes to the managerial front.

Patel has overseen three failed appointments since the exit of Corberan, who was initially able to steer the Baggies clear of relegation danger in the 2022/23 season, before building a competitive side that was able to break into the play-offs the following season, and were in the top six picture prior to his departure for hometown club, Valencia.