Tony Pulis Confirmed As West Brom Head Coach

Former Stoke, Plymouth, Gillingham and Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis has been appointed as the new manager at premier league strugglers West Brom. The Midlands club had been looking at for a new manager since parting company with Alan Irvine.

The Scot Alan Irvine had endured a very difficult start to life at the Hawthorns as the Baggies are currently hovering just above the relegation places. West Brom are looking to stay in the premier league for the sixth consecutive year after being labelled a ‘yo-yo club in the past, with this in mind this is probably what forced West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace into deciding to replace Alan Irvine with Tony Pulis. The move for Pulis is a logical choice by West Brom due to the fact that the Welshman has never suffered a relegation in a very proud managerial career.

One of the first tasks for West Brom’s new coach is to keep hold of star striker Saido Berahino. The England under 21 striker who is the leading scorer for the Baggies is attracting bids of around £23.5 million from Liverpool and Tottenham respectively. If Berahino does stay, which Baggies fans would be praying for then Tony Pulis will need to nurture the Albion youth product after Saido Berahino was charged with drink driving recently.

The challenge at West Brom for Pulis will be difficult – but not impossible, it was only last year that the 56 year old brilliantly lead Crystal Place to mid table safety after the Eagles looked odds on favourites for the drop. Pulis’ appointment means that West Brom have hired their fourth manager with in a year – such is the margin for error at the Hawthorns.

Having said that though, if there is anyone who could change the situation at West Brom, it would be Tony Pulis who has been famed for saving teams in dire need through out his career. Pulis’ contract is for two and half years – but West Brom have to be careful because if Tony Pulis isn’t happy about activities behind the scenes or any interference with first team affairs he isn’t afraid to walk, just ask Crystal Palace.