Following Carlos Corberan’s departure from The Hawthorns to take a position as head coach of La Liga club Valencia until June 2027, West Brom supporters have been discussing the early favorites to be the club’s next manager. The Baggies confirmed the deal after compensation, estimated to be around 3 million euros (£2.49 million), was agreed upon on Christmas Eve, and Valencia formally announced their new manager in the early hours of Christmas Day.
“Carlos Corberan has been appointed as coach of Valencia CF, signing a contract through to 2027,” stated a statement from Valencia’s official website.
“His contract with West Bromwich Albion had a buy-out option that was exercised to enable his departure.”
“I cannot begin to explain how I feel about West Bromwich Albion, its fans, and everyone associated with the club,” Corberan wrote in a post on the social media site X.
“I have only experienced LOVE from this community in my more than two years here, and leaving has been the hardest decision of my life.
“This special club will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope to return someday to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your amazing support.”
“I want to thank Carlos for all of his hard work since he arrived at the Albion at one of the most difficult times in the club’s modern era,” said West Brom chairman Shilen Patel on X.
“I appreciate what he has contributed, and I hope Carlos and his family have a great new journey!”
Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill will oversee first-team duties until further notice, the club confirmed. Sporting director Andrew Nestor is leading Albion’s search for a new head coach and posting on X, he said: “The process to identify and appoint a successor is already underway and we have every faith in the team, led by Chris Brunt and Damià Abella, to continue our work on the pitch during this interim period.”
Mark Robins, who was sacked by Coventry City last month, was the early bookies’ favourite to succeed Corberan, followed by three managers who have all been axed by Premier League clubs this season, in Steve Cooper, Gary O’Neil and Russell Martin. But, in a fresh twist, John Heitinga, a coach at Liverpool, is now the 5/2 favourite with the bookmakers.
Tonky: Steve Cooper, then Robins, in my opinion. We must hold onto our goal of qualifying for the playoffs, so let’s hope whoever it is doesn’t take too long.
Mailreader101: 8/1, Gary O’Neil Not in my opinion. As I’ve already stated, Mark Robbins must have a strong number two!
James Thompson: David Moyes please
Gavin Bashford: Did a brilliant job at Coventry season after season. And played good attacking football.
Dean Wilcox: Anyone but Martin please
John Moore: Nah robins definitely not I would be massively disappointed if he gets it !
