On Tuesday afternoon, West Bromwich Albion confirmed the news that I think most fans were expecting – caretaker gaffer Jimmy Shan will continue to lead the first team until the end of the season as we choose against appointing a new manager following the departure of Darren Moore.
Jimmy Shan will take charge of first-team duties until the end of the season.#WBAhttps://t.co/0jU3pp2oVJ
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) April 16, 2019
With a top four place in the Championship table not enough for our Board when it came to Moore, fans will speculate for themselves about this decision but Shan hasn’t really put many feet wrong since taking the job on given the results he’s picked up, although back to back losses are par for the course, so little has changed in reality despite the change in gaffer.
A statement from wba.co.uk confirmed that Shan would be adding to his coaching staff this week to see us through until the end of the campaign, and whatever anyone’s thoughts about this move, everyone will be hoping Shan keeps his overall success going and we do get the Play-Off shot everyone (should’ve accepted) at the start of the campaign given our overall approach to the transfer window.
Shan is certainly clear on what the expectation is.
“I’m happy that we can now move forward with clear planning and direction for the remainder of the season. It won’t change the work ethic and application of the players and the staff but it enables us to crack on with a clear target in our sights. From a personal point of view there is huge, huge pride to be given the responsibility. For me it is a chance to see the journey through that began at the end of last season. I’ve heard it said that with two or three extra games we may have stayed up last season. My aim is to make sure we get those extra games at the end of this season and complete our road back to the Premier League.”
The reaction was obvious, but rightly, Shan doesn’t carry the can moving forward – whatever happens now.
Just to make one thing abundantly clear, if Shan fails to get us promoted there will be zero blame on him, all our anger will be directed at this pathetic board/owner who are destroying the club
— DOUBLEDOINK (@GREENBAYUK_) April 16, 2019
Daughters on half term if you need anyone else to help out ????
— Benjamin Williams (@benjWBA86) April 16, 2019
Just the 170 million at stake lads, no biggie x
— Joe (@Yacxb) April 16, 2019
No ambition once again from the board running our club ????
— Sam Rollason (@SamRollason95) April 16, 2019
— Aiden (@AidenPorterWBA) April 16, 2019
We going up with Shan we need to win the rest of the games though
— westbrom fc (@HickmanKian) April 16, 2019
At last some clarification!! Now let’s just win the next 4 games and see what happens. Let’s all get behind Jimmy and the boys ????????????⚪️#COYB #WBA #AlbionFamily
— Carl Burkitt (@baggyboy1878) April 16, 2019
Not a dig at Shan, but surely we can't keep on with this 'give it a go' mentality. From the moment Moore was sacked, it was clear there was NO PLAN at all
— The Baggies Blog (@TheBaggiesBlog_) April 16, 2019
Good luck Jimmy but #jenkinsout #laiout
— David Baker (@DavidBaker70) April 16, 2019
THE SHAN PLAN ????????????
— Phil ???????????????????????????? (@wxveyphil) April 16, 2019
I agree but I also believe we would be outside the play offs now under Moore so knee jerk decision maybe but its paying off so far
— James- A T I D (@James84507668) April 16, 2019
All the best Jimmy behind you till the end of the season. Tinpot owner and shambolic board are darkening the corridors. Jenkins Out, Lai Out, Dowling Out.
— Andy Warner (@warnerchief) April 16, 2019
Just illustrates the shambles that is Jenkins and Dowling. No strategy no plan no idea Jenkins makes bad decision after bad going back to not firing Pardew as soon as … promotion or not both got to go!!
— JF (@Albionjohn) April 16, 2019
Obvs I’ll get behind the team and Shan’s done great- but this whole process after sacking DM is a disgrace. They had literally no idea what they were going to do. You can just see em appointing AFI again in close season. #YouDontKnowWhatYoureDoing
— inderjit singh (@DesiBaggie) April 16, 2019
I have no issues with that decision given the changes I've seen since his appointment. Over the summer i want a long term manager who can attract players, thst means an experienced manager. Shan has earnt the right to finish the season and boost his managerial C.V
— JonW1995 (@JonW1995) April 16, 2019
Come on baggies! You asked for the plan, now we've got it. Shan has delivered us 4 wins in 6, evidently has the players on board and playing decent stuff. Lets just get behind the lads and shan now because we need to pull together if we have a chance in the play offs
— James- A T I D (@James84507668) April 16, 2019
Glad a decision as been made, good luck @Jimmy_shan78 , behind you all the way
— Lee Johnson (@TDarklighter) April 16, 2019