Christmas Day gloom for West Bromwich Albion fans as manager Carlos Corberán leaves for Spain
By Tejinder Kaur-Thanki, ITV News Central Content Editor
West Bromwich Albion have announced their manager Carlos Corberán is leaving the club after a two-year stint, to return to his homeland in Spain.
The 41-year old, who took over at the Hawthorns in October 2022, will now take over La Liga side Valencia.
The news is a big blow to fans with the announcement coming early on Christmas Day.
In a statement the club said:
"Albion have reached an agreement in principle for Carlos Corberán to depart the club to pursue a new opportunity with La Liga side Valencia.
"The 41-year-old is set to return to his homeland with the club’s gratitude and best wishes following a two-year tenure at The Hawthorns.
"Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill will oversee first-team duties until further notice.
"Sporting Director Andrew Nestor is leading Albion’s search for a new head coach.
"The club will make no further comment at this time".
"We look forward to bestowing this tremendous opportunity on the appropriate person"
In social media posts, the club's Chairman Shilen Patel thanked Corberán for his time at the Hawthorns, writing:
"I want to thank Carlos for all of his hard work since his arrival at the Albion at one of the most challenging times in the club’s modern era.
"I am grateful for his contributions and wish Carlos and his family all the best on his new journey!
"Looking forward, @AndrewMNestor is leading the search for our new head coach.
"We look forward to bestowing this tremendous opportunity on the appropriate person".
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Meanwhile the afore-mentioned club's CEO & Sporting Director Andrew Nestor, also posted his thanks on social media to the exiting manager, writing:
"Thank you Carlos for your contribution to this great club. "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".
Who is Carlos Corberán ?
Corberán represented Villareal as a youth but retired to pursue a career in coaching.
He had spells at Leeds United, Huddersfield Town - where he took them to the Championship play-off final - and at Olympiacos.
He also won EFL Championship Manager of the Month award in February 2022.
"It's breaking Baggies hearts that he's leaving"
Our Sports Correspondent Dan Salisbury-Jones spoke to some Baggies fans outside the Hawthorns before today's official announcement.
One young fan told him it's heartbreaking to have this news so close to Christmas:
Corberán leaves the club in seventh position in the Championship table.
West Brom next face Derby County at home on Boxing Day.