West Bromwich Albion continue to search for new manager

West Bromwich Albion are continuing to search for a new manager following the sacking of Steve Clarke over two weeks ago.

Latest odds (Courtesy of Sky Bet):

• Malky Mackay - 11/8
• Jose Luis Mendilibar - 4/1
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - 5/1
• Neil Lennon - 12/1
• Pepe Mel - 16/1
• Keith Downing - 20/1
• Martin Jol - 22/1
• Mike Phelan - 22/1
• Paul Clement - 22/1
• Mauricio Pellegrino - 25/1

Read more here.

Bosses at West Bromwich Albion have revealed they have narrowed down their choices to replace former manager Steve Clarke.

Clarke was sacked earlier this month following four consecutive defeats, including a 1-0 loss to Cardiff which left the club just two points above the relegation zone.

Sporting and technical director Richard Garlick said they were "making progress" in the process, and paid tribute to interim manager Keith Downing alongside the coaching staff and players for their support during the tough period.

We have identified suitable candidates to work within our existing structure.

This is a confidential process and it is inevitable there will be speculation about whom may be under consideration.

We are now progressing through the interview and short-listing stage. We plan to make an appointment at the earliest opportunity but our primary concern is recruiting the most suitable individual.

We are grateful for the professional manner in which Keith Downing, the coaching staff and the players have approached the last two games.

Keith remains in charge for tomorrow’s game at West Ham United and until an appointment has been made.

Malky Mackay has emerged as one of the favourites to take over at West Brom after being sacked by Cardiff earlier today.

After former Real Betis boss Pepe Mel, Mackay is bookies' choice to replace the Baggies' ex-manager Steve Clarke, who was dismissed earlier this year.

Also thought to be in the running for the post are Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Jose Luis Mendilibar and Gianfranco Zola.

TV and Radio presenter, and West Bromwich Albion fan, Adrian Chiles, says his ideal replacement for Steve Clark would be Bayern Munich's Pep Guardiola.

Failing that, Chiles says he would get excited about Andre Villas-Boas joining WBA, but is unsure if the fit would be right.

Chiles also mentioned Malky Mackay, who may be out of a job in the coming days if he is sacked by Cardiff City. But he added that it is still all just speculation.

Steve Clarke has expressed "deep regret" at his sacking by West Brom, claiming he had "unfinished business" at the Hawthorns.

Baggies head coach Clarke was dismissed on Saturday following a 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Cardiff, the midlands outfit's fourth straight loss, with Roberto Di Matteo and Martin Jol the early favourites to succeed him.

In a statement released by the League Managers Association, Clarke said:

"I believe I have unfinished business at West Bromwich Albion Football Club so it is with deep regret that I was relieved of duties as Head Coach...It has been an honour to manage this club"

Read: Full statement and article on the ITV Football site

Roberto Di Matteo has emerged as the shock favourite to return as West Bromwich Albion manager in place of the sacked Steve Clarke.

The Italian managed the Baggies from 2009-2011, taking the club into the Premier League, before he was sacked after a run of poor form.

The 43 year-old went on to manage Chelsea where he guided the club to their first ever Champions League win as well as an FA Cup.

West Brom favourite Martin Jol is also an early frontrunner to replace Clarke, who was sacked last night after a run of four straight defeats.

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke’s assistant Kevin Keen has been placed on gardening leave, after Clarke was sacked tonight, the club said in a statement.

Sporting and Technical Director of the club Richard Garlick said: