West Brom next manager favourite emerges as Shilen Patel makes decision
Carlos Corberan has departed The Hawthorns to join La Liga club Valencia as their new head coach on a deal until June 2027
Mark Robins is the early favourite to be the next West Brom boss, following Carlos Corberan’s exit.
Corberan has departed The Hawthorns to join La Liga club Valencia as their new head coach on a deal until June 2027. The Baggies confirmed the deal after compensation, reported to be in the region of 3million euros (£2.49m), was agreed on Christmas Eve. Valencia formally announced their new man in the early hours of Christmas Day.
A statement from Valencia’s official website read: “Carlos Corberan has been appointed as coach of Valencia CF, signing a contract through to 2027.
“A buy-out option in his contract with West Bromwich Albion was taken up to allow him to leave.”
Posting on social media platform X, Corberan said: “I cannot begin to explain how I feel about West Bromwich Albion, its fans and everyone associated with the club.
“In my more than two years here I have only felt LOVE from this community and the decision to leave has been the hardest of my life.
“There will ALWAYS be a place in my heart for this special club and I hope one day I can return to thank you all for your incredible support.”
West Brom chairman Shilen Patel wrote on X: “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!”
Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill will oversee first-team duties until further notice, the club confirmed. Patel has put sporting director Andrew Nestor in charge of leading Albion’s search for a new head coach.
Robins, who was sacked by Coventry City last month, is the bookies’ favourite to succeed Corberan, at 4/1. He is followed by three managers who have all been axed by Premier League clubs this season, in Steve Cooper (5/1), Gary O’Neil (8/1) and Russell Martin (8/1).
Mark Robins 4/1
Steve Cooper 5/1
Gary O’Neil 8/1
Russell Martin 8/1
David Moyes 10/1
Steven Schumacher 14/1
Alex Neil 16/1
John Terry 16/1