Chris Wilder would have only taken the West Brom job if he was guaranteed full control, claims the club's former midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Wilder was thought to be the leading candidate to replace Sam Allardyce before the Baggies turned to Valerien Ismael, with the Mirror previously reporting that the 53-year-old was close to being appointed as manager.

However, things broke down, and a conflict between ex-sporting director Luke Dowling and owner Guochuan Lai has been cited as the reason why, per The Athletic.

Palmer, though, feels there also would have been doubts on Wilder's side, suggesting he would have wanted guarantees when it came to control over football matters, something that managers do not always get today due to the influence of directors of football and those in similar roles.

"I know Chris," the ex-West Brom player said in an exclusive interview with FFC. "So I know he wouldn't go into a situation in a football club if he wasn't in control, that is for sure."

As well as Wilder, West Brom also seemingly came close to appointing David Wagner, who is now managing Young Boys, so it is probably fair to say that the Baggies have had their setbacks this summer.

All in all, not the way any club would want to approach a new season, though there is still a while before things kick off, giving Allardyce's successor plenty of time to have a look at his team and bring in new players.