West Brom should look to appoint Chris Wilder if, and likely when, they are relegated to the Championship.

What's the word?

Back in March, the Daily Star reported that the Baggies hierarchy would offer the out-of-work 53-year-old the job should Sam Allardyce leave his post at the Hawthorns.

The 66-year-old's contract runs until the summer of 2022 but does contain a break clause, meaning Albion can make a change in the event of relegation and similarly, if Big Sam wanted to go, he could.

The Athletic have previously stated that Wilder has plenty of admirers at West Brom and now fresh claims from Dean Windass have added further fuel to the fire.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, the former Premier League striker dropped an intriguing claim.

"I've heard a massive rumour who's going to take over - Chrissy Wilder," he said. "I think he'll be a massive attraction for the board of West Brom, he got Sheffield United out of the Championship. The only reason why I'm saying that is because can you see Big Sam managing in the Championship? No. Chrissy Wilder would take it in a breath."

Boost for Dowling

If the Baggies truly admire the former Blades boss, then Windass' words should come as a major encouragement as he suggests that he would take the job if offered it.

He may have departed United with them sat rock-bottom in the Premier League but you cannot forget his achievements at Bramall Lane, taking them from League One to the top-flight, and very nearly into Europe last term.

Martin Keown once described Wilder as "the Messiah" and the Blades' own "Alex Ferguson" to Match of the Day 2 (via the Express). "He’s their leader," he added.

Wilder worked on a small budget, worked with a huge turnover of players and enjoyed a pretty good defensive record on their way to ninth place last season, where their 39 goals conceded was a better feat than the likes of Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea and Leicester City.

No team in the Premier League has leaked as many goals as Albion (64) this season - not even the Blades - and that's something that'll need vast improvements in the Championship, where Wilder has a proven track record of getting teams up.

He could well be the best successor to Big Sam, and this latest claim should have Luke Dowling and co absolutely buzzing.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Pundit expects Allardyce departure if West Brom go down...