A huge update has emerged over West Brom's managerial position this week...
What's the word?
According to Sky Sports, the Baggies have former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder on their shortlist, should Sam Allardyce depart the Midlands side this summer.
The 66-year-old is set for crunch talks with the Albion hierarchy on Wednesday after their relegation back to the Championship was confirmed on Sunday evening.
His 18-month contract at the Hawthorns includes a break clause that either he or the club can activate following their drop to the second flight.
No talks have been held with Wilder but that is expected to change if Big Sam's tenure comes to an end after he meets the West Brom board.
Dowling's big decision
The Baggies made small improvements under Allardyce but unfortunately, it was either a case of it being too little, too late or the writing being on the wall well before he was appointed.
He oversaw some impressive results, including draws to Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as a 5-2 win over Champions League finalists Chelsea.
But now sporting and technical director Luke Dowling has a tricky decision to make as it's been nearly a decade since the veteran managed in the Championship and at 66, you'd have to wonder if he has the appetite for a gruelling promotion challenge.
Even more so considering he had previously retired from management in December 2017.
There is also the credentials of Wilder to consider, someone who has guided a team to the Premier League far more recently than Allardyce.
The 53-year-old completely transformed Sheffield United, taking them from League One to the big time in less than four years, and then nearly led them into the Europa League in their very first season.
It could be argued that he was unfairly dismissed earlier this campaign, too, considering everything he had achieved at Bramall Lane.
Match of the Day pundit Martin Keown waxed lyrical about Wilder, comparing him to one of the best we've ever seen in the Premier League. "[He was] their Messiah, their Alex Ferguson when you think of what he’s done for that football club. He’s their leader."
We'll soon know what the future holds with Allardyce's meeting due to be held this week, but Dowling must be awfully tempted to get rid in favour of Wilder given this fresh development.
AND in other news, Albion could find next Claudio Yacob in "unbelievable" 23 y/o beast...