West Brom chief speaks out amid behind-the-scenes shift as Leeds United aim to hire Carlos Corberan
West Brom’s new head of football operations Ian Pearce is planning ahead for the Championship season with Carlos Corberan in charge after interest from Leeds United.
According to The Mirror [31 May], Leeds United are likely to sound out West Brom about Corberan’s release clause at The Hawthorns with the Whites hierarchy having huge admiration for the job he’s done in the West Midlands.
The Spaniard has had to face a behind-the-scenes shake-up at The Hawthorns with club CEO Ron Gourlay’s departure from The Hawthorns, which will have given Leeds United plenty of encouragement in the hunt for Corberan’s services.
However, in a new behind-the-scenes shift, new head of football operations Pearce is planning for life with the Spaniard in charge and is looking to back him with signings in the transfer window.
Speaking to The Mirror [9 June, page 59], he said: My focus now is on our plans for the summer, so we can provide Carlos with the tools he needs to coach a highly-competitive team.
“I want to make sure that my relationship with Carlos remains strong and continues to grow.”
Potential blow
Corberan who was believed to be on great working terms with Gourlay may well have been considering his position as West Brom boss with further uncertainty clouding over The Hawthorns regarding their ability to strengthen the squad this summer.
With Leeds United desperately on the prowl for a new manager to rebuild proceedings at Elland Road, the Spaniard will have emerged as the perfect candidate given his history in West Yorkshire and the tremendous job he’s done at the Baggies since his appointment before the turn of the year.
However, the Whites may well have suffered a potential blow in their pursuit of Corberan with the new head of football operations Pearce declaring his support for the Spaniard in order to do his job well at The Hawthorns.
It’s something the former Elland Road coach will have desired all along given the difficulties he will have faced on the eve of Gourlay’s departure.
Corberan is indeed a highly-rated coach and Leeds United will be silly not to pursue his services, or better yet activate his release clause at The Hawthorns, however, that ambition may well be on the skids after Pearce’s much-needed support and backing.
In other Leeds United news, Patrick Bamford is now surely emptying his locker at Thorp Arch.