It wasn’t the way anyone imagined Tony Mowbray’s return to West Bromwich Albion would end. Just 101 days after stepping back into the manager’s chair at The Hawthorns, the 61-year-old was shown the door on April 21, 2025 — a blunt dismissal following back-to-back losses that crushed any lingering play-off dreams. The final blow came on April 20, a 3-1 home defeat to Derby County, a team sitting 22nd in the EFL Championship with just 42 points from 43 games. The result wasn’t just embarrassing — it was definitive. West Brom, once in the hunt for sixth place, were now mathematically out of the race. They finished the season in seventh, nine points behind Sheffield Wednesday. And Mowbray? He was gone before the final whistle had even faded.
Two Losses, One Decision
The unraveling began on April 18, 2025, at the Coventry Building Society Arena. A 2-0 defeat to Coventry City left Mowbray visibly furious in his post-match interview. "We weren’t good enough," he admitted, his voice tight with frustration. The performance wasn’t just poor — it was unrecognizable from the disciplined, possession-based football he’d preached since returning on January 15, 2025. That loss alone would’ve been enough to raise eyebrows. But then came Derby.
On a damp, chilly Tuesday night at The Hawthorns, the home crowd — usually a force in these moments — fell silent. A 3-1 loss to a team fighting relegation wasn’t just a setback. It was a collapse. Fans booed. Social media exploded. And by 10:15 AM the next day, the club’s official statement dropped: "West Bromwich Albion have today parted company with Head Coach Tony Mowbray. Assistant Head Coach Mark Venus has also departed the club."
The numbers told the story. In his 12 games back, Mowbray’s side won just four, drew three, lost five. Fifteen points from thirty possible. A 50% win rate in his first tenure? This was half that. And while the club’s statement praised his legacy — particularly the 2007/08 Championship-winning side he led — the present was too far gone to ignore.
A Manager Who Once Lifted the Trophy
Mowbray isn’t just any coach. He’s a West Brom legend. His first spell, from 2006 to 2010, was golden. He took a mid-table side and turned them into champions, finishing 2007/08 with 81 points — a record that still echoes in the stands. He built a team that played with grit and intelligence, and for four years, he was the face of the club’s resurgence. That’s why his return in January felt like a homecoming. Fans hoped he’d recapture that magic. Instead, they got inconsistency, defensive lapses, and a team that looked lost.
His record away from The Hawthorns speaks volumes. At Coventry City (2014–2017), he managed 151 games. At Birmingham City (2018–2020), 96. He’s no stranger to pressure. But this time, the weight of expectation — the ghosts of his own past success — seemed to weigh heavier than ever.
Who’s in Charge Now?
Enter James Morrison, 39, the club’s longtime midfielder and current ambassador. A man who played 470 games for West Brom between 2003 and 2020, Morrison knows the club’s DNA better than most. He’ll lead the first team on an interim basis, supported by first-team coach Damia Abella and goalkeeping coach Boaz Myhill, the former goalkeeper who spent 12 years between the posts for the Baggies.
It’s a safe, familiar choice. Morrison’s leadership in the dressing room was respected. He’s not a flashy name, but he’s trusted. The club isn’t looking for fireworks right now — just stability. "We need to finish the season with pride," one insider told ITV News Central. "And James is the man to do that."
What’s Next?
The recruitment process began immediately on April 21. Names are already being floated — including former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, who’s been linked with multiple Championship jobs. Others suggest ex-Leeds United coach Neil Redfearn, or even a return for someone like Rotherham United’s Paul Warne, who’s built a reputation for tight, organized sides.
But here’s the twist: West Brom’s board isn’t just hiring a coach. They’re hiring a healer. The team’s identity has been fractured. The fans are disillusioned. The players look drained. Whoever takes over will need to rebuild trust — not just with the squad, but with a fanbase that remembers glory and wonders when it’ll come back.
Why This Matters
West Brom isn’t just another Championship club. It’s a former Premier League staple with a massive, loyal following. Its decline since 2018 has been steady — and painful. The club has cycled through eight managers since 2020. Each one promised renewal. None delivered long-term stability. Mowbray’s sacking isn’t just about results. It’s about the club’s inability to sustain progress. And with the 2025/26 season looming, the pressure is now on the new owner, The 128 Group, to get this right. No more stopgaps. No more nostalgia trips. Just a clear vision.
For now, The Hawthorns is quiet. The banners still hang. The 2008 title plaque still gleams. But the future? That’s unwritten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Tony Mowbray sacked after just 101 days?
Despite his legendary status at West Brom, Mowbray’s second spell yielded only 4 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses in 12 games — 15 points from 30 possible. Back-to-back defeats, especially the 3-1 home loss to relegation-threatened Derby County, eliminated any play-off chance. The board felt the team lacked direction and urgency, and his tactical approach had lost its edge after a strong start.
Who is James Morrison, and why was he chosen as interim manager?
James Morrison, 39, is a West Brom legend who played 470 games between 2003 and 2020 and now serves as club ambassador. He’s respected in the dressing room, understands the club’s culture, and has no prior managerial experience — making him a safe, unifying choice. The club prioritized stability over flash, and Morrison’s deep ties to the club make him the ideal stopgap while they search for a long-term head coach.
What’s the club’s current position in the EFL Championship?
West Bromwich Albion finished the 2024/25 season in 7th place with 74 points from 46 matches (21 wins, 11 draws, 14 losses). They missed the play-offs by nine points, with Sheffield Wednesday securing 6th place at 83 points. Their final home defeat to Derby County confirmed their elimination from contention.
How did fans react to Mowbray’s sacking?
Reactions were mixed. Many fans expressed sadness — Mowbray is still beloved for the 2008 title win. But others, especially on social media, argued the decision was overdue, citing poor performances, lack of attacking creativity, and defensive fragility. A small group held a silent protest outside The Hawthorns the day after the announcement, holding banners reading "We Remember 2008 — But We Need a Plan for 2025."
What’s the timeline for appointing a new head coach?
The club confirmed the search began on April 21, 2025, and aims to appoint a permanent manager before the end of May. With the new season starting in August, they’re under pressure to finalize a candidate who can hit the ground running. Interviews are expected to begin within the next two weeks, with several candidates already on the shortlist.
Is there a chance Tony Mowbray could return to West Brom in the future?
The club’s official statement said Mowbray and Venus "will forever be welcome at The Hawthorns," a clear signal that the door isn’t closed. Given his history and the emotional connection fans have with him, a future return — perhaps as a director of football or even a later managerial role — isn’t out of the question. But for now, the focus is firmly on the next chapter.
