And the new manager of WBA is...(drum roll, please)

Could Michael Laudrup be the new head coach for WBA?

So we continue to wait the outcome of Mr Peace's negotiations and interviews.  But one name bandied about this week has been that of Michael Laudrup.  Certainly, a figure like that could be one that fits the bill for Albion.  Firstly, he is currently out of contract after being sacked by Swansea, so there would be no costly compensation issues.  Second, he is a name that senior and younger players would look up to and respect - which was not the case with Pepe Mel from all reports.  Next up, he did well at Swansea and kept them playing attractive and attacking football.  In fact, a bit like with Steve Clark, his sacking was something of a surprise and slightly premature given that Swansea still had a lot to play for.  For my money, I think Laudrup would be a good fit - a foreign coach who will bring a bit of panache to The Hawthorns, but one who speaks great English and has Premier League experience!

If Laudrup's strengths are compared with British managers currently available he stands up well.  How many have Europa league experience, for example?  How many play genuinely attacking football?  None, I can think of.  But would Laudrup be interested in Albion? Let's face it, he is probably aiming for a bigger club than ours.  The lure of the PL is a strong one though.  Maybe he will feel there is unfinished business between him and the English game too. His personality might well fit with Jeremy Peace too - a mild mannered guy who is unlikely to court controversy.  So the final question is whether Laudrup could remain within the current club structure - particularly when it comes to transfer budgets.  Well, why not?

If not Laudrup, then I would like to see Keith Downing get a second try.  Maybe his appointment would be less good when it comes to attracting new players to the club but he was a hit with the squad last year.  

Anyway, this week we should find out who the new man will be.