I agree with Squirrel on that one ..
John Percy one of the more respected Journos reckons peace probably won't sell now and is looking for a new Technical Director .......................
West Brom search for new technical director in bid to improve club’s record in transfer market
Exclusive: Chairman Jeremy Peace wants to strengthen Albion’s infrastructure with senior figure to work alongside Tony Pulis
West Brom search for new technical director in bid to improve club’s record in transfer market
Jeremy Peace wants to bring in technical director to work with Tony Pulis Photo: PA
John Percy By John Percy 10:30PM GMT 24 Feb 2016 Follow Comments Comment
West Bromwich Albion chairman Jeremy Peace is leading the search for a new technical director, in a bid to improve the club’s record in the transfer market.
Peace wants to strengthen Albion’s infrastructure with a senior figure to work alongside head coach Tony Pulis, with the aim of making an appointment before the end of the season.
Albion have struggled since the departure of Dan Ashworth to the Football Association in 2013 and Peace is keen to improve their recruitment and scouting network after a number of disappointing signings.
Brown Ideye was signed for a club record £10million from Dynamo Kiev in July 2014 but left for a significantly lower fee 13 months later, while summer signings James Chester and Rickie Lambert have barely figured this season.
Pulis will be involved in the selection process, and there is no suggestion that it will impact on his position at the Hawthorns, but Peace believes the appointment is vital to Albion’s short-term future.
Pulis will also be involved in the selection process
Ashworth established an impressive reputation during his time at West Brom, working his way up from the academy to become the club’s sporting and technical director.
It was during Roy Hodgson’s spell that Ashworth’s reputation soared and three years ago he became the FA’s director of elite development.
Peace believes Ashworth has not been properly replaced and wants to appoint a man with football experience and ideally wants him in place well before the start of the next campaign.
The move suggests that Peace will not be selling the club any time soon, although the West Midlanders remain on the market.
Albion were close to agreeing new ownership last summer with a consortium from the Far East but the Chinese stock market crash wrecked the deal.
West Brom have struggled since the departure of Dan Ashworth
Peace abandoned negotiations in July, admitting “it is now clear to me that this potential purchaser is unable to fulfil the terms of that agreement at this time.”
The 59-year-old is renowned as a tough negotiator since he became chairman in 2002, as proven last month with his refusal to sell striker Saido Berahino, yet Albion have become a prudent, financially stable club under his ownership.
Albion are on course to secure another season in the Premier League, with their 1-0 win at Everton taking them eight points clear of the bottom three.
Pulis has come under criticism from supporters over his tactical approach and a perceived lack of ambition this season yet is almost certain to maintain his record of never being relegated as a manager.
The Welshman faces former club Crystal Palace this weekend at the Hawthorns.
