Steve Madeley analyses the possible contenders for the West Brom job

So might the man who seemed destined to one day manage Albion have picked the perfect moment to restore his reputation?

If bookmakers are to be believed, Derek McInnes is a live contender as Albion begin the search for yet another head coach.

And, for the first time since he left The Hawthorns as a player, the former Baggies captain feels like a candidate. McInnes does not tick every box. Far from it, in fact.

He lacks experience of Premier League management and his only previous stint in charge of an English club ended in ugly fashion at Bristol City – so much so that, had the Baggies job been available a year ago, he would have fallen at the first hurdle.

But the 42-year-old has enjoyed a fabulous first season back in Scotland with Aberdeen, leading the Dons to third place in the SPL and picking up two manager of the year awards as well as winning praise from former Pittodrie gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson.

Having built a solid first chapter of his managerial CV at St Johnstone, McInnes' success back north of the border has helped put his difficult spell at Ashton Gate into a little more context.

Having saved the Robins from what seemed almost certain relegation in his first season in charge, he then had his budget slashed the following year and was sacked midway through with his team floundering at the foot of the Championship.

The struggles of a string of City managers since the relative successes of Danny Wilson suggest that the problems at Ashton Gate run deeper than the manager.

And, as former colleagues at The Hawthorns would testify, McInnes is the kind of straight-talking, single-minded figure that the Baggies require to restore discipline and purpose to a fractured dressing room.

Baggies fans are far too savvy to laud a McInnes return based simply on his playing exploits, but his affinity for the club is an obvious bonus as they look to narrow the distance between the squad and the fans.

A more illustrious Scot is the early fans' favourite with David Moyes topping a supporters' poll. The ex-Everton boss would be a high-calibre appointment, but seems likely to wait for a more established club with a bigger budget to relaunch his career after his Manchester United nightmare.

Another candidate from Scotland, Malky Mackay, received considerable backing in the market in the first few hours after Pepe Mel's departure yesterday. Much like McInnes, the former Cardiff man boasts the determination and honesty to pull the team up by its bootlaces.

But somehow, a union between the ex-Scotland defender and the Baggies does not seem likely. Mackay's experience at Cardiff marked him out as a man who speaks his mind, making a link-up with Hawthorns chief Jeremy Peace looking like a long-shot.

Mackay is a traditional manager figure whereas Albion's structure requires a specialist coach and organiser of players.

And sources close to the ex-Bluebirds chief suggest he has, realistically or otherwise, set his sights higher than Albion.

Leeds boss Brian McDermott is an intriguing name on the bookmakers' list of possible candidates with plenty of money being thrown behind him last night.

The former Reading boss is a highly-regarded coach and, with the difficult ownership issue at Elland Road still lingering, might see the chance to manage in the Premier League at The Hawthorns as an exciting opportunity. But his only previous spell in the top flight ended in disappointment with the Royals and, with McDermott under contract, compensation would be an obvious issue.

Gianfranco Zola was spoken to briefly before Mel's arrival before deciding he was not ready to be considered for another job so soon after his departure from Watford.

The Italian is refreshed and keen to return to work, making him a contender.

Tim Sherwood has been linked with the Baggies job since his problems at Tottenham became widely known, but the ex-midfielder has displayed a confrontational style that would undoubtedly alarm Peace, who prefers his employees to sing from the company hymn sheet.

Chris Hughton has been considered twice so it was inevitable his odds of succeeding Mel would be among the shortest.

And, while his difficult spell at Norwich damaged his reputation, the failures in the transfer market that undermined him at Carrow Road would be less of an issue in Albion's management structure. However, he is not currently being considered.

The same applies to Dave Jones, who has been considered previously and is close to incoming Hawthorns employee Terry Burton, but appears to be out of the running as things stand.

And that leaves two other groups of potential candidates that Peace could consider. Should he hand a first managerial opportunity to a respected coach then Sir Alex Ferguson's trusted man Mike Phelan, Moyes' former No.2 Steve Round or Real Madrid coach Paul Clement are worth a mention. wAnd, in the unlikely event that he looks abroad again, German Thomas Schaaf and Spaniard Quique Flores, who were interviewed before Mel's appointment, might be options again.