Malky Mackay falls behind in race for West Brom job
Albion were today completing their seven-man shortlist for the Hawthorns head coach's job as Malky Mackay became the latest man to fall behind in the race.
The Baggies have yet to contact the former Cardiff boss, meaning the 42-year-old looks unlikely to be involved in the final fight to succeed Pepe Mel.
And with Paul Clement, Chris Hughton, Neil Lennon and Dave Jones all ruled out already by the Hawthorns hierarchy, almost all of the leading bookmakers' fancies appear to be unlikely to land the role.
Neither ex-Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood nor former Manchester United chief David Moyes are thought to be among the front-runners despite being discussed, meaning Albion look set to turn to an outsider to lead them into next season.
And events yesterday at Southampton, where boss Mauricio Pochettino left for Tottenham, have added a fresh layer of intrigue with the Saints set to consider a similar set of candidates to the Baggies and potentially vie for the same leading contenders.
Former caretaker boss Keith Downing remains in the frame despite a potential backlash from some fans who want a higher-profile appointment.
The former Wolves midfielder is highly respected by players and fellow coaches, meaning he is certain to be considered seriously when new technical director Terry Burton and director of football administration Richard Garlick complete their shortlist to present to chairman Jeremy Peace.
Former Baggies captain Derek McInnes has support within the club after highly successful stints in Scotland with St Johnstone and Aberdeen. Leeds boss Brian McDermott ticks several of the boxes required by the Baggies but his uneasy relationship with new Elland Road owner Massimo Cellino could make any exit from the Yorkshire club difficult with compensation an issue.
