Football: West Bromwich close to capturing Waddle

Phil Shaw
Monday 03 February 1997 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chris Waddle is expected to inform West Bromwich Albion within the next 24 hours as to whether he intends to accept an offer to become player- manager of the First Division club.

Waddle, who is contracted to Bradford City as a player until the end of the season, met Albion's chairman, Tony Hale, and their Yorkshire-based benefactor, Paul Thompson, yesterday to discuss the vacancy created by the sacking of Alan Buckley.

The former England player's decision may hinge on whether he is able to bring the ex-Newcastle and Derby manager, Arthur Cox, to work with him at the Hawthorns. Waddle, 36, is untried in management and wants to tap into Cox's 30 years' experience, particularly on the coaching side.

Cox, who still has a home in the Midlands from his spell in charge of Derby, is currently on the coaching staff at Newcastle. During the Keegan- Dalglish interregnum, he served as joint acting manager with Terry McDermott.

Waddle emerged as Albion's choice after they were turned down by Bruce Rioch. His departure would be a blow to Bradford, whom he helped into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a stunning goal at Everton. His first game would be tomorrow's derby at Birmingham, who are managed by Trevor Francis, who previously signed him for Sheffield Wednesday.

In Italy yesterday, Sven-Goran Eriksson confirmed that he will be managing Blackburn Rovers next season. "The decision's final, I will be going to England," Sampdoria's Swedish coach said after his side had beaten Milan 3-2 at San Siro.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in