Darren Moore Must Be Given A Chance

Hope When There Was None

When Moore got the poisoned chalice in April, West Brom were ten points from safety. Fans and pundits alike awaited confirmation of relegation following a season of terrible results as well as off-field antics. As Moore got to work in his new role, more backroom faces would follow Pardew through the door as Albion prepared for life in the second tier of English football.

But with each week under the influence of Moore, Albion continued to prolong the inevitable. The team went unbeaten in his five games in charge, collecting 11 points from a possible 15. Moore dragged Albion off the bottom of the table and unbelievably, gave slim hopes of survival. Victory over Tottenham on Saturday meant that a draw between Swansea and Southampton on Tuesday would keep Albion alive going into the final weekend.

Southampton would go on to beat Swansea in Wales, however, ending West Brom’s eight-year stint in the top flight. Just hours after Darren Moore received the Manager of the Month award for April. A valiant effort that has not delivered safety but has restored pride and optimism to Baggies fans.

If this were a job interview, Darren Moore must be given a chance because he’s aced it. His miraculous run has not only yielded the manager of the month award. It has placed him firmly into Albion history. Three wins and two draws is the best start in the top flight for any West Brom manager ever.

A Chance in the Championship?

With fans in full voice after their final home game of the season, they made it clear that they want him. Players gave numerous interviews pleading for Moore to keep hold of his position, too. Everything on the surface is clear that the humble man known with affection as Big Dave has earned a crack at bringing the Baggies back to the Premier League. So why would he not get a chance?

West Bromwich Albion are about to undergo a huge rebuild following relegation. They will need to replace a host of backroom staff who lost their jobs following the disastrous campaign. As well as the usual player overhaul that comes with slipping out of the top tier. Moore’s experience dealing with such matters has immediately thrown his appointment into question.

But is experience necessary for the role? West Brom’s season began spinning out of control under Tony Pulis and bombed under Alan Pardew, both of whom have vast amounts of experience. West Brom must learn from this season. Pulis and Pardew, with their wealth of experience, amassed just three league victories between them this season. Moore has matched that already, with a win at Old Trafford and St James’ Park added to by his recent triumph at home to Spurs.

If Albion are thinking of overlooking Moore in favour of experience, fans will implore them to learn from recent history. Memories of the short-lived Alan Pardew era should convince the club’s hierarchy. If not, they should ask Bournemouth how Eddie Howe is doing.