Wednesday 29 November 2017 17:41, UK
Alan Pardew has been announced as the new West Brom manager charged with lifting the club clear of the relegation zone.
The former Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss replaces Tony Pulis who was sacked by the Baggies on November 20.
Here, we pick out five problems that Pardew must address if he is to turn things around…
It is no coincidence that in his statement announcing Pardew's appointment, chairman John Williams made reference to the hope that the new man can get the team playing the sort of "dynamic football" that West Brom supporters crave.
Pulis's style of play has been much-maligned over the years but regardless of whether that is deemed fair or not, there can be no denying that the Hawthorns crowd feel starved of entertainment. They want to see more attacking football.
Perhaps the more pressing issue is that the fans would like to see some winning football. Much was made of Pulis's record of never having been relegated and the Baggies fans wanting more than wins but there have not been many of them lately.
Pulis won two of his final 21 games and while there were encouraging signs in Gary Megson's two games in charge, neither were won. This is a team at real risk of relegation unless Pardew can pick up some victories quickly.
West Brom's surrendering of a two-goal lead at home to Newcastle was an example of the team's fragile confidence. That is something Pardew is certainly not short of and if he can replicate his initial impact at Palace - 10 wins in his first 15 games - fans will be delighted.
"I think we've shown more flair and exuberance, things that I'd like to think I've brought to the club," he told Sky Sports at the time. Jason Puncheon agreed. "I think he has just improved the belief in individuals, getting the most of out of people," added the midfielder.
One of the benefits of West Brom playing with a bit more confidence would be that they might be able to retain possession better. Incredibly, it is almost two years since West Brom won a match in which they had more than 50 per cent of possession in the game.
In fact, the Baggies have seen less of the ball in 54 of their last 57 Premier League games. Pardew favours a counter-punching style himself but focusing on improved retention of the ball might help to convince supporters that the club can kick on under his watch.
Premier League survival will obviously be the priority for those in the boardroom and Pardew's primary remit. However, the new manager would be wise not to underestimate the importance of a cup run - it has been a source of angst for supporters for some time.
Pardew's Wembley dancing will be what's remembered but it should not completely mask the fact that he took Crystal Palace to within 10 minutes of FA Cup glory. If he can achieve anything like that at West Brom it would go a long way towards lifting the gloom.
Pardew has a reputation for being a streaky manager - someone who can take a team on fantastic runs of form followed by long slumps. But he showed at Palace that when inheriting a team capable of being well organised he can have success by giving them greater freedom.
That could be good news for some of the more exciting players at West Brom, such as winger Matty Phillips. We will soon find out. It's Palace and Swansea up next before games against Liverpool and Manchester United. Pardew will have to make an impact fast.
