"That's fantastic news" - Carlton Palmer reacts to big Carlos Corberan, West Brom hint | OneFootball

The Baggies boss has recently dropped a hint over his future at The Hawthorns

It is "great news" for West Brom that manager Carlos Corberan has suggested that he wants to stay at the club for the long-term.

That's according to former Baggies midfielder Carlton Palmer, who believes the side can challenge for a place in the Championship play-offs again this season.

Corberan took charge at The Hawthorns back in October 2022, at a time when the club were sat 23rd in the Championship table.

He was however, able to quickly turn that around, guiding West Brom to a ninth place finish in the final standings.

The Baggies then finished fifth last season to qualify for the play-offs, but were denied promotion after defeat to Southampton in the semi-finals.

Even so, with the club making a strong start to the current campaign, that has led to further speculation around the future of the Spaniard, which he has recently moved to clarify.

Palmer reacts to Corberan's West Brom revelation

Back in the summer, the Baggies boss was linked with the vacant managerial role at Leicester City, which eventually went to Steve Cooper.

There have though, been some reports that the Welshman is already under pressure at The King Power Stadium, and his departure could trigger more speculation around Corberan.

Meanwhile, it has also been suggested that Southampton are monitoring the availability of the West Brom boss, amid their poor start to the Premier League season under Russell Martin.

Speaking recently though, Corberan himself claimed extending his career with the Baggies would make him "very, very, happy" as he approaches the two-year anniversary of his appointment.

Now it seems that Palmer - who made 139 appearances for the Midlands club at the start of his career - believes that can only be a good thing for his old side.

West Brom, the former England international said:

"That's fantastic news for the hierarchy at West Bromwich Albion and for the supporters, given rumours of sackings at Leicester and Southampton that may occur, obviously he's been linked with those jobs.

"They've had a fantastic start to the season West Brom, they currently occupy fourth place, on 17 points, only two points off the leaders Sunderland.

"It's going to be a very interesting weekend this weekend, with Sheffield United playing Leeds United, you could see West Bromwich Albion back in the top two spots.

"He's done a magnificent job in difficult circumstances, and I know the fans love him to bits, I've been there to watch the games and see the receptions and how they do.

"I think even the owners appreciate the he's done in difficult circumstances and now the club's on a more secure footing, with the new owners.

"If he's backed again in the January transfer window and brings in the right quality of player, there is every chance West Bromwich Albion will be in the play-offs.

"I can't see - and I'm not being pessimistic - I just don't see West Brom being in the top two as it stands, at the moment, but you never know if the recruitment's right in January, West Bromwich Albion might be able to mount an attack on the top two spots.

"But I certainly expect them, given their current form, to be in a play-off spot, and as we know, anything can happen once you get into a play-off situation."

Having taken 17 points from nine league games so far this season, the Baggies currently sit fourth in the Championship table, two points behind leaders Sunderland.

They are next in action on Saturday afternoon, when they travel to the Kassam Stadium to take on Oxford United.

It does feel like a major boost for West Brom that Corberan looks as though he is planning to stay at the club for a long time to come.

The Spaniard has done a remarkable job since taking over at The Hawthorns, turning the side into one that looks as though it can challenge for promotion to the Premier League again.

As a result, that speculation involving clubs from the top-flight will have been a concern for the Baggies, given the implications it might have had for Corberan's own future.

With West Brom building a real feel-good factor since Shilen Patel's takeover back in February, losing such an asset as their manager would have been a huge blow.

However, the Spaniard's suggestion he wants to stay at the club long-term will ease those fears, and give hope he can continue to build on the foundations he has laid at The Hawthorns.