"Time to come clean" - West Brom hierarchy questioned over manager saga involving Tottenham's Ryan Mason | OneFootball

FLW's West Brom fan pundit has questioned why the decision-making process has been so lengthy for their new manager amid Ryan Mason rumours

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

West Bromwich Albion have been questioned over their recruitment of a new manager after strong links with Ryan Mason.

According to Alex Crook of talkSPORT, the 33-year-old is making a decision as to whether or not he leaves his current role - which he has held for the past seven years since his early retirement - in favour of his first permanent managerial job.

The Baggies have been without a manager since April 21, when Tony Mowbray was sacked after losing 3-1 against relegation-battling Derby County at The Hawthorns.

It was reported by Football Insider that West Brom had started opening talks with Ryan Mason to become their new head coach, with the club keen to fight for promotion next term.

West Brom handed Ryan Mason verdict amid strong links

FLW’s West Brom fan pundit, Callum Burgess, has questioned why the decision-making process has taken so long, but would be excited to see what Mason could do in the dugout.

“If Ryan Mason does end up becoming West Bromwich Albion manager, it's time to come clean about why the process took this long,” Callum told FLW.

“Obviously, he has been waiting for the Europa League final to take place, with his focus on that while at Tottenham, but the sticking point is going to be that Mason hasn't got prior experience of being a manager himself.

“He's worked under various managers at Tottenham, the likes of Antonio Conte, José Mourinho and Ange Postecoglou, so you'd imagine he'd have learnt a thing or two from them when trying to figure out how he'd want to shape his own team.

“You've got the likes of Kieran McKenna who've gone from working in the backroom staff at the top six clubs and then did well in their first job, but supporters aren't going to know what a Ryan Mason team looks like.

“So, it's hard to really make much of an assumption because another sticking point I have is that I don't think that Albion would appoint the likes of Russell Martin or Steve Cooper, managers who previously won promotion, whereas some supporters think that Albion should have got them.

“If Ryan Mason does come in, they've gone for a youthful candidate who has the potential to become a decent coach and get Albion into the Premier League in the near future.”

Ryan Mason has obvious potential, but his lack of experience may find him out at West Brom

Mason would certainly bring intrigue if appointed at The Hawthorns, due to his lack of managerial experience.

Over both his periods as interim and acting manager, Tottenham won six, drew one and lost six of his 13 games in charge. An average win percentage, but one that West Brom decision makers likely won't be looking too much into, given his interim status.

His experience under managers such as Conte and Mourinho will be worth its weight in gold, and something Mason would be sure to implement at West Brom.

It all depends on how big of a gamble the Baggies are willing to take ahead of what will be their fifth straight season in the Championship.