West Brom: Stumbling block emerges in pursuit of 33-year-old coach as Mowbray successor | OneFootball

Ryan Mason has been targeted as one of Tony Mowbray's potential successors

Tottenham Hotspur's UEFA Europa League exploits have created a stumbling block in West Bromwich Albion's pursuit of Ryan Mason.

The Baggies rounded off their Championship season on Saturday lunchtime with a resounding 5-3 victory over Luton Town at The Hawthorns - a result that consigned their opponents to back-to-back relegations - with former midfielder James Morrison rounding off a two-game spell as interim boss following Tony Mowbray's dismissal on Easter Monday.

Albion knew the fate of their season heading into its final week of regular action, with Shilen Patel's immediate attention turning towards a successor for the 61-year-old, with Mason emerging as one of the favourites before links to Marti Cifuentes - which have since been quashed - and St Pauli boss, Alexander Blessin.

However, fresh developments mean that supporters may have to wait a little longer before finding out who the next man in the hotseat will be.

Tottenham Hotspur's UEFA Europa League exploits causing West Brom, Ryan Mason stumbling block

It was reported the day after Mowbray's last game in charge, a 3-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Derby County in B71, that Mason, who has previously overseen 13 games as interim boss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in between duties as an academy coach and assistant manager, was fronting the queue.

Such news was reported by Alan Nixon via Patreon, with the 33-year-old said to be a key reason behind the North London side's run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, where they emerged 3-1 victors over Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt in the first leg on Thursday night, with it looking highly probable that Ange Postecoglou's side will face Manchester United in the final in Bilbao on May 21st.

Nixon initially reported that Spurs' developments on the continent could cause the Baggies issues in their pursuit despite a dismal Premier League season, and that has continued to be case, as per a fresh update from the journalist.

Unsurprisingly, the side from the capital have their sights set on winning the competition, which would give them a route into the UEFA Champions League, although the timing in relation to the conclusion of the second-tier is causing the West Midlands side issues.

The report continues to state that the Baggies' hierarchy are willing to wait when it comes to striking an agreement with any potential candidates. But, a delay in their pursuit of the highly-rated Spurs figure could see other candidates move into pole position as a pivotal off-season at The Hawthorns begins.

West Brom supporters may be willing to accept Ryan Mason wait

In the current footballing landscape, every supporter wants immediate clarity regarding club matters, especially on key decisions such as the latest man in the hotseat.

However, in this case, Albion supporters may be willing to accept a slight delay in proceedings as Mason can bring along fresh, youthful ideas that would increase optimism in B71, having endured a chaotic season and plenty of managerial turnover in recent seasons.

Those at The Hawthorns may also not be worried by the former England international's lack of experience as a 'number one', as former Spurs assistant, Chris Davies, has enjoyed plenty of success just a few miles away with Birmingham City, with the two clubs set to renew rivalries after Blues' record-breaking season in League One.