According to many newspapers and online reports, Brentford manager, Dean Smith, is in the frame for the West Bromwich Albion job following Alan Pardew’s departure from The Hawthrorns yesterday.

Relegation favourites Albion are ten points from Premiership survival with just six games remaining, a situation which makes Championship football almost a certainly again for the Black Country club… and with Brentford’s brand of flowing football continuing to receive praise following the impressive win at Ashton Gate on Easter Monday, Smith’s name is being bandied about. But how realistic is it that Deano would get the job, or would be even tempted to leave Griffin Park right now.

I think it is fair to say that Dean Smith doesn’t receive the credit he deserves for the job he’s done this season, and although he is clearly still learning and adapting the playing style at Brentford, he’s undoubtedly developing along with the club – it seems a perfect match to be honest.

I agree. I think Dean realises the value of the relationship he has with Benham and the DOFs. He is smart enough to know that without these he may not have been as successful. Also thinks he genuinely believes Club is destined for Prem and so just a question of time

— Paul Holland (@PaulPEholland) April 3, 2018

Smith is an unassuming, modest man – he’s quietly confident and well rounded – it doesn’t strike me that there’s a huge ego to feed either, which would all point to him not being dazzled by a bigger club sniffing around… Smith and his coaching team have also just signed extended contracts and will realise the ‘Brentford machine’ is pivotal in almost everything that has been achieved in recent years… would he risk leaving that behind to go it alone right now?

Also have to look at the fact replacing him is problematic. Kev is likely being groomed to take over at some point but he's nowhere near ready. Appointment will delay him (new coach, 3+ years) or merely be a stopgap (18mths, not appealing for coaches). IF that's the ultimate plan

— Gabriel Heidler (@GJHeidler) April 3, 2018

The crash of Mark Warburton’s stock since he left the Bees, as well as Uwe Rosler’s to-ing and fro-ing suggests that the grass definitely greener elsewhere, even if the wages are better, and with the new stadium on the horizon, there’s some hugely exciting times ahead… the pressure of resurrecting the Baggies is far less tantalising in my view at least.

No, I think loyalty and what’s happening at Sunderland will keep him with us. Having said that, he’ll want assurances on who stays in the summer.

— Gerry (@gerry0703) April 3, 2018

And would Albion trust Deano to be the man to put them back on the road to the top flight? I’m not convinced. Albion’s track record is to appoint from the usual managerial merry-go-round, they rarely go left-field… if things don’t go right they also sack quickly, which will be front of mind for anyone considering throwing their hats into the ring for the job.

Anything’s possible in football as we know, and it is certainly flattering that Smith’s name is being linked, but my money is on Deano staying put for some time to come… there’s a real sense of stability at the club right now and I for one hope that’s not about to be undone.

Dave Lane
@beesotted100

MOST READ CONTENT