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Ryan Mason’s abysmal away record as West Bromwich Albion manager ultimately proved to be his undoing.

Staggeringly, the Baggies’ last-gasp loss on the road at Leicester City – which proved to be Mason’s final outing in the dug-out – was the West Midlands outfit’s tenth away defeat in a row in Championship action, with the 34-year-old stating that he felt “devastated” yet again for the travelling faithful at the full-time whistle.

That would prove to be some of his last words to the media, as he was finally put out of his West Brom misery, with only nine league wins heading his way in total, from 26 contests.

In the end, Mason was in over his head, taking on the challenge of the second-tier job so early into his fledgling managerial career, as West Brom now look to get their faltering season back on track with an inspired replacement.

Contenders to replace Mason

It will be interesting to see what route the Baggies go down in immediately replacing the underwhelming head coach, with experienced Championship managers being lined up to come in.

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Indeed, both Michael Carrick and Carlos Corberan are being rumoured to call the Hawthorns home very shortly, with the pair combined overseeing a mighty 138 wins in the Championship.

The Spaniard collected a large portion of those when previously in charge of the Baggies, and with his future at Valencia hanging in the balance, a spectacular reunion might soon be on the cards.

Yet, the other route West Brom could go down is going after another inexperienced head coach, despite the obvious failures of the Mason reign, with former Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay also in line to take on the reins after the 34-year-old, according to the Express and Star.

Now a fully fledged manager in his own right at Minnesota United, this would be a left-field move, and a daring one, considering the position West Brom find themselves in, near the foot of the Championship table, after a similar gamble didn’t pay off with Mason.

He was eyed up previously, though, so right now, it could be the time when Ramsay is actually handed the vacancy, as West Brom potentially gain their next Corberan in the making in the highly regarded boss.

Why Ramsay can be Corberan 2.0

It does feel like some time ago that Corberan was just a second-in-command figure to Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United, with the 42-year-old very much earning his stripes in English football behind the scenes, under the enigmatic South American.

Bielsa would even hail Corberan as a “very talented” coach during the time at Elland Road together, with the eccentric Argentine manager also stating that he sometimes valued the ex-West Brom boss’ opinion “more than his own.”

He would then go on to forge his own career as a main head coach in England, emerging from the shadow of Bielsa, with two Championship playoff finishes coming his way with both Huddersfield Town and West Brom, as his exit for Valencia in late 2024 devastated the Hawthorns masses.

Realistically, it could be challenging to tempt Corberan back to West Brom imminently, as he will still feel he has a job to do in La Liga, with Ramsay perhaps being the next best option in attempting to replicate the overwhelming success story of the Spaniard.

After all, in an eerily similar manner to Bielsa’s praise of the now under-pressure Valencia manager, Ramsay was also dubbed as “very talented” when taking up a coaching role at the Red Devils by Erik ten Hag, with similar praise also coming his way when he was Wales’ assistant manager by Rob Page, who wildly called the 33-year-old “one of the best young coaches” he had worked alongside.

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Much like Corberan, though, Ramsay would have known that he would need to spread his wings in the main manager game sooner rather than later, and he’s made quite the impact in America as head coach of MLS outfit Minnesota.

Ramsay’s record with Minnesota

Stat

Ramsay

Games

81

Wins

38

Draws

16

Losses

27

Goals scored

157

Goals conceded

133

Points accumulated

130

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Ramsay has guided Minnesota to a respectable 38 wins so far from his 81 games in charge, with sporting director Khaled El-Ahmad lauding the 33-year-old for being “super energetic” from the sidelines, as he immediately acclimatised himself to his new environment.

It would, of course, be a huge jump for Ramsay to go from the MLS to the pressures of the EFL’s elite league, but Corberan never looked back after he was shoved into the deep end at Huddersfield.

Having also found himself being tentatively linked to the RC Strasbourg opening, it’s clear that Ramsay is a manager on the rise, with West Brom potentially his next destination.

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West Bromwich Albion fans would be overjoyed if this manager target came in to replace Ryan Mason.

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Manchester United are now reportedly monitoring a South American gem who has a release clause worth a hefty £69m.

Amorim warns Man Utd "have to perform" vs Leeds

Attempting to welcome the new year in style, Man United square off against Leeds United in desperate need of bouncing back following a disappointing draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

It was a stark reminder of where the Red Devils find themselves these days and a clear sign of just how far they have to go under Ruben Amorim.

Leeds are unlikely to be pushovers, either. Daniel Farke’s side haven’t suffered a defeat in six games and that run has included two draws against Liverpool as well as a victory over Chelsea. Everything suggests that the Whites will be welcoming Man United with three points in mind.

Amorim, with the chance to win his first derby day against Leeds, told reporters in the build-up: “It’s different. I never experienced this one. In Portugal it’s a big rivalry. Here’s it is the same. Different environment, different culture but the noise is going to be big. We just have to perform.

“But it’s hard to compare different cultures, different derbies, different history, so let’s just focus on the game. It is 11 guys against our 11 in the beginning and we will try to win.”

Of course, it’s not just on the pitch that Man United need results this month. Away from the action, INEOS must also get things right in the transfer market.

To that end, whilst potential midfield reinforcements such as Carlos Baleba will reportedly be taking priority, those at Old Trafford also have their sights set on a South American gem.

Man Utd monitoring £69m Rayan

According to AS journalist Eduardo Burgos, as relayed by Sport Witness, Man United are now monitoring Rayan alongside Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The 19-year-old has burst onto the radar of a number of European stars, but won’t come cheap. Reports have suggested that clubs will have to trigger his €80m (£69m) release clause at Vasco da Gama.

As far as Ben Mattinson is concerned, however, that £69m release clause may be worth triggering. The Como scout spoke highly of the forward last January, dubbing him a “technical powerhouse”.

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Since then, Rayan has scored 20 goals in 57 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign in Brazil and very much looks destined to take the leap towards European football.

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So many Premier League sides have welcomed young South American stars with great success in the past and United may well follow suit in the near future.

Glamorgan Cricket will receive £516,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help create the Museum of Welsh Cricket at Sophia Gardens. It will be the first sports-specific museum at a sporting venue in Wales and should open next summer.The museum forms part of a major redevelopment of Glamorgan Cricket’s headquarters in Cardiff. A statement from Glamorgan said “the state-of-the-art visitor attraction will be a high-tech gadget-rich museum, full of digital and electronic resources designed to celebrate the history of cricket throughout Wales and to inspire the next generation of Welsh cricketers.”The award will also support CricEd Cymru, a cricket-based learning programme for both primary and secondary schools, which has already been piloted, and an outreach ‘Beyond Boundaries’ scheme, which aims to maximise community participation through talks, seminars, and a travelling exhibition.R. Paul Russell, the Glamorgan chairman, said: “Glamorgan Cricket is delighted to receive this substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, especially as the creation of the Museum of Welsh Cricket has been one of the key features of the new pavilion complex here at the club’s redeveloped headquarters in Cardiff.”Cricket has played a unique part in the sporting heritage of Wales, and the creation of the Museum will add the range of visitor attractions at the new Test Match stadium which Glamorgan Cricket has developed in the heart of the Welsh capital city. The Museum will provide visitors to the city with an opportunity for the first timeto study the fascinating history of cricket and the part it has played in making Wales one of the world’s great sporting nations.”In Dr. Andrew Hignell, the club is fortunate to have the leading expert on the history of cricket in Wales. Dr. Hignell has been driving force behind both the Museum of Welsh Cricket, and the Glamorgan Cricket Heritage Gallery, and we are building on his vast experience in the world of teaching by combining a wide variety of learning-activities and community projects with the museum.”

Bangladesh’s preparations for the forthcoming tour of Zimbabwe have been overshadowed by political unrest in the country which mean that there is uncertainty whether national league games will go ahead.”Nothing could have been better than playing more league matches before going to Zimbabwe but everything looks uncertain due to the political crisis,” admitted Habibul Bashar, the captain. “I don’t think fatigue would be an issue in the World Cup because it’s always a better option to play matches.”Dav Whatmore led a training session in Dhaka yesterday, but Aftab Ahmed failed to travel from Chittagong because of the countrywide blockade.Whatmore hinted that the World Cup was the centre of attention rather than the Zimbabwe trip. “It’s hard to look into one with out thinking of the other. I think we have to look at both. It’s very close isn’t it…” he said. “You get just one week after returning from Zimbabwe and then you go to the World Cup.”The Bangladesh selectors meet today to pick the side for Zimbabwe, and the squad leaves for the four-ODI series on January 31.

Greg Blewett is back for the Redbacks © Getty Images

Shane Warne delayed his return to Victoria as the Bushrangers named an unchanged side to face South Australia in the ING Cup match at Adelaide on Sunday. Warne is recovering from a hectic Test series and is expected to delay his comeback until the Pura Cup match against the Redbacks starting next Thursday.South Australia, who easily beat Western Australia on Wednesday, have also received a blow with Matthew Elliott ruled out after aggravating a knee injury. His place has been taken by Greg Blewett, who has recovered from a thigh problem.A Victorian win would seal them a place in the final, but South Australia sit only three points behind the Bushrangers in third. Cameron White shared in a domestic record fourth-wicket stand of 205 with David Hussey against Queensland on Wednesday, and he said he was desperate to reach the decider. “I’m happy with my one-day form and am keen to keep the runs flowing,” White, who hit 85 from 87 balls, said.In Tasmania, Brett Geeves will play his first game of the season for the Tigers after recovering from stress fractures in his left leg. Tasmania travel to Devonport for the match against Western Australia and Geeves, who picked up 6 for 48 in a 2nd XI game, replaces Brendan Drew.Dane Anderson, who missed Wednesday’s loss to New South Wales due to a shoulder injury, has been named, but he and George Bailey (neck) will undergo fitness tests. Rhett Lockyear stepped in for Anderson and is on standby for both players.Victoria Michael Klinger, Jonathan Moss, Lloyd Mash, David Hussey, Cameron White (capt), Liam Buchanan, Grant Lindsay, Adam Crosthwaite (wk), Andrew McDonald, Shane Harwood, Gerard Denton, Mick Lewis.South Australia Shane Deitz, Mark Cosgrove, Greg Blewett, Cameron Borgas, Darren Lehmann (capt), Callum Ferguson, Ken Skewes, Graham Manou (wk), Ryan Harris, Mark Cleary, Jason Gillespie, Cullen Bailey, Shaun Tait.Tasmania Tim Paine (wk), Travis Birt, Dane Anderson, Michael Bevan, Michael Di Venuto (capt), George Bailey, Adam Polkinghorne, Luke Butterworth, Xavier Doherty, Adam Griffith, Brett Geeves, Ben Hilfenhaus.Western Australia Justin Langer (capt), Marcus North, Luke Ronchi (wk), Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh, Chris Rogers, Peter Worthington, Beau Casson, Steve Magoffin, Matthew Petrie, Ben Edmondson, David Bandy.

Scorecard

Mike Hussey: second double hundred of his career© Getty Images

Mike Hussey and Perth’s oppressive heat combined to subject Victoria to another tough day in their Pura Cup match against Western Australia at the WACA. At the close, Western Australia were 6 for 414, a lead of 259, with Hussey unbeaten on 202.On a day when temperatures as high as 42 degrees were recorded in Perth, Victoria wilted. A brief shower during the tea break helped reduce some of the heat, and the 20-minute delay which ensued would have been welcomed most by Victoria’s bowlers. But is was temporary respite.The star was Hussey, who completed the second double hundred of his career shortly before bad light brought a premature end to the day. He smashed 31 fours, and moved to within 10 runs of 7000 in the competition, offering only one chance, when on 131, but Shane Warne spilt the slip catch.It was a day to forget for Warne, who ended with 1 for 84, although none of the bowlers seriously threatened to check Hussey’s progress. Resuming on 0 for 129, Justin Langer was caught behind by Peter Roach off Michael Lewis for 76 inside an hour, but Chris Rogers (40) carried on where he had left off before falling to an outstanding diving catch by Warne.Hussey and Ryan Campbell then combined for an 88-run sixth wicket partnership, Campbell taking on the aggressive role with a 62-ball 46.

South Australian cricket officials are going to the Environment, Resource and Development Court to appeal an Adelaide City Council rejection of an application to build a permanent video replay screen at the Adelaide Oval.The council had given in-principle approval for the screen in January. As a result of that decision, the South Australia Cricket Association (SACA) worked with Heritage South Australia to ensure the design met their heritage requirements.SACA chief executive Mike Deare said the appeal was a last resort move after the Adelaide City Council took the issue off their agenda. Deare said he understood the matter would be looked by a special Development Assessment Panel later this week. He anticipated the panel meeting would then be followed by a conciliation meeting under the auspices of the Environment Resource and Development Court.When the original SACA plans were declined by the Council, a reduction was made in the support structure for the screen. Deare said he had received an indication that city councillors acknowledge the need for a screen and he is hopeful that the amended design will win favour within the next week.

Sixteen young English Test hopefuls have arrived in Adelaide to spend four months at the Australian Cricket Academy, and were given an early indication of what the future holds from Rod Marsh.The former Australia wicketkeeper, the first director of the English NationalAcademy after 11 successful years at the ACA, was appointed by the England and Wales Cricket Board to help develop players more effectively for international cricket.”They’re here to toughen up,” Marsh said. “If they don’t get tough they might as well catch the first plane out.”The pressure will be so intense that unless they perform at their absolute best they will never play for England,” Marsh told Channel Ten Sports News.Australia raised themselves from the cricketing doldrums to become world-beaters through their own academy, which has produced the likes of Shane Warneand Ricky Ponting.The 16 English players selected for the first academy, which has replaced the winter A tour, are in for a month of tough fitness training.There are barely any net sessions before their first game on November 22, against the Tasmania 2nd XI.Marsh has brought in two Australian coaches to help train the England prospects.The great fast bowler Dennis Lillee is joined by Terry Jenner, who nurtured Shane Warne and will advise England’s slow bowlers.Surrey’s Alex Tudor welcomed the news that former Australian captain Ian Chappell will also provide specialist coaching.”With men like Chappell around we can only get better,” said the 24-year-old, who made his Test debut in 1998 but has since been plagued by injury.

ScorecardFile Photo – Sudip Chatterjee struck 16 fours for his 145•PTI

Sudip Chatterjee’s hundred rescued Bengal from what seemed set to be an extension of their previous season, against Karnataka in Bangalore. Bengal were reduced to 41 for 4 mainly by Vinay Kumar’s new-ball exploits, before Chatterjee and Wriddhiman Saha pulled them out of the pits with a stand of 173 runs for the fifth wicket. Saha fell ten runs short of a hundred in the last over before tea and Chatterjee was dismissed for 145, his third 50-plus score in four first-class matches, while Vinay ended the day with 3 for 80.Vinay opted to bowl and removed the Bengal top order all by himself. He didn’t swing the ball much in his first two overs, but once he did, he pitched it in the corridor to take the outside edges of openers Abhishek Das and debutant Naved Ahmed. There was more drama in the third dismissal when Vinay threw the ball back in his follow through to hit Shreevats Goswami’s bat and the ball deflected onto the stumps. Goswami had grounded his bat in time but when the ball hit the stumps, his bat was in the air and so were Bengal’s fortunes. Manoj Tiwary came out at 26 for 3 and struck an authoritative four off the back foot, but he gave his wicket away by pulling a short ball from well outside off, for a top-edge to square leg and Bengal were four down in just over an hour.That brought together Chatterjee and Saha in the 14th over. Chatterjee was more watchful out of the two and didn’t go for any extravagant shots. Saha, though, had a nervy start. He edged the ball a couple of times early on, but his use of soft hands made sure the ball didn’t carry to the slips. He switched gears as soon as legspinner Shreyas Gopal came on in the 20th over by greeting him with a six over long-off and a beautiful cover drive the next ball. Saha struck two fours in an over against Vinay too, not long before lunch, and lofted left-arm spinner J Suchith over mid-off early into the second session to earn some confidence.Bengal were 104 for 4 at lunch and the two batsmen, now at ease, struck the occasional boundary and soon brought up their 100-run stand with the ball old and the sun blazing down on the pitch. Vinay tried several bowlers in quick succession, unleashed his own reverse-swing, placed unorthodox fielders but wickets eluded Karnataka.Saha targeted the off side more, while Chatterjee found success off his pads as both batsmen attacked the spinners. Just when it looked like the second session would go completely in Bengal’s favour, Gopal turned one into Saha and Robin Uthappa, who was keeping instead of CM Gautam, took a sharp catch down leg.Chatterjee, on 99 at tea, didn’t take too long to move into three figures for the second time in this format and found an able partner in Laxmi Shukla to take the score past 250. By now Chatterjee had read the bounce well; he played the ball late, ducked under the bouncers, cut Vinay off the back foot for fours and was headed towards a big score. That his first first-class hundred was a score of 192 speaks of his patience and grit. Shukla was striking boundaries at will, including a six down the ground, and along with Chatterjee brought up the fifty stand in ten overs, but Karnataka, like they usually do once they make inroads, continued to pick wickets.Shukla chased one outside off with a big drive that flew to Manish Pandey at first slip in no time and Pragyan Ojha’s resistance of 35 balls, that included several short deliveries, ended as soon as Vinay took the second new ball. The big wicket came when Chatterjee threw his bat like Shukla and was also caught at first slip, off HS Sharath. At 295 for 8, Bengal were helped past 300 when No. 9 Veer Pratap Singh struck three firm drives for four before lobbing one off the back foot to mid-off which was Sharath’s third wicket and marked the end of the day.

Australia believe Andrew Symonds should be fit for their next international series © Getty Images

Ricky Ponting is confident Andrew Symonds will be fit for Australia’s push to regain the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, which begins on December 14. Symonds hurt his ankle while batting in the first innings of the Hobart Test and took no further part in the match after posting his half-century.”We’ve got three weeks before the Chappell-Hadlee, I would imagine he would be right for those,” Ponting told . “If you look at the way he has batted in the last couple of games, he has gone out when we were looking at declaring and got 50 off 50 balls both times.”We know how destructive he can be and we saw that in Melbourne last year, that magnificent [Test] hundred he made there. It’s not only his bowling. He gives us a fair bit with the bat and he can give us a lot in the field as well. He’s a pretty vital cog in our team at the moment so we hope he can be back on the park pretty quickly.”Ponting is keen to regain the trophy after New Zealand surprised Australia with a 3-0 series win in February. During that tour Australia rested Ponting and Adam Gilchrist, leaving Michael Hussey in charge of an under-strength side that came up against some impressive New Zealand batting.However, New Zealand’s results so far on their South Africa tour – they lost both Tests and failed to post 200 in any innings – suggest they are not in the same kind of form as earlier this year. “New Zealand right at the moment they’ve got a few injuries as well,” Ponting said. “Shane Bond is down and Jacob Oram is down. A few of their guys have gone down over in South Africa.”Ponting said a 3-0 result had not reflected the closeness of the February series. “There was a lot spoken about in that series about probably how badly we went,” Ponting said. “If you actually look at the games I don’t think we played that badly at all. We scored 340 and 350 in a couple of those games and lost. There’s extra motivation there.”New Zealand’s tour opens with a Twenty20 international in Perth on December 11. The three-match Chappell-Hadlee Series follows with games in Adelaide, Sydney and Hobart before Australia switch back into five-day mode for the Boxing Day Test against India.