West Brom Considering Surprise Approach for Paul Heckingbottom

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly weighing up a surprise move to appoint Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom at the conclusion of the season, according to a report by Sports Boom. The development comes at a time of mounting concern around the club’s future in the Championship, with recent results doing little to reassure supporters.

The Baggies are currently staring at the very real possibility of relegation. Any lingering optimism among the fanbase was further dented following their latest setback, a defeat to Oxford United. The loss was particularly alarming given Oxford’s position near the foot of the table. They sit second from bottom, with only already-relegated Sheffield Wednesday beneath them, making West Brom’s inability to secure a result all the more troubling.

Frustration among supporters was evident at full-time, with players booed off the pitch at the Hawthorns. The team is still searching for its first league victory of 2026, and confidence appears to be at a low ebb as the campaign enters a critical stage.

Interim Situation at The Hawthorns

Former West Brom midfielder James Morrison is currently overseeing first-team affairs in an interim capacity. However, there has been little sign of a significant turnaround in performances since the dismissal of Eric Ramsay. Results have remained underwhelming, leaving the club hierarchy facing an important decision regarding the managerial position.

Given that this would represent the third managerial change of the season, West Brom are expected to proceed cautiously. The board will likely want to avoid another misstep and ensure that their next permanent appointment is the right one, particularly if the club retains its Championship status.

‘Shock’ Move for Heckingbottom

According to Sports Boom, West Brom are planning what has been described as a ‘shock’ attempt to lure Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom to the Hawthorns once the season concludes. In the meantime, the club could opt to appoint another interim manager to guide the team through the remaining fixtures.

The report suggests that Heckingbottom would be open to taking charge at West Brom, provided the club avoids relegation. The opportunity to manage a side with aspirations of returning to the Premier League is said to appeal to the 48-year-old, who views the Baggies as a club with the infrastructure and ambition to compete at a higher level.

There have also been claims that former West Brom manager Tony Mowbray is in discussions about returning on a short-term basis until the end of the campaign. Should that arrangement materialise, it could pave the way for a more permanent switch to Heckingbottom during the summer transfer window.

A Manager With Championship Credentials

Heckingbottom brings with him extensive experience within the English Football League. His track record includes guiding Sheffield United to promotion to the Premier League, a significant achievement that may well be a major factor in West Brom’s reported interest.

In addition to his success with the Blades, Heckingbottom also played a key role in Barnsley’s promotion to the Championship earlier in his managerial career. Those accomplishments underline his familiarity with the demands of competing at the top end of the second tier and navigating the challenges of promotion pushes.

However, there are potential concerns regarding his tenure lengths at previous clubs. On average, Heckingbottom has spent just over a year in charge at each of his managerial posts. If West Brom are seeking stability and a long-term vision, they would need to establish the right structures and support systems to ensure continuity should they appoint him.

Paul Heckingbottom’s Managerial Record

Heckingbottom’s overall managerial record reflects a mixture of experiences across different clubs. During his initial caretaker spell at Barnsley, he enjoyed a strong return, winning two of his three matches, equating to an approximate win rate of 66.7%.

After being appointed permanently at Barnsley, his win percentage settled at around 27.7% across roughly 83 games. He later moved to Leeds United, where he achieved a win rate of approximately 33.3% over the course of about 24 matches.

His time at Hibernian produced a win percentage of roughly 34.4%, based on available figures from his tenure in Scotland. It was at Sheffield United, however, where his record showed more consistent success. Combining his interim and permanent spells, his win rate during his extended period at Bramall Lane is estimated to have reached the mid-40% range, notably stronger than at several of his previous clubs.

Currently at Preston North End, his win percentage has varied depending on the specific timeframe and data source, generally falling between 28% and 37% based on recent Championship statistics.

Across his entire managerial career to date, Heckingbottom’s overall win rate stands at approximately 36% to 38%. While not spectacular on paper, his record does include proven achievements in securing promotion and competing effectively within the Championship.

A Crucial Decision Ahead

For West Brom, the coming weeks will be pivotal. Their immediate priority remains securing enough points to avoid relegation. Beyond that, the club must determine who is best placed to lead them forward in what promises to be a defining summer.

If they maintain their Championship status, a move for Heckingbottom could represent a calculated gamble—one grounded in experience but requiring patience and structural backing. Whether the reported interest materialises into a formal approach remains to be seen, but the prospect of a managerial reshuffle at the Hawthorns continues to gather momentum as the season draws to a close.