West Bromwich Albion’s hunt for a new manager will continue after an attempt to appoint former Basel and Young Boys coach Raphael Wicky failed.

The 47-year-old was the chosen candidate to succeed Carlos Corberan, who left The Hawthorns on Christmas Eve to manage his hometown club Valencia in Spain. Negotiations were called off due to issues in gathering the coaching staff Wicky desired. After former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Hake was linked with the position, the former Swiss international emerged as the main candidate for the West Brom vacancy. The Baggies, who were blasted 5-1 by Premier League side Bournemouth in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, have maintained their promotion credentials as they look for a new manager.

They are unbeaten in three league games and are in the play-off spots in sixth place.

Steve Hermon, BBC Radio WM

On Saturday morning, it was understood that, while the t’s had not been crossed and the lower case i’s had not been dotted, negotiations were well underway, and Raphael Wicky would be appointed as Albion’s new head coach in time for this weekend’s Championship game at home against Stoke City. It’s a major setback for the Baggies because the Swiss had been their favoured choice after interviews with a shortlist of potentials. The disagreement appears to have been over his backstage personnel. Wicky wanted to bring two individuals with him, and I believe the Baggies management was entirely supportive of that, but complications with the duo relocating to the UK have caused talks to fall down.

Andrew Nestor led the head coach search, and it was always made clear that speed was never a goal. However, as we near three weeks following Carlos Corberan’s departure, it may now be necessary. Interim head coach Chris Brunt, together with Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill, has overseen five games thus far, and aside from the devastating FA Cup defeat against Bournemouth this past weekend, they have performed admirably given the circumstances. It remains to be seen whether this surprising news reopens the way for ex-Manchester United assistant Rene Hake or someone else who has not already been questioned, or whether Brunt and co will be called back into the dugout at The Hawthorns once more.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk