Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips says West Brom are still yet to decide on their new manager, having received an update from James Morrison.

The Lowdown: West Brom search for new boss

The Baggies were relegated back to the Championship last season, following a disappointing Premier League campaign that never got going.

Sam Allardyce was unable to keep West Brom in the top-flight, and having departed after the final game, the search is on for a new boss.

Chris Wilder is one of a number of names to have emerged as a contender for the job, but there doesn’t appear to be a clear front-runner at the moment.

The Latest: Phillips provides update

Speaking to West Brom News, Phillips gave an update on the situation after a catch-up with possible insider Morrison, who is a coach for the under-23s:

“I spoke to James Morrison last night, I bumped into him, and I asked if anyone’s in charge yet and he said, ‘no, I don’t know anything’.

“He’s none-the-wiser so I think it’s a situation that’s not desperate but it needs addressing sooner rather than later so someone can come in and get an idea of what they’re working with before pre-season starts.”

The Verdict: Worrying

Ideally, a new manager needs to be sorted as soon as possible, as Phillips alludes to, in order for them to adjust to their new surroundings before pre-season gets underway, plan transfers and make squad changes.

The longer this goes on, the less ideal it becomes, with less preparation available ahead of what is hopefully a triumphant 2021/22 campaign.

That being said, it is vital that the Baggies don’t rush the appointment, ensuring the right man arrives – someone who is a long-term addition, rather than a short-term fix.

In other news, a pundit admits he would be surprised if one individual took charge at West Brom. Read more here.