The latest on West Brom’s next manager hunt, as a decision appears imminent.

West Bromwich Albion are close to appointing Minnesota United manager Eric Ramsay as their new head coach, replacing Ryan Mason, who was fired earlier this week.

The Baggies proceeded promptly to contact Ramsay, a prior candidate for the position. The 33-year-old was spoken to in May before to Mason’s eventual appointment, and West Brom have been monitoring his development ever since, in case another manager change is required.

Mason lost 13 of his 26 matches, leaving Albion in 18th place, so that moment has arrived sooner than anticipated. The goal at the outset of the season was to finish in the top six, and the Baggies have fallen far short. That left the hierarchy with little choice than to change direction.

West Brom reach agreement to hire ex-Manchester United coach.

That direction appears to be to appoint Ramsay, as the former Manchester United and Chelsea coach is scheduled to go to England once an agreement is finalized. Our sister site, the Express & Star, exclusively disclosed the news on Thursday night, stating that Ramsay will be confirmed as Mason’s successor.

It didn’t take long for West Brom and Ramsay to reach an agreement, with the former Shrewsbury Town player saying yes when presented with Albion’s concept. West Brom will pay Minnesota compensation for ending Ramsay’s contract early in the United States.

Who is Eric Ramsay?

Ramsay, who was still relatively inexperienced at the top level but offered new ideas, quickly gained popularity in Minnesota. The Welshman led the Major League Soccer club to 38 wins, 16 draws, and 27 losses in 81 games.

Ramsay made headlines last season after leading Minnesota to a 4-1 victory over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. He began his coaching career with Swansea City’s under-18s before going on to an academy post at Shrewsbury.

He subsequently moved to Chelsea, where he spent two years as the club’s under-23 assistant manager. Ramsay then left the Blues to work as a senior coach at Manchester United before taking on a part-time job as Wales’ assistant manager. All of this came before he accepted and excelled in the Minnesota position.