Matt Maher: Tony Mowbray sacking marks end of Bilkul honeymoon at West Brom

As the first big test for Bilkul Football’s operation since their takeover 14 months ago, to say things did not go well would be a major understatement.

Back when Mowbray’s return to The Hawthorns was confirmed, I wrote in this space how the protracted search for Carlos Corberan’s successor, which included a failed move for former Young Boys boss Raphael Wicky, would be forgotten should the eventual appointment prove a success.

It has not worked out that way and for chairman Shilen Patel and sporting director Andrew Nestor, the abrupt axing of Mowbray two hours after Monday’s 2-1 defeat to Derby County marked the definitive end of the honeymoon period. The next call is one they simply must get right.

Outside the Midlands, the decision to sack Mowbray after just 17 matches might seem harsh. But after the meek Easter surrenders to Coventry and then Derby, in matches where Albion’s season was on the line, it became clear the Baggies hierarchy had a decision to make. 

It really did feel a case of either back Mowbray or sack him and the only slight surprise was perhaps the speed with which they reached a verdict. 

What has become clear is change should not only be limited to the manager’s office. Mowbray used his final press conference to outline the scale of the shake-up he believed would be required in the summer. 

Much of what he said will have struck a chord with supporters who have watched an increasingly stale team allow the season to slip away. This is still a squad which looks in need of a refresh, regardless of who takes charge of training.

Having spent so long making their first managerial appointment, the swift decision on Mowbray affords Bilkul the chance to also take their time with the second. Making the right choice is always more important than making a quick one.

Whoever they choose will be walking into a club in need of new ideas and fresh energy.