Former Portsmouth defender interested in interim role with relegation rivals

Former Portsmouth defender Darren Moore would reportedly jump at the chance to take interim charge of one of Pompey’s relegation rivals.

Just under a week has passed since West Bromwich Albion parted company with head coach Eric Ramsey as his 44-day reign was brought to an end following a 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic that left the Baggies sitting perilously above the relegation zone. Hawthorns stalwart James Morrison has been placed in interim charge and he has quickly set his sights on leading Albion to safety over the coming weeks and months.

Speaking ahead of his side’s 2-1 home defeat against fellow strugglers Oxford United at the weekend, the former Scotland international said: "I've always had the support from the fans, so I feel the connection. I feel the love and, you know, I really appreciate that. I want to give them a result that they've been craving for and a performance that they can enjoy. My plan is to get us out of trouble. I try not to think about the pressure, I'm just trying to think about winning and setting a team up that's organised and knows what they're doing."

Intriguingly, Morrison also referenced three former Baggies managers as he assessed the difficulties at the Hawthorns and one of them, Tony Mowbray, has reportedly held talks over a possible return to the club.

The current interim boss said: "There's also been experienced managers here who have come in midway through the season and found it difficult," he said. So when you come in, you've got to try and get momentum quickly, get results, or ultimately the pressure is going to come. The club are in a situation where they don't want to be, so they've made a decision. It's a brutal business. With Ryan, Tony and Eric, this is a results business, and in the Championship this is a big football club, so the expectation is going to be there. You've got to back it up early or the pressure comes on you."

Consideration

Football Insider have reported the Baggies board are ‘considering appointing Mowbray on a deal until the end of the season’ - but the same outlet have also stated former Albion defender Moore ‘would find it extremely difficult to turn down’ a return to the club he represented over 100 times during his career. The 51-year-old has been out of work since he left his role as Port Vale manager last year and is now said to be under consideration to work alongside Morrison until the end of the season.

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