Sacked after just 27 games: Former West Brom boss tipped for surprise Championship return

The former Albion manager, dismissed earlier in the season, has emerged as a contender for a return to the dugout.

After taking his first senior managerial role at West Brom this campaign, he is now being linked with the vacancy at Watford, who are once again searching for a new head coach.

The Hornets moved swiftly to part ways with Ed Still at the end of the season following a brief spell in charge, with results tailing off sharply. Still, brother of Will who had a short stint at Southampton this term struggled to turn things around during a difficult run-in.

Attention has now turned to potential replacements, and the ex-Albion boss is reportedly among those under consideration.

Ryan Mason stepped into management with West Brom last summer after building his coaching experience at Tottenham. He made a strong impression early on, overseeing a promising start to the campaign.

However, form dipped significantly as the season progressed, with Albion sliding down the table. A poor away record ultimately proved decisive, and Mason was relieved of his duties in January after a defeat to Leicester, bringing his tenure to an end after just 27 matches.

His successor, Eric Ramsay, failed to improve matters, leaving without a single win from nine games in charge.

Despite that setback, Mason could be set for another opportunity in the Championship. Early betting markets have placed him among the frontrunners for the Watford job, alongside Garcia Pimienta, Russell Martin, Marti Cifuentes and Scott Parker.