Tony Mowbray's future at West Brom safe as Celtic hunt Martinez
Jun 2 2009 by Robert Tanner, Birmingham Post
Mowbray was tipped to be Celtic’s second choice after Burnley’s Owen Coyle and he was installed as favourite after Coyle turned down the opportunity to join his boyhood club.
Albion issued two statements saying they had received no approach from Celtic and would not welcome one, but it was still believed Celtic would make the call.
The fact they have turned their attention to Martinez would suggest Albion’s warning that compensation would cost over £1 million for Mowbray has deterred Celtic, who hold their former centre back in high esteem after his four years at Celtic Park in the early 1990s.
Mowbray and Martinez are similar in their footballing philosophies and commitment to attacking football.
Both would be welcomed in Glasgow by the Bhoys supporters who grew disenchanted with Strachan’s style.
However, Mowbray would have been Celtic’s preferred choice because of his superior experience.
He spent two years as Hibernian manager in Scotland before arriving at The Hawthorns three years ago and masterminding Albion’s promotion to the Premier League.
Even relegation back to the Championship last season does not appear to have affected his reputation and he remains popular with the Albion board and, more importantly, the supporters.
Martinez is regarded as one of the finest young coaches in the business after making a big impression during his two seasons in charge at the Liberty Stadium. He steered the club to promotion from League One in his first year before Swansea came close to a Championship play-off spot last season. Celtic will be looking to make an appointment as soon as possible to allow the new man time to prepare his squad for their Champions League qualification campaign.
Meanwhile, Albion have announced another pre-season friendly.
They will travel to Swindon Town on Tuesday, July 28 (7.45pm). The Baggies will also travel to Shrewsbury Town on Wednesday, July 22 (7.45pm), to Walsall on Saturday, July 25 (3pm) and to Cheltenham Town on Friday, July 31 (7.45pm).
