This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
West Bromwich Albion lost a key figure over the summer as Jimmy Shan departed the club after 13 years, and in a recent interview with Sky Sports, he has revealed the exact reasons behind his exit as well as his ambition to become a manager.
What’s he said?
The 41-year-old had gone from coaching the U7s at the Baggies right to becoming their caretaker boss at the back end of last season.
He was in charge following Darren Moore’s sacking in March, leaving him with the small job of continuing their promotion push.
Albion ultimately fell at the first hurdle, losing to Aston Villa on penalties but it could have been very different had he been able to call on the services of leading scorer Dwight Gayle, stalwart Chris Brunt and even Jay Rodriguez who picked up an injury during the match.
The west Midlanders would have been left with a big call to make had they gone up under Shan, but for now, he’s waiting for his next opportunity, he said:
“The club said from the get-go that there would be a role for me but it was what role that was going to be. I think a parting of the ways was the best for both parties.
“When August hit I became very frustrated and just wanted to have another crack at it. I have been out of it now for four months and I want to get back in.
“My priority is to land a job as a head coach. I kind of got off on that. I liked the fact that I was making the key decisions tactically and going with what I thought was right.
“I may have to look right down the pyramid. Hopefully I can showcase what I can do and work my way back up. I like to think I have no coaching ego. I am open to anything.”
Bigger fish to fry
The former coach-turned-caretaker remains humble despite rejecting an offer to remain at the club. He has bigger, more personal ambitions, after getting a taste of life in charge.
Currently out of a job, working for the likes of Aston Villa and the University of Wolverhampton to pass the time, Shan is looking for an opportunity to come his way.
He managed 12 games at the helm of the Baggies, winning 58.33% of them, so that should stand him in good stead when he does indeed submit his CV to any club requiring a manager.
The man he replaced at West Brom is a testament to the fact that a coach can easily become a manager as, despite his sacking, Moore is currently in charge of Doncaster Rovers in League One.
Shan is willing to delve as deep as he needs in order to secure a chance so that only goes to show the character on offer.
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Meanwhile, this Albion colossus won a monstrous 14 aerial duels against Preston North End earlier this week…
