Noel Whelan believes that West Brom would be favourites for promotion if they manage to bring Chris Wilder in as boss.

The Baggies play their final game of the Premier League season against Leeds this afternoon, but attention will already have turned to next season, when Albion will be in the Championship.

Sam Allardyce has revealed he will step down after today's fixture, with the hierarchy searching for a replacement.

Wilder is an early frontrunner, with the former Sheffield United man available and he would be a coup considering he has won promotion in the past.

And, speaking to Football Insider, Whelan explained how landing the 53-year-old would leave the club in a great position moving forward.

"If they’re going to get Chris Wilder, he’s a man that knows the Championship. He knows how to get results, a very strong personality, he will make that club stronger by him being there. There’s no doubt about that.

"It would be West Brom’s gain if they brought in a Chris Wilder, absolutely. It would probably made them strong contenders to bounce right back up. They’d probably be favourites with him underneath them."

The verdict

There won't be many who disagree with Whelan's assessment here, as West Brom would always be one of the favourites as a relegated side.

Then, if you add in Wilder, a proven manager who has delivered success at this level, then many would expect them to bounce back straight away.

So, the fans will surely be hoping that the club can finalise a deal for the ex-Blades boss because it would be a terrific appointment for the club as they prepare for life back in the second tier.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.