Failure to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt is going to have serious implications for West Brom.

Changes have already taken place, with technical director Luke Dowling saying they simply can't afford to bring top scorer Dwight Gayle back to the club given his hefty salary.

As well as that, several other key performers from the past 12 months, such as Kieran Gibbs, Craig Dawson and Jay Rodriguez are expected to depart.

However, the most pressing matter for the Baggies right now is finding a new manager. And, for the reasons outlined above, whoever does come in is going to have a big job on their hands.

So, that leaves the Albion hierarchy with a decision to make. Do they go down the tried and trusted route with a proven British manager as they look to steady the ship? Or do they take a chance on finding someone to implement a new philosophy and style of play?

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Whilst the latter is riskier, it can be beneficial, as Norwich and Huddersfield have shown over recent years.

Therefore, the fact that the Express & Star revealed German coach Bruno Labbadia is expected to talk to Albion chiefs about the job should excite fans.

Even though he has never worked in England before, the former Hamburg boss does have a lot of experience, having spent 16 years as a manager, so he wouldn't be a complete gamble.

Yet, what makes Labbadia such an appealing candidate is the work he has just done with Wolfsburg in the past 18 months.

After taking over and impressively keeping them in the Bundesliga last season, they have just finished sixth which will see the club compete in the Europa League next season.

As well as that, their success was built on attractive football, evident by the 8-1 thrashing of Augsburg on the final day.

Despite that, Labbadia revealed mid-season that he wanted to leave Wolfsburg when his contract ran out this summer but his pedigree suggests he would be a real coup for the Baggies.

After failing to win promotion with a squad packed full of high earners and men in charge who knew the club, a different approach is going to be required next season and Labbadia could be the man to start an exciting new era at The Hawthorns.