Express & Star

Former West Brom boss Alan Pardew linked with shock Premier League return

Alan Pardew has emerged as a shock frontrunner to replace under-fire Slavisa Jokanavic at Fulham.

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Alan Pardew (AMA)

The former Albion boss, who was eventually fired from the Baggies in April after a run of nine straight defeats, is favourite with the bookies to be the next permanent manager of the Cottagers.

Jokanovic is under increasing pressure at Fulham following a run of six straight defeats in the Premier League which has left them rooted to the bottom of the table.

But it would mark a surprising return to the top tier for Pardew, whose managerial reputation was damaged during his short stint at Albion last season.

David Moyes is second-favourite to land the Fulham job should Jokanovic be given the boot by owner Shahid Khan, with former Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri also in the running.

Meanwhile, Albion’s under-21s can qualify out of their Checkatrade Trophy group tonight if they beat Macclesfield Town away from home.

Jamie Smith’s team are second in Northern Group C after two games, having beaten Blackpool and lost to Accrington Stanley.

They can become the first Albion side to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition in this, their third attempt.

Elsewhere, former Albion scout Kim Grant has been appointed head coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, one of Ghana’s biggest clubs.