BOURNEMOUTH boss Eddie Howe has been installed as a 25/1 shot to be named the next West Bromwich Albion manager.

The Baggies last night sacked Alan Irvine after just seven months in charge following a 2-0 loss at Stoke City the day before.

Ex-Pompey midfielder and former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood was immediately installed as the odds-on favourite to replace Irvine.

Howe, though, is undoubtedly one of the brightest young managers in English football At the tender age of 37, the Cherries can already boast more than 300 games as a manager in two spells on the south coast and one in charge of Burnley.

Bournemouth were in the League Two relegation zone when he took over in January 2009 – six years on they are top of the Championship by four points, with their 54 goals from 24 games making them the top scorers in all four divisions of English football.

Ex-Stoke and Palace boss Tony Pulis is rated second favourite behind Sherwood at 7/4, with Chris Hughton and Michael Laudrup at 20-1.

Ex-Saints boss Dave Jones is also a 25/1 shot, alongside Howe, with another former Saint, Nigel Adkins, rated at 50/1.

Adkins was recently sacked by Championsip club Reading.