Portsmouth chief Harry Redknapp has thrown his weight behind Steve Cotterill as the hunt hots up for Albion's next manager.

Redknapp believes the former Seagull would be the ideal choice to succeed Steve Coppell.

Cotterill was targeted by Redknapp at the start of last season. He wanted the ex-Albion loan signing as his assistant at Fratton Park.

Cotterill, currently leading The Argus website poll on Albion's new boss ahead of caretaker Bob Booker, took charge at Stoke instead.

"I like Steve very much," Redknapp said. "He has got an awful lot to offer. He did a great job at Cheltenham.

"His record there was unbelievable, taking them from the Dr Martens League into the Second Division. Before that he did a great job out in Ireland.

"I thought he was on his way to great things. He got the Stoke job and I thought that would be a stepping stone.

"Then he went to Sunderland as No. 2 to Howard Wilkinson and maybe that was a big mistake.

"He should have stayed in management. He would do a great job for somebody.

"He is ambitious and enthusiastic as well and I would like to see him get the chance.

"The chairman there (Dick Knight) has done brilliantly in choosing his managers in the last few years, with Micky Adams, Peter Taylor and Steve Coppell.

"He has appointed young fellas looking to get back up the ladder and Steve fits that bill."

Redknapp believes Cotterill's reputation as a long ball exponent is misleading.

"Micky Adams plays a direct game and he has done superbly," he said.

"Steve Coppell is quite direct as well. If you can hit a 40-yard pass why hit six backwards and square?"

Mark McGhee could be a surprise late contender for the Albion vacancy.

The former Reading, Leicester and Wolves manager left Millwall yesterday by mutual consent, with the Londoners just six points off the top of the First Division.

Dennis Wise has been placed in temporary charge of Millwall this weekend and will work alongside Ray Wilkins.