Oatway warns of summer of speculation surrounding Poyet (From The Argus)

Oatway warns of summer of speculation surrounding Poyet

5:00pm Friday 11th May 2012 in Sport By Brian Owen

Albion coach Charlie Oatway today warned Albion fans to prepare for a summer of speculation regarding their in-demand manager.

But he said: “Gus Poyet is here for the long haul as far as I am concerned.”

West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers have both been linked with a move for Poyet as they look to fill managerial posts.

Speculation regarding the Molineux post ended late last night when it was revealed Norwegian Stale Solbakken will be taking over.

Aston Villa are also said to be considering a move for the Seagulls boss should they decide to axe Alex McLeish at the end of a tough season.

Oatway, who works closely with Poyet and assistant boss Mauricio Taricco on first team matters, said: “The chairman and the board of directors and the staff are ready for this talk about Gus and we have to deal with it.

“Gus and Tano (Taricco) are top class and their names will be thrown into the frame with most jobs, I’m sure.

“We will get used to it. I’m sure Gus has to get used to it as well but he has signed for five years at this club.

“He is very committed at this club. That’s why I was away yesterday with (development coach) Luke Williams, looking at players to bring into the development squad.

“He wants to make things better at all levels.”

Meanwhile Chris Hughton is being widely tipped to replace Roy Hodgson at West Brom – if he decides to leave Birmingham.

Roberto Martinez is also of interest to the Baggies, but they would struggle to persuade him to leave Wigan.

Poyet has consistently stressed his intention to eventually take Albion into the Premier League, most recently in an interview for an Australian website.

He told The World Game: “I need to manage in the Premier League. That’s my aim.

“The easiest way is to do it where you are working and I’m very close.

“I’m convinced that the easiest way is with Brighton because I’ve got what I need to work and the possibility of bringing in players to play my way.

“If we don’t make it in a few years I’m going to have to go somewhere else.”