Football Season Guide

West Bromwich Albion ran out of steam at the end of what was an otherwise impressive season under Carlos Corberán. The Spaniard is considered to be one of the best managers pound-for-pound in the Championship and that was after not spending any pounds in the previous summer transfer window. Financial restrictions meant that Corberán was forced to rely on free transfers and loans, but was still able to get West Brom into the play-offs before losing over two legs to the eventually promoted Southampton. Corberán’s success was built on strong home form (P23 W15 D4 L4) and defensive solidity which saw Alex Palmer keep the joint-most clean sheets in the Championship. The goalkeeper had a fine campaign with the excellent Cédric Kipré in front of him, but the defender has left the club after being named Player of the Season. The financial landscape is set to change after the takeover from American businessman Shilen Patel, but the new chairman has warned fans that it won’t be a quick fix and that the club still must balance the books. Several players have been released including winger Matt Phillips who was a popular figure at the club, but struggled with injuries last season. The main signings so far have been defensive-midfielder Ousmane Diakité to replace the departed Okay Yokuslu and centre-back Torbjørn Heggem fills the gap left by Cipre. Baggies fans would almost certainly like to see some more attacking arrivals. Despite scoring 70 goals in the league last season, that was the lowest tally out of the top six teams. Brandon Thomas-Asante was often their only fit striker and he has now left the club to join Coventry. Long-term injuries to Josh Maja and Daryl Dike left the squad very light in that position last season. A new centre-forward is essential, with a talented supporting cast already in place. The likes of Jed Wallace, John Swift, Grady Diangana and Tom Fellows are all capable of providing excellent service.