‘Once January comes…’ – Exclusive: West Brom tipped to sign new captain next month by pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips has tipped West Brom manager Sam Allardyce to sign a new player in January who he can play every week and hand the captain’s armband.
Jake Livermore is the current club captain but Allardyce has suggested the 30-year-old could lose the armband due to his reckless sending off in the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa earlier this month [Independent].
Semi Ajayi, Matt Phillips, Branislav Ivanovic, Kyle Bartley and Hal Robson-Kanu have all wore the armbands at times this season, suggesting there’s a serious lack of leadership among the usual starters at The Hawthorns.
Kevin Phillips believes that’s something Big Sam will address when the transfer window re-opens in the coming days.
“Once January comes, it wouldn’t surprise me if Allardyce brings someone in during January in that position and gives them the armband,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“Maybe someone who he knows, who he can rely on.
“They’ve been linked with [James] Tomkins and [Winston] Reid but it wouldn’t surprise me if he signs someone in January and gives them the captaincy.
“For the time being, Sam Johnstone wouldn’t be a bad shout because he has been by far their best performer this season.”
West Brom’s lack of leadership and experience stems from how many senior players the club once had to how many they now have.
According to stats by Wyscout, Albion have the seventh-youngest squad in the Premier League with an average age of 25.9.
In comparison to the 2017/18 season when the Baggies were relegated, they had the highest average age at 31.8.
Even last season in the Championship, the club’s average age was higher at 26.6.
We’re not suggesting that young players can not be leaders but there’s definitely a correlation between experienced players and those who are made captain.
Livermore, Phillips and Ivanovic are among the most senior players at West Brom in terms of their experience both at the club and elsewhere in the Premier League.
But two of those players don’t start regularly and Livermore’s stupid sending off against Villa has set off major alarm bells for Big Sam and we’re not surprised.
Not too long ago, West Brom had a squad of leaders. Jonas Olsson, Gareth McAuley, Chris Brunt, James Morrison, Gareth Barry, Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher and Ben Foster have all been and gone in recent years.
We’d do anything to have just one of those back and in their prime next month.
Allardyce has a big task in trying to find one of those players.
In other West Brom news, this 30-year-old striker has said he’d drive himself to the club if Allardyce wants him.
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