Kevin Phillips reacts as West Brom friendly v Walsall is called off
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 believes West Brom have been dealt a “blow” to their pre-season preparations by the friendly match against Walsall being called off this week.
On Tuesday, Albion were set to play the Saddlers at the Banks’s Stadium before a huge downpour in the West Midlands turned the pitch into a swimming pool.
It was meant to be West Brom’s penultimate pre-season fixture before they played their last friendly match against Birmingham on Saturday, which was won 4-0 by Valerien Ismael’s men at St Andrew’s.
Despite that fixture being played, Phillips feels as though that one missed match is a setback for his former club.
“It’s on your doorstep so there was no travelling involved, it’s been a blow,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“I’m sure they’re playing numerous behind-closed-doors games, 11 v 11s, but they’re not the same as a match against an opposing team.
“It’s not great preparation for the start of what’s going to be a tough season.
“Everyone will want to beat West Brom because it’s a scalp as they’ve just come out of the Premier League.
“It’s not ideal for the new manager but it is what it is – they just have to deal with it. It’s as simple as that.
“Bringing in experienced players before the season starts can help with them not playing as many games.”
Not playing Walsall didn’t have a negative impact on West Brom’s performance versus Birmingham on Saturday.
Grady Diangana, Matt Clarke, Karlan Grant and Rayhaan Tulloch all scored in the second half as Ismael’s men thrashed their West Midlands rivals.
It bodes well going into the new campaign despite the lack of transfer activity at The Hawthorns.
West Brom kick off their Championship season away at Bournemouth next Friday.
In other West Brom news, Albion are trying to sign an available player who impressed Darren Moore.
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