Kevin Campbell: Richard Beale restores Taylor Gardner-Hickman to his ‘rightful position’ at West Brom
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Taylor Gardner-Hickman has enjoyed a position change at West Brom since Steve Bruce’s sacking.
Bruce insisted on fielding Gardner-Hickman as a full-back during his time at West Brom, but Richard Beale immediately returned the 20-year-old to midfield during his first game in charge of the Baggies.
During the 2-0 win against Reading, Gardner-Hickman provided a goal and assist and was West Brom’s standout player. Kevin Campbell believes it’s his “rightful position”.
Exclusively speaking to West Brom News, Campbell said: “Sometimes different managers see different things.
“Steve Bruce had him at full-back, he [Gardner-Hickman] goes into midfield – which is probably his favourite position – and you see him emerge and be an all-rounder, score, assist and do all the good bits.
“There’s no new manager in yet. There’s a caretaker manager who was the coach and has worked with the players, he’s put him in his rightful position and he’s not looking back is he?“
While Beale showcased he’s not up to the task during the dismal 2-0 defeat to Bristol City on Tuesday night, the interim Baggies boss did show the new manager how to utilise Gardner-Hickman.
When deployed in his proper position, the talented youngster can be a match-winner for the Baggies. He has lofty potential and can have a team built around him in the long-term.
With West Brom needing to quickly bounce back from a torrid start to the season, the new manager – who is hopefully announced soon – can put Gardner-Hickman at the centre of his project.
In other West Brom news, David Prutton believes the ‘very ambitious’ Gary Rowett will be lured to Hawthorns