Callum O'Connell

Wed 12 July 2023 15:49, UK

One positive of the current financial issues at West Brom is that academy players may now be afforded chances in the first team, with a lack of funds meaning a lack of new signings.

A player who may be best placed to capitalise on this is Caleb Taylor, who has expressed his desire to work his way into the first-team setup in an interview via the Express and Star. Taylor has already made three appearances for the first team and has made his intentions clear ahead of the new season.

Taylor spent last year on loan at Cheltenham Town in League One, where he has built up plenty of experience and impressive performances to set himself up for the step up to Championship football.

The 20-year-old centre-back was named Cheltenham Town’s young player of the year last time out, after making 49 appearances for the club as they comfortably survived relegation and recorded a mid-table finish.

Speaking to the club’s website, Taylor said: “My big hope is to play as many games as I can because I just love playing games. I’d love to play for West Bromwich Albion this season and I’m going to be doing everything I can to do that.

“I’ve been here since U10s age which is a long time and I’ve come up through the academy. I’ve always looked at the lads playing at The Hawthorns and thought that’s all I want to do.”

When asked about his experience on loan, the young defender revealed: “The biggest thing I learned while away from the club was how important having a mental resilience was. I didn’t realise just how long the season is and just how tough it is playing so many games.

“Physically, it’s tough, but mentally, you’ve got to be so consistent and prepare yourself in exactly the same way for every single game. You’ve also got to deal much better with the lows because there are a lot more of them.”

These comments show Taylor’s maturity, the recognition that a season can be a really tough effort will set him up well for battling in the Championship and having made 49 appearances last season, he has proved he can feature in a prominent role throughout the season.

Having players in the starting team that have come through the academy with their goal and desire to play for the club is always a positive for the team as well as the fans. Players who are willing to fight for the shirt and know what it means to represent West Brom.

Earning recognition from his loan spell is also a huge positive. When fans and players can recognise the ability of a player and reward him with the Young Player of the Season award, it’s a good sign that he can step up and be loved in this Baggies side.

Taylor could be the latest academy product to step up and replicate the likes of Dara O’Shea, Ashley Williams and Danny Gabbidon in his position, all of whom went on to achieve international recognition with Ireland and Wales respectively.

In other West Brom news, a winner has been named in West Brom’s race to sign striker.