Carlos Corberan made wrong call on West Brom duo Caleb Taylor and Tom Fellows
West Brom duo Caleb Taylor and Tom Fellows would have been better off leaving The Hawthorns on loan over the summer, as their development could now stall with a lack of game-time.
Manager Carlos Corberan claimed that allowing the duo to go out would have been a mistake, stating they needed to remain at the club to make up the numbers [Express and Star, 8 September], but their growth could be stunted by the decision.
The boss’ comments referred to the two youngsters being an additional two on top of his 18-man squad, suggesting they are viewed simply as bodies rather than serious options for minutes unless it becomes necessary.
Several young talents left West Brom on loan in search of game time over the summer, including highly-rated pair Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Mo Faal, who have been given opportunities to grow their game away from The Hawthorns.
Taylor spent last season out on loan with Cheltenham Town, where he was named the club’s young player of the year after turning in consistently impressive performances throughout his spell, making 49 appearances for the club as they recorded a mid-table finish in League One.
It seemed like this season may be a breakthrough season for the 20-year-old defender, and he will look to grab any chance he gets with both hands, but his development may have been better served by heading out on another loan, with Semi Ajayi, Cedric Kipre, Erik Pieters, and Kyle Bartley ahead in the pecking order.
Fellows, meanwhile, spent last season on loan with Crawley Town in League Two and, while he impressed, faces a bigger step up to Championship football than Taylor. The winger made 40 appearances for the West Sussex side, picking up two assists.
A step up to the second tier seems like it could be a tough ask despite his talent, although he has been involved in every matchday squad this season and played in the League Cup defeat to Stoke City.
It looks like games with the U21 side will be where Fellows spends the majority of this season, having scored in their game against Sheffield United, while occasional first-team involvement could be on the table.
In other West Brom news, Irish newspapers reacted to Jayson Molumby’s performance v France.