West Brom striker says heartbreaking goodbye to fans ahead of exit
West Brom supporters will demand a squad restructure in the summer, following their meek run-in to 2024-25.
The Baggies finished ninth in the final Championship table having spent the majority of the season firmly in the running for a top-six spot, now forced to watch as Coventry City and Bristol City snatched the last remaining play-off places.
Albion, under the interim stewardship of James Morrison, at least finished on a positive note – in a free-scoring 5-3 win over Luton Town at The Hawthorns which consigned the Hatters to back-to-back relegations.
After the curtain was brought down on another frustrating campaign, one West Brom star bid his farewell on social media.
Will Lankshear says goodbye as West Brom spell ends
West Brom made a January siege to bolster their attack, when they signed Adam Armstrong, Tammer Bany and Will Lankshear all towards the last knockings of the transfer window.
Lankshear arrived on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, having recently broken into their first team after months of running the show in their Under-21 side.
The 20-year-old striker started four of his 11 league appearances in a Baggies shirt and although failing to score, was not laid with any blame for the failings of the season.
Upon his return to the Spurs fold, Lankshear took to his Instagram story (3 May) to thank and wish well the Albion supporters.
“Great way to end this season off with a win,” he began.
“[I] would like to thank all the staff, players and fans at West Bromwich Albion for the past three months.
“West Brom will always have a special place in my heart. Come on you Baggies.”
Lankshear makes his return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium having played six times in the senior fold under Ange Postecoglou, scoring his first goal in a match in which he was also sent off away at Galatasaray in the Europa League – a competition Spurs are now in a great position to win.
Albion must get manager appointment and signings right
Shilen Patel gained some adulation from the West Brom fans after the EFL-imposed transfer restriction set upon The Hawthorns was lifted late in last summer’s window.
The Baggies acted quickly at the time to make Mikey Johnston’s move from Celtic permanent, before raiding clubs for their attacking talent in the winter window.
Unfortunately, it did not have the desired effect in enough matches, costing Tony Mowbray his job and meaning four separate individuals had led the team at some point throughout the season.
| West Brom – top scorers 2024-25 | Championship goals |
| Josh Maja | 12 |
| Alex Mowatt | 7 |
| Karlan Grant | 7 |
| Tom Fellows | 4 |
| Grady Diangana | 4 |
| Jayson Molumby | 4 |
West Brom need clarity, a togetherness in the squad and a manager who can inspire consistency at The Hawthorns.
Pressure will not let up in 2025-26 – the Baggies will again reunite with Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town from the Premier League; League One throws up big spenders Birmingham City and Wrexham, with a play-off winner still to be determined.