Ryan Mason can ‘bite back’ after what Gabby Agbonlahor said about West Brom
Ryan Mason has the task of getting West Brom in shape for Championship action next season.
It took Shilen Patel some time to settle on a replacement for Tony Mowbray at The Hawthorns, but Mason has been selected as the man to take the Baggies in a new direction.
After falling out of the play-offs towards the end of last season, leading to the sacking of Mowbray, the pressure is on to push for promotion again.
Gabby Agbonlahor hits out at West Brom
As Mason steps into his first managerial role on a permanent basis, he will be eager to get off to an ideal start and show that he has a solid future ahead of him.
Patel is also desperate to see his side pushing back towards the Premier League, and promotion is certainly the aim in the Black Country.
| Position | Goal Difference | Points |
| 9th | 10 | 64 |
With Birmingham City having gained promotion from League One, there is a West Midlands derby that lies ahead next season, and the Albion will be eager to come out on top.
That being said, Gabby Agbonlahor wasted no time in taking a dig at West Brom and their stay in the Championship.
When asked live on talkSPORT (17 June, 9:55 am) what his dream opening fixture for Aston Villa is in the Premier League next season, he responded: “I would love Aston Villa to play Birmingham, oh I mean West Brom. Oh no, West Brom aren’t in the Premier League. Let me think,” before bursting into laughter.
Mason can silence West Brom doubts
It’s always easy for Agbonlahor to take quick digs as Aston Villa sit in the Premier League, but this will only be used to fire up the Baggies ahead of next season.
While Mason won’t be under too much pressure to start with, there is no question that the play-offs are where his side wants to be aiming for as a minimum next term.
There is a busy summer ahead, and the new manager needs the support of Patel to bring the right faces to the Black Country to strengthen his side appropriately.
Should things go to plan, West Brom and Mason could find themselves biting back to silence Agbonlahor soon enough and prepare to take on their rivals once more.