Damia Abella sends message alongside Ryan Mason in new West Brom insight
West Brom are hoping a positive pre-season can set them up for a running start under new head coach Ryan Mason.
The 34-year-old left Tottenham for his first-ever permanent managerial position last month, following two stints as interim head coach of the North London club.
The Englishman signed a three-year contract at the Hawthorns, vowing to create new history with the former Premier League regulars.
Damia Abella sends encouraging message
Ryan Mason was joined at West Brom by assistant head coach Nigel Gibbs, who arrived from Reading.
The former Leeds United and Swansea City man also worked with Mason when the two were with Spurs, working as a de facto assistant head coach during interim periods.
The appointment also saw Sam Pooley join West Brom from Rangers to work as head of performance for the first team, while also carrying coaching duties.
Pooley was also known to Mason from North London – the 35-year-old spent almost 10 years with Spurs, being named head of sports science in 2021.
The two newly appointed coaches join up with James Morrison, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill to form Mason’s backroom staff, with pre-season kicking off last week.
And Abella has taken to X to share a progress report with fans on the Baggies.
The Spaniard said that he’s really enjoying every bit of pre-season, and is “buzzing” to be part of the new coaching staff.
He cited “great” energy, hard work and a “real sense of purpose” so far in the camp.
Baggies to bolt out the gate
Mason will hope his side experience the fabled new manager bounce at the start of the season, with a fast start integral to his new tenure.
And with just five weeks remaining until West Brom kick off their season against Blackburn, the 34-year-old will hope transfer business starts to speed up as well.
So far, the Baggies have announced the signing of Nat Phillips, who arrived from Liverpool for around £3 million.
More business is expected, and Mason will hope to have any new arrivals in his squad for at least a chunk of pre-season.
Links to Lawrence Shankland and David Brooks have been rife, but a move for the latter has broken down, according to West Brom Xtra.