West Brom former figure 'makes major U-turn' with Aston Villa arrival imminent
West Brom have experienced plenty of changes to their squad and coaching staff since the start of the year.
Tony Mowbray returned as manager in January before being sacked just three months later.
Ryan Mason was appointed West Brom boss earlier this summer, with the former Tottenham coach's arrival coinciding with some other exits.
West Brom's former youth coach Richard Beale set to join Villa
Mason's side have signed just two players so far this transfer window as they look to challenge for the top six next season.
A big part of the Baggies' success in recent seasons has been how impressive some of their academy products have been.
Their youth set-up took a big hit earlier this summer when senior professional development phase manager Richard Beale left the club.
Beale had led the club for the past four seasons.
| Tom Fellows’ 2024/25 Championship statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 45 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 14 |
According to Birmingham Live (10 July), Aston Villa are expected to appoint Richard Beale as the club’s new Under-18s head coach.
This is considered a major U-turn of sorts as Beale had been backed to become assistant manager at Reading in recent weeks.
The brother of former Aston Villa coach, Michael Beale, returns to the Villans, having spent seven months as Under-18s head coach from July 2019 to March 2020.
The former Baggies youth coach guided the Albion youngsters to victory in the Premier League Cup, beating Wolves on penalties in the final, in his first campaign.
He has also been responsible for the successful transition of young star Tom Fellows' transition into West Brom's first team.
Beale's Villa move makes no sense
Beale's move to Villa will leave West Brom's hierarchy confused.
The coach has dropped down a level from his role at the Baggies, and could've found himself in a more senior role in years to come had he stayed at The Hawthorns.
His departure is a huge blow for Mason's side, who now must look to someone else to ensure that youth players are made ready for the first team.
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