West Brom’s Premier League promotion chances boosted after Ryan Mason decision
Ryan Mason is on track to earn promotion in his first season as a manager and West Brom coach.
Mason has had a fine start to the Championship season. Isaac Price fired West Brom to a 1-0 win against Blackburn Rovers on the opening matchday.
Mason’s side clung to a one-goal lead against Wrexham to win their second game of the league season. But back-to-back wins proved unsustainable as West Brom drew level with Portsmouth at home.
Despite a sending off for Mason for protesting a foul on Aune Heggebo, the Baggies remain unbeaten in the Championship. With Premier League promotion in their sights, the Albion coach may now have their secret weapon.
Chris Mepham has earned Premier League promotion twice
Torbjorn Heggem departed West Brom for Bologna, which fuelled concerns about how the Baggies would cope in defence. But Chris Mepham looks set to be confirmed as the latest Albion signing in the coming hours.
Not only is Mepham the perfect Heggam replacement, his Premier League promotion experience should help Albion’s hopes.
The defender has been promoted to the Premier League twice before. The first was with Bournemouth for the 2021/22 season after a two-year absence.
The second came during his loan spell for Sunderland during the 2024/25 season. While he started on the bench in the play-off final against Sheffield United, Mepham was subbed on for Luke O’Nien eight minutes into the clash.
There is no doubt that with his experience on promotion teams and in the Premier League, Mepham will be an asset for Albion.
Is Chris Mepham the right defender for West Brom?
Mepham excels on several fronts, which indicates that he could be what West Brom are looking for in defence.
Some of his strengths include:
- Aerial ability: Mepham is strong in aerial duels and set pieces, which combine well with the physicality of the Championship
- Tackling and one-on-ones: The defender is highly rated because he times his tackles well and excels in defensive duels
- Positioning: Mepham has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. His read of the game is excellent
However, some of his weaknesses are:
- Pace and acceleration: Mepham often struggles against faster attackers, and when playing in a high line
- Passive in duels: At times there is a passiveness about his game when entering duels
- Injuries: Mepham has had injuries in the past which has hampered his availability
All things considered, the positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to Mepham. Add this to his experience with promotion and in the top flight, and he could be the Baggies signing of the season.
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