West Brom departee not wanted by Ryan Mason told by ex-Aston Villa ace he’ll thrive at new club
Ryan Mason has had a successful start to the season at West Brom despite numerous departures over the summer.
There were concerns when Mason was appointed as West Brom manager. Other than becoming an interim manager for Tottenham in 2021 and 2023, the Englishman had little managerial experience.
However, he seems to be proving his doubters wrong so far. The Baggies are unbeaten in the Championship after four matchdays, and there are even talks of Mason leading West Brom to Premier League promotion.
But before the season truly got going, Mason had to navigate the summer transfer window.
West Brom sanction Devante Cole transfer to Port Vale
Devante Cole departed West Brom in the summer after only a year at The Hawthorns.
- Cole was named in the 2024/25 Championship squad 33 times last season but made 14 appearances
- The centre-forward failed to start a single game in the league last season
- Cole did not score a single goal for West Brom during their 2024/25 campaign
After leaving West Brom, Cole signed with League One side Port Vale, having not featured in Mason’s plans for the season.
While the striker may view the move as a step down, former Aston Villa star Lee Hendrie believes his link-up with former Baggies boss Darren Moore will be a good one.
Speaking to Football League World on 6 September, he said: “I think that’s one that didn’t really work for West Brom, and that’s why they’ve cut their ties with him.
“I think that Darren Moore has jumped all over him. He has seen the potential, which Mooro always seems to do. He seems to get the best out of players that probably haven’t had that sparkle at a previous club.
“That’s why Mooro has jumped on him and thinks he can get the best out of him. I think for both parties that this is a really good move.”
Ryan Mason could still add to his squad
In addition to Cole, the Baggies saw several players leave The Hawthorns in the summer.
One of these was Academy winger Tom Fellows, with West Brom fans urging their club to find a replacement before the window closed. While signing a right winger looks bleak now, Albion could welcome an attacking signing in the next few days.
West Brom are one of the favourites to sign Dele Alli as a free agent after he parted ways with Como. The attacking midfielder has had a difficult time since leaving Spurs and could look to reignite his career under Mason.
The two crossed paths while Mason was an assistant coach and Tottenham, which makes him the perfect man for the job. However, Alli has been linked with several Championship clubs and the Baggies will need to act soon to get the deal over the line.
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