Andrew Nestor reveals how West Brom moved ahead of Championship rivals with ‘exciting’ claim
West Brom have started the season brilliantly, as they remain unbeaten in the Championship.
West Brom’s 1-0 win against Stoke leaves Ryan Mason’s side second in the league, as the Baggies aim to secure promotion for the first time since 2020.
Torbjorn Heggem was sold by West Brom, while Tom Fellows’ move to Southampton came late in the transfer window, yet the Midlands side already had most of their summer signings at the club.
Sporting Director Andrew Nestor has praised the club’s recruitment strategy, highlighting how their business has given them the best chance of having a successful season.
Andrew Nestor pleased to buy players early in the transfer window
Speaking to West Brom’s official website, the sporting director revealed the importance of bringing players in during the early months of the transfer window.
He said: “I’m pleased with the results. I feel like everything went as planned. This was a plan three windows in the making.
“We started last summer, looking at what we inherited, where the squad was at, what we would need to achieve to rebalance the squad, bringing in players that really fit the model that we want to see out on the pitch.
“I think it’s really helpful that we were able to bring in some of the new signings early in the summer and we’ve already seen some of our new players have an impact.”
Nat Phillips joined in June, whilst Aune Heggebo joined the club in July, with both players being a huge part of West Brom’s success so far.
Deals for Samuel Iling-Junior and Chris Mepham did take place in August, but they could only be completed after the sales of Fellows and Heggem.
West Brom have been logical in their recruitment, and they are clearly reaping the rewards at the moment.
West Brom’s transfer strategy is focused on youth
West Brom have also made a conscious effort to bring in young, hungry players who are desperate to prove themselves.
| Player | Age |
| Alfie Gilchrist | 21 |
| Samuel Iling-Junior | 21 |
| Toby Collyer | 21 |
| Aune Heggebo | 23 |
| George Campbell | 24 |
| Krystian Bielik | 27 |
| Chris Mepham | 27 |
| Nat Phillips | 28 |
| Charlie Taylor | 31 |
The loan moves for Collyer and Iling-Junior is a perfect example of Premier League clubs using Championship teams to help develop their players.
It’s a win-win arrangement for the clubs involved, with West Brom spending little money to acquire their loan stars.
“In terms of the players themselves, we’ve continuously lowered the average age of the squad,” Nestor added.
“I think in 2023/24, we were one of the oldest squads in terms of playing time – it was near 30. Against Wrexham in August, our starting line-up was just under 25, but it’s the right type of balance as well.
“I feel like we’ve struck a good balance of players that are really hungry to come in here and succeed, good leadership on the pitch and the ability to sustain throughout a really gruelling season.”
The strategy laid out has enabled West Brom to surpass their Championship rivals in the early innings of the season.
“It does feel like exciting times. That connection between players, coaching staff and supporters, that’s something special, and that’s something that can carry a team through the ups and downs of a really long season.”
It’s been a while since West Brom have had a progressive plan in place, and fans should be excited about what the future holds for them.
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