West Brom fans baffled by Andrew Nestor’s transfer update: ‘Are you watching what we are?’
West Brom chief Andrew Nestor’s transfer message hasn’t gone down well with Albion supporters.
Ryan Mason is coming under increasing pressure at West Brom, with his side now in danger of losing touch with the Championship play-off race.
Hull City handed Albion another defeat with a 1-0 win at the MKM Stadium last time out, with West Brom now being predicted to finish in the bottom half this season.
But, with Mason still understood to have the support of West Brom players, he looks set to lead the club into what is a vitally important January transfer window.
West Brom fans aren’t buying Andrew Nestor’s transfer message
Ahead of the winter window, Nestor, West Brom’s club president and sporting director, spoke proudly about the work that’s been done regarding transfer strategy.
As quoted in a post from West Brom’s official X page, Nestor said: “In just three transfer windows we have transformed a squad that was the oldest in the division based on minutes played, and amongst the most expensive in terms of player costs, into a younger squad with substantially higher long-term value, and a growing cohesiveness that fits the style of play we are building toward.”
However, with the club having gone from a fifth-placed finish in 2023-24, to ninth and missing the play-offs by four points last season, and now with the club in 16th this Christmas, fans are struggling to see where this brighter future and playing style is.
“Rather have old players and be sixth,” said one West Brom fan.
“Good to hear some output from Nestor, I would make a few points. I know we need to build numbers in the squad on a budget, but loans are a false economy and we desperately need to start taking a closer look at players injury records before we sign them,” wrote another Albion supporter.
Read more: Ryan Mason made to look ridiculous by Souleyman Mandey after West Brom U21s scenes
West Brom haven’t found an identity under Mason: he must address that in January
To be a top team and to win promotion from the Championship, you must have a clear identity on the pitch.
And whilst Mason has been attempting to bring a possession-based approach to The Hawthorns, that hasn’t worked as of yet, and his team lack that trademark identity as a result.
As per FotMob, West Brom currently rank 16th in the Championship for goals per game (1.1), 13th in expected goals (xG: 27.3), 12th for goals conceded per game (1.3), 10th for average possession (52.1 per cent) and 11th in clean sheets (five) – they aren’t really excelling in any key area.
In short, there isn’t an obvious department of West Brom’s game, individuals aside, that fans can point towards and say, ‘that’s where this team is really good’.
- West Brom have won just nine points away from home this season, with three wins and nine defeats
- Albion have created the 14th-fewest big chances in the Championship this season with 41
- Only Aunge Heggebo (eight) and Isaac Price (five) have more than two goals scored in the West Brom team this season
That has to be fixed as a matter of urgency, not just for Mason’s sake, but in order to give the club the best chance to be able to sell themselves to players and possibly future coaching candidates.
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