Robbie Savage reveals West Brom’s intentions for Harry Whitwell after Hawthorns recall
West Brom’s plans for Harry Whitwell’s future are clear after Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage spoke out.
Whitwell left West Brom on loan to join Rovers in the summer, and featured 25 times for the National League club.
Albion have recalled Whitwell after his promising spell in the fifth-tier of English football, and incoming manager Eric Ramsay will have a big call to make.
The Baggies could choose to loan the 20-year-old out again, but they may have alternative plans for The Hawthorns talent.
What did Robbie Savage say about West Brom prospect Whitwell?
Whitwell enjoyed his time away from West Brom, sending an emotional farewell message after his loan spell was terminated.
Now, his manager at the New Lawn, Savage, has revealed the Baggies’ plans for his development, with another loan seemingly not on the cards.
Speaking via the Greens’ official club YouTube channel on 8 January, he said: “It would have hurt really if West Brom had have called him back and sent him to a League One or League Two side, I think in the conversations I had with him, if that would have been the case, he would have stayed because he loved it.
“The moment now is he is going back to be involved in West Brom’s first team, that says to me as much as we would have loved to have kept him, we have done our job….
“He now goes back to be involved in hopefully the FA Cup at the weekend, and the Championship going forward.”
Why West Brom fans should be excited about Whitwell
Whitwell is regarded as one of the most promising talents in the youth ranks in B71.
The Albion attacking midfielder quickly became a key part of Savage’s side, as they raced towards the upper echelons of the division.
He notched two goals in 23 league appearances, and also notched an assist in the FA Cup clash with Luton Town, who are in League One.
Before his loan spell, he notched 12 goals and five assists for Albion in the Premier League 2, which only served to increase his reputation among the fanbase.
Whitwell can now attempt to forge a place in the Baggies senior side, and give supporters something to be excited about, in what has been a miserable season so far.
The Throstles have lacked creativity this season, with only Isaac Price and Mikey Johnston regularly stepping up with contributions, and the hope will be that Whitwell can step in and ease the burden of those two.
Savage’s comments seem to make it clear that he is set to be given a chance with the club that he has been with since the age of 11, which could provide the attacking spark that they need.
We have seen the likes of Alex Palmer and Tom Fellows come into the first-team and make an impact, but hopefully, he will not be sold like that duo.