Nat Phillips set for redemption arc at West Brom as fantastic Eric Ramsay reveal emerges
Eric Ramsay looks to be the perfect man to turn around West Brom’s fortunes.
Ramsay was announced as West Brom’s new head coach on Sunday and has signed a deal that will keep him at The Hawthorns until June 2028.
The 34-year-old arrives from MLS side Minnesota United, where he achieved their highest-ever points total (58) and recorded a fourth-place Western Conference finish in the 2025 season.
He oversaw 81 games in the United States, claiming 34 wins and 21 draws, and is the youngest British coach to achieve a UEFA Pro Licence.
West Brom fans are incredibly excited to see what Ramsay can bring, and Nat Phillips could be the biggest beneficiary, given his love of attacking set-pieces.
Eric Ramsay’s strength at set-pieces will benefit Nat Phillips
At the start of the season, Phillips had been widely praised by Baggies fans for his aggressive and brave defending.
However, Philips has been woeful in recent months, and former manager Ryan Mason had lost a lot of faith in him.
Even in West Brom’s win over Swansea on Sunday, the 28-year-old centre-back was left on the bench by caretaker manager James Morrison.
| Stat | Phillips |
| Appearances | 25 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Aerial duels won | 65.2% |
However, he is a huge threat in the air, and he could become a key weapon for Ramsay in the final third.
Minnesota United scored 21 set-piece goals during the 2025 campaign, the most of any side in the MLS.
Only Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis (4) has scored more goals from defence than Phillips in the Championship this season, and the ex-Liverpool man will certainly be a big part of the plans
With 57 touches in the opposition box, Phillips is an incredibly powerful asset to have, and Ramsay will definitely not let that go to waste.
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How will Ramsay’s footballing philosophy differ from Ryan Mason’s?
As for his style of play, Ramsay is focused on quick transitions and breaking into the other team’s half with speed.
This differs hugely from Mason, who liked his side to control possession and remain patient when trying to break down opposition defences.
Essentially, the football on display had been drab and uninspiring, and West Brom’s attacking threat was incredibly weak compared to other sides in the second tier.
Ramsay’s risky philosophy will be a welcome change to supporters, who are desperate to see exciting patterns of play from their team.
It will certainly take the 34-year-old some time to adapt to his new surroundings, but all the signs are there that he can become a brilliant success in B71.