Morgan Rogers and three other ex-West Brom players react to Baggies exit story
Morgan Rogers will never forget his days playing in West Brom’s academy.
Rogers has become one of the Premier League’s top players over the last two seasons, having joined Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in February 2024.
Rogers began his career in West Brom’s academy before joining Manchester City in 2019, and he has been on an incredible journey to reach his current position with Villa.
The 23-year-old, along with three other ex-Albion stars, was quick to react to a post about former West Brom star Reyes Cleary after he excelled in Barnsley’s 4-1 FA Cup third-round loss to Liverpool on Monday.
Reyes Cleary named man of the match in Liverpool vs Barnsley
After loan spells at Hartlepool United and Walsall, Cleary decided that he needed a new adventure away from B71.
The Englishman had been at West Brom for 17 years, but left in the summer to join Barnsley after his contract ran out.
Against Liverpool, he was immense, and the left midfielder caused Jeremie Frimpong considerable problems.
| Team | Appearances | Goals |
| U18s | 35 | 30 |
| U21s | 24 | 25 |
| U23s | 17 | 7 |
| Senior team | 7 | 0 |
Ally McCoist even named him man of the match after he completed three successful dribbles and won eight ground duels.
Instagram account ‘risingballers’ posted about Cleary’s journey throughout the football pyramid and highlighted his resilience.
Rogers, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Callum Marshall, and Romaine Sawyers all liked the post, and they expect that the 21-year-old could go on to become a top player.
In 17 games for League One side Barnsley, Cleary has 11 goal contributions, and his tally of six assists may suggest West Brom could have done with his creativity this season.
Did West Brom make a mistake letting Cleary go?
Cleary is just one of many young players who have been viewed as highly talented but have never been allowed to really showcase their skills.
Despite being with the Baggies for so long, Cleary only made seven first-team appearances.
Josh Griffiths is a recent example of why you give the youngsters a chance, and perhaps new head coach Eric Ramsay will rely on the academy much more than Mason.
| Stat | Cleary |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Chances created | 21 |
| Successful crosses | 15 |
Cleary’s impressive form for Barnsley has had West Brom supporters begging for him to return, and while that doesn’t look likely, they do have a sell-on clause for any future sale.
The left winger is finally getting the chance to play consistently, and the best thing for his development is to remain at Barnsley.