Eric Ramsay exit fears already raised as Shilen Patel attempts to navigate choppy West Brom waters
Eric Ramsay is walking into West Brom at a challenging time.
Ryan Mason was sacked by West Brom after Albion’s last Championship fixture – a 2-1 loss to Leicester City – as Shilen Patel watched on from the stands at the King Power Stadium.
Patel was quick to appoint Ramsay as Mason’s successor, with the former Minnesota United boss preparing his West Brom side ahead of a first home game in charge at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies are still in with an outside chance of reaching the Championship’s play-off spots, but West Brom may face financial issues in the January transfer market.
Ramsay will most likely have to build success over a long-term plan, and Albion will need to convince the 33-year-old that he will be supported.
Eric Ramsay future return to Manchester United mooted
Ramsay played a big part in Minnesota’s joyous campaigns over the last two seasons, proving his own ability to grow and develop players.
Coming from the background of being a first-team coach at Manchester United, the Welshman is bringing high expectations to The Hawthorns.
However, Ramsay may not be able to get what he wants in January, as a battle with finances goes on at West Brom.
- Ramsay was with Minnesota United from March 2024 until January of this year
- He has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with West Brom
- Ramsay will have to work around PSR issues in the transfer market with Patel
Tom Collomosse, reporting for the Daily Mail, has highlighted that Mason was contributing to supporters turning for the first time since Bilkul Football saved Albion from the Guochan Lai “crisis” in 2024.
The journalist has hinted that while Patel juggles said crisis and is trying to heal the Baggies, Ramsay’s long-term future at West Brom is far from guaranteed due to his links with Manchester United.
On Wednesday, Collomosse wrote: “Albion have limited room for manoeuvre in the market, and Ramsay will largely have to work with what he has.
“If Ramsay does succeed, he might find himself back there (Man United) sooner than he could ever have imagined.
“They will be watching closely at Old Trafford – just like they watched Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough.”
Alternatively, the Championship is a fast-paced league, and Ramsay will need to find results quickly to convince Patel and Co, given West Brom’s league position.
Read more: Jeff Stelling launches ill-informed attack on West Brom staff after Reyes Cleary show vs Liverpool
Here’s how Ramsay can make instant impression on West Brom fans
West Brom’s Friday night showdown with promotion-chasing Middlesbrough is throwing Ramsay straight in the deep end. But even so much as a positive performance could do the trick.
The head coach being at home for his first game in charge is such a huge bonus, as the Baggies fans will be in fine voice at The Hawthorns.
| Game | Home or away |
| West Brom vs Middlesbrough | Home |
| West Brom vs Norwich City | Home |
| West Brom vs Derby County | Away |
Even if things don’t go to plan, West Brom have another two favourable fixtures coming up straight after Boro.
Games come thick and fast this month, and Ramsay will be able to quickly learn about his players and implement his playstyle.
Regardless of future concerns, the present is now, and it’s an exciting time to be an Albion fan once again.