West Brom complete new signing in time to make debut in relegation six-pointer vs Portsmouth
Danny Imray is in line to make his West Brom debut against Portsmouth on Saturday.
Albion completed a deal to sign Imray, 22, on loan for the rest of the season from Crystal Palace on Friday.
The right-back, who spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Blackpool in League One, becomes the second signing of the winter transfer window for the Baggies, who’ve also landed Irish goalkeeper Max O’Leary on a permanent basis from Bristol City.
Eric Ramsay is yet to taste victory since taking charge of West Brom, losing his first two games against Middlesbrough and Norwich before what was hopefully a rot-stopping draw at Derby last week.
This weekend, West Brom face what looks to be a relegation six-pointer against Portsmouth.
Danny Imray in line to start vs Portsmouth
According to BBC Radio WM commentator Steve Hermon, West Brom beat the EFL registration deadline to sign Imray so that he can waltz straight into Ramsay’s starting line-up at Fratton Park on Saturday.
It’s a huge game for the Albion, who could be in the Championship relegation zone by 5pm on Saturday if they lose to Pompey and Blackburn beat Hull at Ewood Park.
Since being appointed as West Brom’s successor to Ryan Mason, Ramsay has switched things up at The Hawthorns, opting to play with three at the back and wing-backs flanking the formation.
Despite not having a natural right-sided wing-back, Ramsay was eager to press ahead with his tactical shift, leading to Mikey Johnston and Isaac Price both slotting into the right-wing-back role.
It was seriously disappointing that Ramsay tried to ram square pegs into round holes instead of slowly bedding his system into the side, with that over-eagerness leading to a 5-0 defeat against Norwich at The Hawthorns.
Eric Ramsay now has natural right wing-back
Ramsay now has a player who can slot straight into the problem position, having played there for Blackpool in League One until he was recalled by Palace on 16 January.
In 13 third-tier appearances this season, Imray has scored two goals and supplied two assists.
Unfortunately, he has had injury issues.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | |
| League One | 13 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| EFL Trophy | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
In October, he had to have knee surgery after being stretchered off in a 2-2 draw with Luton.
However, Imray was back in action two months later and was in superb form for Blackpool before that loan deal was terminated.
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