Max O’Leary reveals West Brom dressing room chatter, shares Eric Ramsay formation admission
West Brom goalkeeper Max O’Leary says some “honest discussions” has brought about some improvements on the pitch.
Eric Ramsay’s West Brom appeared to hit rock bottom after a thumping 3-0 loss to Portsmouth at Fratton Park on 31 January, a result that sent the Baggies into the Championship relegation zone.
However, since that drubbing, The Hawthorns outfit have secured successive goalless draws against Stoke City and in-form Birmingham City.
While new boss Ramsay is yet to win any of his six games in charge, West Brom are now up to 19th, two points ahead of Blackburn Rovers – who sit in the third and final relegation spot.
Now, January signing O’Leary has spoken about how him and his new teammates have had candid talks about getting them out of this mess.
Max O’Leary talks up his value after West Brom arrival
O’Leary swapped Bristol City for West Brom on a deal until the end of the season, with the 29-year-old helping them keep successive clean sheets for the first time since October 2024.
The Baggies stopper put in an impressive display away at Birmingham on Tuesday, as he made a string of important saves to secure them a valuable point.
O’Leary has admitted that the Portsmouth defeat was a new low but they averred to make sure that didn’t happen again.
He told BBC Radio West Midlands: “We’ve had some honest discussions with each other. The Pompey game wasn’t good enough, we all knew that.
“It doesn’t matter what formation we play, [it’s about] just getting the principles right and everyone putting that maximum effort in and looking in the mirror and saying ‘I gave everything today’.
“I like to think I’m a fresh voice coming in and seeing it from a different perspective is what you need sometimes, and I’m not afraid to have conversations with people about what’s gong on and how we can try to improve together.”
O’Leary has played in all four league games for West Brom since his Bristol exit, with the experienced keeper hopeful the Birmingham result can lead to an upturn in form.
Ahead of their FA Cup fourth round clash with Norwich City on Saturday, he said: “It gives us a foundation to build on. You’re in the game if it’s 0-0 and we keep that clean sheet.
“I’ve only been here a few games, to get something from the game puts you in good stead. You’re in the game at half-time, in the 70th and 80th minute and then you can maybe go and nick a goal.”
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West Brom can ease the pressure on Eric Ramsay
West Brom are still deep in a relegation dogfight, with one bad day potentially leading to them dropping back into the bottom three.
Lowly Blackburn Rovers have a game in hand on the Baggies, plus, West Brom have really struggled for goals of late.
In fact, their last goal in the league came in a 1-1 draw at Derby County on 23 January. Moreover, the last time they scored more than one goal in a game was a 3-2 defeat to Middlesbrough on 16 January.
But, their upcoming fixtures offer a chance for goals and wins.
| West Brom’s next Championship fixtures | Opponent’s league position |
| West Brom vs Coventry City | 2nd |
| West Brom vs Charlton Athletic | 18th |
| Oxford United vs West Brom | 23rd |
Coventry City are severely wobbling in their quest to earn promotion from the Championship, while Charlton Athletic and Oxford United are in the relegation fight, too.
These fixtures offer an opportunity for West Brom to get points on the board and end Ramsay’s long wait for a win.
It may be a case of now or never for West Brom.
For more expert analysis on West Brom in their bid to stay in the Championship, check out Football Insider’s website