Harry Whitwell destined for summer exit as West Brom resurgence comes at a cost
Harry Whitwell has fallen down the pecking order at West Bromwich Albion no quicker than he emerged on the first-team scene.
The Baggies are far from safe from relegation, though they are in a much better position than they were prior to the appointment of James Morrison.
West Brom are unbeaten in their last seven Championship encounters, having averaged 1.6 points per game under the Scotsman.
However, while that improvement has done wonders to Albion’s chances of survival, it has done little to continue the development of several youngsters who were starting to emerge on the scene.
Whitwell made four appearances for West Brom after returning from a loan at Forest Green, but his lack of inclusion since speaks volumes.
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West Brom look set to sanction another loan exit
Whitwell hardly set The Hawthorns alight throughout the four appearances he made, especially when considering the fact that two of them saw him amount to just four minutes.
However, the 20-year-old had shown plenty of promise in an otherwise disappointing FA Cup defeat to Norwich in February.
| vs Norwich | Whitwell |
| Minutes | 73 |
| Passes completed | 20 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Duels won | 6 |
| Tackles | 2 |
Many thought that would be the platform for him to kick on and really cement a spot in the first team, but that has not been the case.
In fact, it’s been quite the opposite for the midfielder, who has been an unused substitute in six of their last eight games, while having played just four minutes in the other two.
And as for why that has been the case, Morrison has stopped the rot at West Brom, giving him little reason to change anything in regard to the team.
That’s unlikely to change next season, with Whitwell likely to spend another campaign on loan elsewhere in the EFL.
One scenario could change West Brom stance
While they may be two points clear of the bottom three, West Brom’s potential points deduction is still a concern.
Should that come into play this season, then there is every chance that they face relegation, which could alter plans for Whitwell.
In the Championship its clear that he is unlikely to get a look in, but that could change signficantly if the Baggies were to drop into League One.
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