West Brom accept transfer failings as new hire to oversee different approach

West Bromwich Albion are looking to reset after a disappointing Championship campaign.

Burning through two managers, the Baggies were dragged into a relegation battle following the dismal spells of Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay.

Former midfielder James Morrison would step into the role back in February, before guiding the club to safety.

However, the cracks are only papered over, with improvement from the top to the bottom of the club required if Albion are to avoid a similar circumstance once again.

And based on information from the recent Fan Advisory Board meeting, West Brom are aiming to learn from their transfer errors.

West Brom set for summer reset

After a dismal campaign, the Black Country club are in desperate need of a rethink.

And this clearly seems to be something the hierarchy are willing to address, with executive director Mark Miles confirming that Dominic Price, who recently took over as technical director, will play a hands-on role.

As per the report from the FAB meeting, it was said that: "[Miles] accepted that recruitment last season had been too heavily weighted towards data and confirmed that this had now been addressed through the appointment of a new technical director, who sets the game model and ensures recruitment aligns with it."

As a result, the FAB prompted further answers on the topic, with the report saying: "Miles accepted that some of the recruitment had fallen short last season and confirmed that the balance between data and football judgement had not been struck.

"Miles concluded by noting that the club intends to build a competitive squad aiming upward, with the expanded playoff format offering opportunity in future seasons. He referenced the earlier discussion on West Brom's Squad Cost Ratio and the investment opportunities it enables as key drivers for progress."

What should be expected of West Brom heading into next season?

After a season like the one they have just endured, it is only natural to approach a new campaign with caution.

There is plenty of work to be done to restore the club to the level required, but the simple fact remains that Albion, as a club, are expected to be in and around the promotion picture whenever they find themselves in the second tier.

As a result, this recent period has been far from acceptable, particularly when the tightly contested nature of the Championship this term presented golden play-off opportunities to multiple sides.

Morrison was able to turn things around and deserves praise, but the bar will be raised next term.

The hope at The Hawthorns is that, with a strong summer, that refresh can happen more quickly than anticipated.

But for that to happen, it is crucial that everyone at the club is pulling in the same direction.

The intentions outlined in the FAB meeting seem strong, but those words now have to be backed up by action.

For West Brom, a season like 2025-26 must be left well and truly in the past - not to be revisited any time soon.

Hopefully this new approach to transfers, relying less on data, helps with that.