West Brom could unlock promotion-winning Chris Mepham after pre-season vow
West Bromwich Albion could have a major defensive boost coming their way this season.
Chris Mepham endured a frustrating opening campaign at The Hawthorns after arriving with two promotions already on his CV.
The Wales international made 26 appearances in all competitions before a hamstring injury ruled him out of Albion’s final 15 matches.
As a result, James Morrison had little opportunity to work with the experienced defender during the run which secured survival.
Mepham has now vowed to show supporters the best version of himself as pre-season begins.
And if he were to rediscover anything like the form seen at previous clubs, the Baggies will only benefit as they rebuild under Morrison.
What has Chris Mepham said as season preparation begins?
Speaking in a club interview, Mepham admitted his first season in the Black Country did not go as planned.
“The fans definitely haven’t seen the best of me,” he said.
“When you step away and reflect, there’s been no hiding that I had a frustrating season.
“I know what I need to improve on, and I’m only 28, so there will always be stuff to improve on.
“I’m really keen to show Albion fans the best version of me.”
Mepham arrived at The Hawthorns after playing 38 times during Sunderland’s promotion-winning 2024-25 campaign.
He had also featured 22 times as Bournemouth secured automatic promotion to the Premier League in 2022.
Albion though, were a long way away from the promotion race last term, as they fell into the relegation battle.
After the turnaround kickstarted by Morrison last season, the Baggies are aiming for a more prosperous term in the second tier, and the former midfielder may just be able to rely on the experience of Mepham as he takes charge of his first full season.
James Morrison should have clear plan with Mepham
As has been regularly covered by West Brom News, Morrison came in with a common-sense approach after his February appointment.
This has been clear with his backroom appointments since, with Matt Gill remaining at the club after he added great experience to the dressing room last term.
At his disposal, there is an excellent pool of young talent including the likes of Isaac Price and new strikers Barney Stewart and Jimmy-Jay Morgan.
Building on this, characters of Mepham's ilk will be crucial as the Baggies look to avoid a fate similar to last season.
Morrison has a promotion-winner in his squad, an incredibly recent one, and as he rebuilds West Brom into a side capable of challenging back up at the thick end, he has a simple decision to make in ensuring that Mepham is a key part of the squad.