Toby Collyer reveals psychology behind permanent West Brom switch

Toby Collyer feels like things are different for him now that he is permanently a West Bromwich Albion player.

The midfielder joined Albion on loan in August of 2025, coming to The Hawthorns with a high reputation from Manchester United.

The 22-year-old had previously made 13 appearances for the Red Devils, but only managed to rack up 12 for the Baggies before January.

Collyer then joined Hull City on loan for the second half of the campaign, helping the Tigers get into the play-offs, where they ultimately regained their place in the Premier League.

However, James Morrison was keen on bringing the Englishman back to the Black Country Club for good in the summer, and a deal was done for an initial £3million.

Now that Collyer is with West Brom on a permanent basis, he feels like the whole dynamic has changed for him.

Toby Collyer reveals different psychology after permanent West Brom move

Morrison remained in contact with Collyer over the summer, as the midfielder had a big decision on his hands.

It became clear that he would struggle for game time under Michael Carrick, despite featuring several times for Man United during pre-season.

Collyer had Premier League and Championship interest, but always felt welcomed and wanted by Morrison.

He has revealed why things now feel different for him after permanently joining the Baggies.

Collyer said, as quoted by the Express and Star: "It feels better being back permanently. Coming on loan last year, I really enjoyed my time here.

"But when you're on loan, you have that psychological thing in the back of your mind - ‘I’m not actually the official player here; I'm just here temporarily ’-so it feels really good to be back.

"I think it makes all the difference, psychologically, when you’ve been here, and you know the manager's pushed so hard to get you back here, it makes you give that extra bit."

Collyer has made two appearances since rejoining Albion, and featured in his first Black Country Derby before the break.

He has strong competition ahead of him, with the likes of Felix Horn Myhre, Jayson Molumby, Ousmane Diakite and Rabby Nzingoula all fighting for a starting spot.

Why Collyer rejected the Premier League for West Brom

West Brom focused on bringing in several players who are good enough for both the club's short-term and long-term plans.

They brought in the likes of Barney Stewart, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Kareem Tunde and other young players who could make a difference this season.

However, the Baggies had a particularly hard fight on their hands to bring Collyer back to The Hawthorns, who was wanted back by Hull after their promotion to the Premier League.

But the former Brighton academy prospect felt that Albion was the best place for his development.

He said: "When I evaluated everything, I pinpointed this place as the best place for me to develop, to take my game to the next level - in terms of everything, the building, the coaching staff, the lads."

Let's hope he can kick on for West Brom after the break.