West Bromwich Albion’s recent managerial shake-up has left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. Was swapping Ryan Mason for Eric Ramsay mid-season a bold masterstroke or a risky gamble? After all, changing managers, tactics, and formations without the financial muscle to overhaul the squad is no small feat. That’s exactly what Albion did earlier this month, bidding farewell to Mason’s 4-2-3-1 setup and welcoming Ramsay, who swiftly shifted the team to a back three (or five, depending on your perspective) and a possession-light style.
The initial results? Not exactly inspiring. Albion lost their first two games under Ramsay, conceding eight goals in the process. But here’s where it gets interesting: with key players returning and more training time to embed his methods, the Welshman oversaw a much-improved performance that earned a point against Derby on Friday night. So, will this gamble pay off, or will Albion be left counting the cost?
One of the most glaring issues under Mason was the goalkeeping position. Josh Griffiths and Joe Wildsmith conceded roughly 12 more goals than statistical models predicted. Albion addressed this by signing Max O’Leary—a move that raises the question: Did the club need a new goalkeeper more than a new manager? While goalkeeping blunders undoubtedly contributed to Albion’s struggles, they weren’t the sole culprit.
Mason’s insistence on playing out from the back exposed weaknesses in both defense and midfield, with opponents exploiting these flaws through high presses. Add to that the Baggies’ tendency to drop points in the final 15 minutes of matches—a total of 10 points lost—and it’s clear why a change was deemed necessary. But this is the part most people miss: Does Ramsay have the players to execute his vision?
In defense and midfield, some players seem better suited to Ramsay’s style. Nat Phillips and Chris Mepham, whose confidence was dented by Mason’s possession-heavy approach, appear more at ease in Ramsay’s low-possession system. In midfield, Toby Collyer was meant to be a linchpin in Mason’s build-up play, but fitness issues and injuries to Jayson Molumby and Alex Mowatt often left Ousmane Diakite in a role he seemed ill-equipped for. On Friday, however, Diakite thrived as a destructive force, showcasing his set-piece prowess—a key asset in Ramsay’s setup.
But challenges remain. Callum Styles, a versatile full-back, would excel as a wing-back, but Albion’s coaching staff likely wish they had a clone for the opposite flank. The right wing-back position has been a headache, with Isaac Price and Mikey Johnston looking out of place. Jed Wallace has shown promise, but only when Albion are chasing the game. Whether he can deliver from a level starting point remains to be seen.
And then there’s Johnston, the Championship’s top assister, who has been somewhat neutered by the new system. Whether deployed as a right wing-back or in a narrower attacking role, he hasn’t quite hit his stride. His best performance under Ramsay came alongside Samuel Iling-Junior in the thrilling second-half comeback against Middlesbrough.
Karlan Grant’s injury against Derby adds another layer of complexity. If he’s sidelined, Johnston might need to step into his shoes—but will that unlock his full potential? The dramatic draw at Derby offered a glimmer of hope, as did the overall performance, which was a marked improvement from the disastrous display against Norwich.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Can Ramsay consistently extract results from a squad not built for his system? If Albion are to climb out of danger, he’ll need to find creative solutions to these challenges. And this is where it gets controversial: Is Ramsay’s appointment a short-term fix or the foundation for long-term success? What do you think? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on whether this gamble will pay dividends or leave Albion in deeper trouble.
