Season Review: A far too familiar feeling for West Bromwich Albion as they endure relegation from the Premier League

West Bromwich Albion have been here before, but that doesn’t make a record fifth relegation any easier to accept, especially for outgoing boss Sam Allardyce.

Pre-season expectations were not sky-high amongst the Albion faithful with a lack of summer investment in Slaven Bilić’s squad that limped to promotion.

But those associated with the club can feel extremely disappointed with a season that was destined for disaster from the off.

The memory of Bilić now seems like an ancient one, with his West Ham predecessor unable to steady the ship, as West Bromwich Albion returned to the Championship.

Five Key Moments

December 16th 2020 – Bilić departs

Albion’s return to Premier League life had not gone smoothly. Having conceded eight goals in their first two games, letting a 3-0 half-time lead slip against Chelsea proved gut-wrenching.

They finally claimed their first three points of the season at the 10th attempt with a fortunate 1-0 win against Sheffield United.

Following a 5-1 hammering at the hands of Crystal Palace and a late defeat against a depleted Newcastle United, immense pressure had grown on Bilić.

Though the Baggies defied expectations and battled to an impressive draw against Manchester City, which was mostly down to Sam Johnstone’s goalkeeping heroics.

A draw at the Etihad Stadium would presumably earn the Croat more time in charge, but almost straight after the final whistle, news broke that the board had decided to pull the trigger and sack their promotion-winning boss.

With the story believed to have been leaked by an agent of a contender for the job, it was evident the decision was made before the result against City which left a bitter taste amongst fans.

December 16th 2020 – Sam Allardyce becomes new Head Coach

Albion moved swiftly and appointed survival specialist Sam Allardyce on an 18 month-deal later that day.

Whilst the majority of supporters recognised the club had appointed the best possible manager for a relegation battle, Allardyce’s reputation and preferred style of football left some disappointed with his arrival.

The former England and Everton boss claimed he had “never been so refreshed and ready to come back” after nearly three years out of management.

As you’d expect, a seven-figure survival bonus was implanted into Allardyce’s contract as was a break clause in the event of relegation.

His reign did not get off to the best of starts, with the Baggies beaten heavily by Aston Villa, Leeds United and Arsenal. Albion supporters only had one thing on their minds, does Allardyce still have his magic touch?

January 16th 2021 – Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-3 West Bromwich Albion

That run of disappointing defeats – excluding a 1-1 draw at Anfield – was followed by an FA Cup third-round tie against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road, which offered a chance to secure a confidence-boosting win to kickstart Albion’s season.

Instead, they hit a new low, with the third-tier club winning on penalties, resulting in a post-match inquest led by captain Jake Livermore.

Up next was the first Black Country derby since Albion’s famous 5-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2012.

The landscape of West Midlands football had drastically changed though, with Wolves’ consecutive seventh-placed finishes. Therefore fears of revenge were prevalent across Baggies supporters, only one eventuality seemed possible.

But Matheus Pereira’s penalty double and Semi Ajayi’s header ensured the bragging rights surprisingly remained at The Hawthorns as Allardyce began to win over supporters with an established performance.

More importantly for the Dudley-born boss, the win was his first in charge and provided a platform for the survival challenge ahead.

February 2nd 2021 – Sheffield United 2-1 West Bromwich Albion

In late January, Allardyce stated that upcoming fixtures against fellow relegation favourites Fulham and Sheffield United would “determine our fate”.

Failure to beat Scott Parker’s men weighed greater importance on the Baggies’ trip to Bramall Lane. It was simply a game they had to win.

A victory would have reduced the difference between themselves and 17th place to a salvageable six points, and it was all going to plan with Matt Phillips scoring his first of the season to put Albion 1-0 up at half-time.

Although a dreadful second-half performance accompanied with goals from Jayden Bogle and Billy Sharp more or less killed most survival aspirations, especially given the significance that Allardyce had put on the game.

If the two fixtures did, in fact, determine West Bromwich Albion’s fate, then the second-tier is where they were heading.

May 9th 2021 – West Bromwich Albion are relegated

January additions Okay Yokuşlu, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mbaye Diagne all managed to make significant contributions to the cause following that costly defeat against the Blades.

An upturn in form included a remarkable 5-2 win against Chelsea which was backed up with a 3-0 victory against Southampton.

While the two impressive wins provided a glimmer of hope, failed attempts to beat Burnley, Aston Villa, Wolves and Crystal Palace when opportunities came their way proved costly.

Allardyce had made his mark, but consistently bemoaned his side’s lack of ability to convert performances into results.

Who knows where the Baggies would have ended up had they began the season with the squad and management they ended with as they finally looked like a Premier League side.

Their destiny was sealed following a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium which somewhat summed up the campaign as Albion huffed and puffed but ultimately were not good enough from start to finish.

Transfers and their impact

The aforementioned lack of summer investment seriously hampered Albion’s return to the Premier League.

Though summer deals that were completed failed to make the desired impact that Bilić or Technical & Sporting Director Luke Dowling would have hoped for.

There was an impetus placed on “getting the band back together” which included re-signing the likes of Callum Robinson, Grady Diangana and Filip Krovinović.

Matheus Pereira’s transfer was automatically completed, as he too stayed in the West Midlands. Pereira thrived from January onwards and appears to have the quality needed to succeed in the top-flight.

In hindsight, Premier League experience was needed as opposed to bringing back players who achieved promotion due to the failure of others.

Robinson did improve as the season wore on and even won the club’s Goal of the Year award with an emphatic volley in that win at Stamford Bridge. He’s expected to be a threat to Championship defences next season.

Diangana’s arrival took up a large proportion of the summer transfer budget and was considered a vital signing by supporters. Though reports have later emerged that Bilić voiced concerns about spending such a significant amount on one player when other areas of his squad needed complimenting.

Unfortunately for Albion, Diangana could not produce the same form as he had done the season before and struggled for game time under Allardyce. He again should be of great influence in the second-tier.

As soon as Allardyce took charge, it was clear Krovinović’s days at Albion were numbered. His loan from Benfica was terminated as he moved on to Nottingham Forest.

Other major additions included Huddersfield Town forward Karlan Grant. Following a 19-goal season for the Terriers, Bilić was reportedly desperate to sign the former Charlton Athletic man.

Despite a clinical finish in his second game for the club at Brighton, Grant could not find the net for the rest of the season and failed to impress when selected.

Veteran defender Branislav Ivanović was signed on a free transfer to offer the Baggies know-how, organisation and defensive quality. Instead, it appeared the Chelsea icon had seen better days.

A lack of pace combined with weak performances saw the Serbian defender lose his place in the side before suffering a season-ending injury at his old stomping ground.

However, the loan addition of Conor Gallagher was a positive one with the England under-21 international coming out of this season with credit following a set of energetic displays under both Bilić and Allardyce.

Allardyce’s arrival came with the expectation that Albion would be busy in the January market and this time around, signings did make their mark.

Despite Robert Snodgrass making a positive impression when available, the Scotsman failed to recover from a back injury that required the winger to undergo an epidural at the end of the campaign.

Mbaye Diagne arrived on loan from Galatasaray having scored nine goals in 15 games in the Süper Lig. He added a physical presence that the Baggies lacked up top all season and netted his first goal for the club against Manchester United.

He could have had a hat-trick that day, and should have scored more than he did despite netting against Chelsea and Wolves.

Loan signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles was considered the standout addition from the winter arrivals.

The Arsenal academy product reportedly turned down moves to the likes of Southampton and Leicester due to his preference to play in midfield.

With Albion struggling in the middle of the park, Maitland-Niles played a key part in improving performances, and whilst he may not be good enough to break into the Gunners side, his midfield abilities have been showcased.

Okay Yokuşlu was the pick of the January signings though. The Turkish international arrived on loan having been used sparsely at Celta Vigo.

He added a much-needed toughness to the Baggies midfield with Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers having struggled to shield the defence effectively across the first half of the campaign.

Youkuslu’s physical presence and tackling ability was also complimented by his immense technical ability to retain possession as well as an impressive eye for a pass.

With the midfielder believed to have settled well in the West Midlands, Albion fans will be hoping the club can thrash out a deal for the 27-year-old.

It would also be naive to ignore the one major departure from the Hawthorns this season. When Bilić was quizzed regarding the potential sale of centre-half Ahmed Hegazi in October, the former West Ham boss seemed to clarify the situation by claiming “I’m glad he’s staying”.

Hegazi departed for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad just a week later, in a deal that reportedly strained the relationship between Bilić and his employers. Whilst the defender wouldn’t have been the difference between survival and relegation his presence may have helped the Baggies put up a better fight.

Ultimately, transfer dealings played a big part an influential part in West Brom’s failures.

Key Players

Sam Johnstone

It would usually be presumed that the goalkeeper who formed part of the Premier League’s worst defence would not finish the season with much credit at all. Though Sam Johnstone has been named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for the European Championships.

Albion fans would agree that he thoroughly deserves the opportunity to represent his country. Johnstone faced criticism throughout his first campaign at the Hawthorns but has gone on to prove his doubters wrong and looks set to earn a Premier League move this summer with West Ham United believed to be the most likely destination.

Despite conceding 74 goals in 37 Premier League games, the former Manchester United goalkeeper stood out as one of the division’s best shot-stoppers. Johnstone made 166 saves this season which is 20 more than the nearest goalkeeper.

Whilst that statistic speaks volumes of the Baggies’ defensive performance, if one thing is for sure, they would have conceded even more without Johnstone.

Conor Townsend

Kieran Gibbs began the season as Albion’s first-choice full-back, despite rumours that the club were willing to offload him.

Fast forward to the end of the campaign and the former Arsenal man is now an Inter Miami player having been restricted to a bit-part role in the second half of the season.

The reason for that has been the form of Conor Townsend. The former Hull City defender joined Albion in 2018 and initially struggled to nail down a place in the starting line-up. When he got the chance, Townsend failed to totally convince supporters, but that could not be more different this season.

Having started the campaign on the sidelines, Townsend picked up another knock in October, meaning he would only play eight games before the start of February.

The full-back’s return to the team coincided with the Baggies’ improvement in performances as he made the left-back position his own.

Townsend impressed in the win at Stamford Bridge and offered stability going forwards and in defence on the left-wing.

Matheus Pereira

The Brazilian’s impressive Premier League season has come as no surprise to any Albion fan.

Off the back of a sensational Championship campaign, that included 24 goal contributions in just 42 games, Pereira was destined to showcase his ability in the top-flight after his £8.5 million transfer was completed.

The midfielder began the season well with a stunning free-kick against Everton as well as providing assists at Goodison Park and against Chelsea.

Although a poor run of form followed which culminated in a first-half red card against Crystal Palace, that being said, Pereira would argue the decision to send him off was a harsh one.

The 25-year-old began to find his feet again with a brace in the derby win at Molineux which was swiftly backed up with an impressive strike against West Ham and a goal against Fulham.

As with most of the Baggies’ squad, performance levels dramatically increased from that remarkable win against Chelsea and onwards. That can definitely be said for Pereira who took his game to another level.

In the final seven games of the season, the Brazilian produces nine goal contributions alongside a string of brilliant performances.

In terms of creation, the former Sporting midfielder provided his teammates with 60 opportunities this season, but poor finishing from teammates saw him end the season with just six assists.

17 Premier League goal contributions is an admirable return from Pereira and it would be a surprise if he was playing in the Championship next year.

Season Verdict

It would be wrong to say that Albion met expectations this season given their woeful level of performance.

Those around the club would have hoped that survival was an achievable aim but as previously mentioned, the squad of players never looked good enough for the Premier League.

Therefore, neutral media and supporters expected the Baggies to drop straight back into the Championship and that’s exactly what has happened.

But they still underperformed by looking miles off the necessary standard to compete in the Premier League and were cut adrift by February.

Even the most pessimistic of onlookers would have imagined Albion would put up a better challenge than they ultimately did.

Hopes for Next Season

Despite reports initially indicating that Chris Wilder would be the man to spearhead Albion’s promotion bid next season, it has finally been confirmed that Valérien Ismaël will take over at The Hawthorns.

Wilder’s track record of improving every club that he has managed made him an attractive option for the Baggies with Sporting and Technical Director, Luke Dowling massively favouring a move for the former Sheffield United manager.

However, majority shareholder Guochuan Lai is believed to have vetoed a move for Wilder following the way that he clashed with Blades owner Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This is despite Lai having little involvement in decision-making after purchasing the club in 2016.

There was then outrage amongst the Albion fanbase when news broke that former Huddersfield Town David Wagner was in advanced negotiations with the club.

With a deal believed to be all but agreed, Wagner’s achievements at the John Smith’s Stadium made the American an alternative and cheaper option to Wilder, which did not go down well with Baggies fans.

But a couple of days later, it emerged that out of the blue, Wagner had instead opted instead to join BSC Young Boys in Switzerland which left Albion back at square one.

Dowling’s position then became untenable with both managerial avenues that he had pursued ending up in failure. The former Watford and Nottingham Forest departed, leaving the Baggies without a head coach and a sporting and technical director in what is a vital summer for the club.

Chief Executive. Xu Ke then led the search to find a successor to Allardyce and it quickly became apparent that Ismaël was his preferred target.

Albion swiftly entered negotiations with Barnsley and paid the £2 million required to free the 45-year-old from his contract at Oakwell.

The Frenchman certainly has a rebuilding job on his hands with a number of loanees returning to parent clubs. Johnstone and Pereira also look set to depart whilst the likes of Hal Robson-Kanu, Kyle Edwards and Kamil Grosicki have left at the end of their contracts.

However, his high-intensity pressing style has already excited supporters, with a fanbase that has been divided far too often in recent years all united behind Ismaël.

The overall aim will be returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and Ismaël should have an extremely competitive budget to help do so.

He may well be capable of guiding the Baggies back to the Premier League, but Ke made it clear that the appointment is considered a long-term one. If one thing is for sure, it is set to be an intriguing Championship campaign.

[/column]