West Brom blog: Actions speak louder than words

As the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words, writes Baggies blogger Nathan Carr.

And West Bromwich Albion are acting decisively having announced on Thursday that technical director Nicky Hammond has left his post following two years at the Hawthorns.

It’s fair to say those 24 months will not be remembered very fondly.

The reality is that too many of the players signed under his watch have failed to live up to expectations – whether that be because some are frankly not good enough, or some have been unfortunate with injuries, most notably Nacer Chadli and Daniel Sturridge.

Even more than the signings, though, Hammond is paying the price for playing such an influential role in the managerial appointment of Alan Pardew, who he worked with at Reading.

Just as John Williams and Martin Goodman similarly paid the price when they were relieved of their duties back in February.

It’s encouraging that the club have recognised this and reacted in such a proactive and swift manner – it shows they are serious about rebuilding and restructuring, starting with the hierarchy.

Newly appointed Giuliano Terraneo has been tasked with redeveloping the current squad and helping the board with their search for a new manager. The Italian will certainly have a big job on his hands over the summer.

Indeed, he arrives with an impressive reputation having worked for some of Europe’s more high-profile clubs in Lazio, Inter Milan and Fenerbahce.

I’d like to think that following a thorough assessment of the current squad, Terraneo will come to the conclusion that what we ideally need is an injection of youth and athleticism.

Hopefully he helps deliver that.