Ally Robertson: So much depends on how West Brom do in transfer market
It’s difficult to make a firm prediction about Albion right now, simply because so much could still happen before the transfer window closes on Thursday week.
There are a number of players you would suspect will be heading out the door, while it is reasonable to assume several will be arriving.
Only when the business is finished will we really know where things stand and what kind of season we might be heading for.
At the moment, you would say the core of the squad remains reasonably strong and it would be nice to think we might keep hold of a few key players, in particular Jay Rodriguez.
But it’s impossible to predict how things will pan out in the market.
I feel a bit sorry for Darren Moore. This summer felt like a chance to wipe the slate clean after the huge disappointment of last season and relegation but so far he’s not really had the chance to do that.
It has hardly been the easiest first few months in the job. He’s had to deal with a number of unwanted issues, most notably when Ben Foster and Craig Dawson refused to attend the pre-season training camp.
Foster disappointed me. He was the first player to come out last season and commit his future to the club. In the end, he was the first one out of the door.
At least in Sam Johnstone the club has signed a steady replacement. The 25-year-old was one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship at Villa last season and he has the time to develop.
One of the main keys to success in this division, for me at least, is organisation. There might not be the same levels of quality as the Premier League but the teams are fearsomely tough and the schedule is relentless.
Having a goalscorer on board is also vital. Rodriguez could well be that man but if he leaves, Albion will have to bring someone else in. The Championship has changed since the last time the Baggies were in it. There are several clubs in the division who, not so long ago, were challenging near the top of the Premier League and the financial outlay is considerable.
That means there is no shortage of competition and there are at least half-a-dozen clubs starting the season who will believe they can challenge for promotion. The good news is Albion are among them.
Of course, you want to get off to a good start. In Albion’s case, it could go a long way to helping things settle down and build Darren’s confidence. It would also mean the supporters are quickly behind the team.
But the key in the early weeks may well be patience. The length of the season means teams have the chance to grow into it. Back in the 1975-76 season, I remember we only won one of our opening ten games but still went on to claim promotion.
I’m hopeful the next nine months will see Albion challenging for a top six finish as a minimum.
