Supporters' club chairman – New boss must use West Brom’s academy
Supporters’ club chairman John Homer has urged Albion to appoint a head coach willing to bring through youth players.
Homer, who said Darren Moore deserved credit for unifying the club, says caretaker boss James Shan should be a candidate in the summer if he takes the Baggies up.
But he wants the board to make sure the new man, whoever he is, uses the club’s successful academy.
Albion have reached the FA Youth Cup semi-final this season for the first time in 41 years and have a number of youngsters currently away playing for England youth teams.
Academy products Rekeem Harper, Sam Field and Kyle Edwards have all made contributions in the Championship this year.
“I’m pleased with the start Jimmy Shan has had and the response from the players,” said Homer. “To get two good wins and two clean sheets is impressive.
“I’m pleased that he’s continuing with the youth, the selection of Kyle Edwards at Brentford paid off.
“I fear that whoever takes over the reins wouldn’t have the same thoughts about youth that Darren and Jimmy had.
“It’s imperative we continue along those lines – if we don’t get up,some of those boys will have to step up the plate.
“If we do go up, hopefully they’ll be part of the squad, but the Premier League is a different ball game all together.
“Whoever we appoint, the point must be made that they’ve got to encourage the younger players to step up to the plate.
“Moore gave these young lads encouragement. To a man they haven’t let us down.
“Couple that with the progress in the FA Youth Cup, it shows how well the academy has done.”
Albion sacked Moore earlier this month after one point from a possible nine dented their automatic promotion hopes.
“He united the club when he took over towards the end of last year,” said Homer. “Give him credit for that. And that’s what need now, unity.”
Caretaker boss James Shan has delivered two wins out of two and could now see out the season.
“If Jimmy Shan continues in the same vein, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be a candidate in the summer with a guiding hand behind him,” said Homer.
“If they go up into the Premier League under his tutelage than anything’s possible.”
