Current EFL Championship long-stay residents, West Bromwich Albion, have not had a good first half of the season at all. Onto their second manager and 3 points above relegation, The Baggies need some infrastructure and now.
A week into 2026, and Ryan Mason faced the sack. The side were heading in a downards spiral, and the change was necessary from new American Owners, the Patel family. After a week of deliberating, Baggies appointed Ex-MInnesota United boss, Eric Ramsay. We covered the impact Ramsay could have here.
Goals, specifically late goals, have been the downfall of the Albion this season. The Baggies have conceded 9 goals after the 70th minute. This has significantly hindered progression for the boys in B71, and lost points are causing frustration.
Baggies’ fans are protesting with their voice on Social Media, and with their feet inside The Hawthorns. The stadium has had much better days, and it is depressing. The team needs fans, but the fans have had enough.
West Brom’s current Number One is Josh Griffiths, the goalie is 24 years old, and relatively young. He came through the WBA Academy, before spending time on loan with Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham and Lincoln.
The young shotstopper developed nicely, with a high level of praise from Bristol Rovers’ fans. Unfortunately, this season has not seen similar numbers to his golden glove award last season.
In 21 games, Griffiths has conceded 32 goals, and only kept FOUR clean sheets. For a team who are usually hunting the playoffs, this is nowhere near the top marks to be expected. Now of course, it is not always down to the keepers ability, but the defenders in front of him.
For example, Nat Phillips who signed in the summer, has played 2,300 minutes, and has a heatmap that looks as so:
(Credit: Opta Analyst)
This map shows that the majority of his touches are coming from outside the box, so Phillips is either being run past, or stopping the attack. Either way, it is not good enough to fully cover and help his keeper.
Griffiths also had a spell out, as Ryan Mason considered Joe Wildsmith, which inevitably didn’t work out.
The rumour began circulating today, after Nixon revealed on his Patreon earlier on that Millwall held strong interests. The Football League World are reporting that Baggies are showing a keen interest, for a loan move.
Anthony Patterson was a key part of the team that recently got Sunderland promoted to the Premier League. But has recently fallen out of favour for the Black Cats. During the season, Patterson played 42 games, conceded 42 goals, and kept 14 clean sheets. For a player that played over 3,000 minutes, that is exactly what West Brom need.
An established Championship keeper, can make all the difference in the squad, and changing rooms. Patterson has already established himself, despite being only 25. This signing could be the matter of relegation or survival for the Baggies.
