Reviewing 2025/26

The feeling was that the Baggies wouldn't have quite enough to go up automatically but that they could easily force their way into the play off picture. Well that didn't happen. By the middle of March they were 23rd and the atmosphere at the Hawthorns was pretty toxic. From somewhere, they managed to drag themselves off the canvas and lost just one of the final eleven games, managing to survive by the skin of their teeth.

Looking ahead to 2026/27

I was pleased to see James Morrison handed the full time mangerial position over the summer. He did extremely well in the 12 games he was in caretaker charge for so it's only right he should be given a go.

The Baggies have been relatively quiet in the transfer marker so far and after releasing a number of players, just two have so far arrived. Both young, hungry centre forwards. Jimmy-Jay Morgan joins from Chelsea youth, whilst Barney Stewart heads down from north of the border, following an impressive loan period at Dunfermline. Both players were around £1.5m and represent good value. More arrivals are needed though.

Court Offside Tip

After the lucky escape in 25/26, I fully expect a more comfortable campaign for everyone involved at the Hawthorns. I have them to finish 14th and as such there's very few bets to lay at their door. I don't think they have anything like the quality needed to challenge for the play offs but they'll have too much to get dragged into the dog fight at the bottom again.