West Brom supporters in the Transfer Tavern are somewhat optimistic about the new era at their football club following the appointment of Darren Moore as permanent manager last month.
The former centre back took over at the Hawthorns on a caretaker basis following the departure of Alan Pardew back in April, although he had just six Premier League games to try and steer the Baggies out of relegation trouble. And while he won three and drew two of those matches, it wasn’t enough to pull off a miraculous escape, with West Brom eventually going down to the Championship having accumulated just 31 points from their 38 Premier League matches.
However, there is much positivity among our resident Baggies fans in the Tavern that Moore could be the man to lead them back to the top-flight, although they are somewhat concerned by recent reports linking Jay Rodriguez with a move to former club Burnley.
And while it may be difficult to prevent the £10.8 million-rated star (as per Transfermarkt) from returning to the Premier League, West Brom must do all they can to retain him as he will be absolutely crucial to their hopes of securing an immediate top tier return.
Ultimately, the one-time England international only made the move to the Midlands outfit 12 months ago after falling down the pecking order at Southampton, and while he didn’t hit the ground running at the Hawthorns, he finished the campaign with seven goals in 37 Premier League games for the club.
But it was his efforts in the latter stages of the season, most notably in netting against Bournemouth, Swansea City, and Manchester United, which underline his status as arguably the best striker at the football club, and one they have to retain if they are to succeed in the Championship next term.
Salomon Rondon has a reported £16 million release clause in his contract, and as such the Baggies may struggle to fend off reported interest in his services, and his departure would leave Rodriguez as the only senior striker at the club heading into the new season.
And with pedigree at Championship level having netted 14 times for Burnley back in 2010/11, and then 15 the season after, the 28-year-old is exactly the sort of forward any promotion-chasing side would want to lead the line next term – West Brom undoubtedly carry a greater threat with him on the pitch.
Yes, it may be tricky to convince Rodriguez of remaining a season in the Championship over possible European football with Burnley, but if West Brom are serious about securing an immediate return to the Premier League under Moore, they have to retain their best players.
And there is no doubt that Rodriguez falls into that category.
West Brom fans… what do you think? Let us know!
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