The success attributed to Carlos Corberan’s coaching and management since his arrival in October has been a significant factor. Although his efforts last season couldn’t secure a spot in the Championship play-offs for West Brom, the current 2023-24 campaign, now 16 matches in, reveals Corberan’s ability to maximize the potential of his squad. Despite facing financial constraints due to the loss of parachute payments and the absence of owner Guochuan Lai, West Brom currently holds a seventh position in the second-tier standings.

Carlos Corberan took over from Steve Bruce in 2022, following Bruce’s unpopular appointment after Valerien Ismael’s departure. Bruce struggled to connect with West Brom’s playing style, and his tenure resulted in a 10th-place finish, eight points adrift of the play-off spots.

Despite notable signings like Okay Yokuslu, Jed Wallace, and John Swift in Bruce’s first summer, the team faced difficulties in the subsequent season. Bruce was dismissed after a slow start, including just one win in the opening 13 league matches, with West Brom in the relegation zone at the time.

Steve Bruce, now witnessing Corberan’s success, never seemed like the right fit for West Brom. Despite the limited influx of new players for Corberan, there is optimism regarding the team’s promotion prospects this season. Bruce believes that, with the squad’s development under Corberan despite limited resources, West Brom has a good chance of achieving promotion.

“West Brom brought in the likes of Jed Wallace, Erik Pieters, John Swift, and Thomas-Asante, who are all good players at that level,” he remarked.

“They’ve reached the consistency required for a decent run, and I believe they have a chance to stay in the top six if they avoid injuries.”

 

“We’re talking about ownership, finances, and everything else with West Brom, and all of that needs to be sorted out before we can give the manager a chance.”

 

“It’s difficult when you can’t add to your team.” When I was there, they brought in three free transfers, and we could only spend £300,000 on Thomas-Asante.

“That’s all we had to work with. It’s critical that those concerns are rectified so that they can expand the squad. It’ll be interesting to watch what happens.

“Because of the way the Championship is set up, they still have a chance.” They still have some extremely good players.”