Quote Originally Posted by baggieal View Post
I think this is bang on too. I have been impressed with Val but he’s not a miracle worker and sadly will be hung out to dry!
I am with you Al on being impressed with Val.

However I think he knew what he was letting himself in but is being very clever about it. He is a new Manager building a reputation, with the fans, with the owners and players and with the media.

We are a big step up on Barnsley but I am sure for him (correctly) West Brom are not the end of his ambitions but a stepping stone. Fans obviously love his passion, as do some players but not all. That is why I think he prefers small squads being players who will do what he wants and what they are told.

Some flair players I don’t think would be able to fit within his system. For me Bielsa is the same, small squads, players who work hard and do what he wants. However, I don’t see many, if any, maybe Raphina, fitting into say Man C, Man U, Chelsea etc.

However, most importantly I think most owners would love to have Managers like him who are not demanding more and more expensive players to replace the expensive players they already have. Owners will see Balance sheet benefits for them with someone like Val.

I think every club below the top 6 will have him on their list of potential Managers once they are in the market for one, if he continues to do what he is doing, plus overseas clubs. That is why I think Wilder, amongst others, is struggling to get a job!