Football Season Guide

West Brom endured a miserable return to the Championship last season, slumping to a disappointing 10th-placed finish. Valerien Ismael brought about a new style following his arrival from Barnsley, and he initially oversaw a club-record unbeaten run to open the campaign. However, things quickly deteriorated, and Ismael was sacked and replaced by Steve Bruce, although little changed in terms of success on the pitch. Bruce has overseen a hugely successful transfer window so far, bringing in some desperately-required creativity in the form of John Swift and Jed Wallace. Okay Yokuslu also returns to the club to provide some much-needed protection for the defence, a move that has helped get fans excited about the Baggies again. Daryl Dike has also returned to fitness to act like a new signing following his injury-hit six-month spell so far, to provide West Brom with one of the strongest Championship squads on paper. However, Sam Johnstone has departed, leaving last season's backup goalkeepers David Button and Alex Palmer as the options this year. Matt Clarke will also be a big miss following a successful loan spell at the back, and this is the area that the Baggies are looking short of options as things stand, as well as the full-back areas.