Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes during a football club’s major rebuild? West Brom’s rising star Josh Griffiths lifts the lid on life under new manager Ryan Mason, revealing a surprising ‘feel-good factor’ and ambitious plans. Is this the season the Baggies truly ignite?
Josh Griffiths’ journey to becoming West Bromwich Albion’s No. 1 goalkeeper culminates a remarkable 13-year commitment, mirroring a profound transformation under rookie manager Ryan Mason. This period of quiet revolution at the club sees a new-look squad emerging, driven by a youthful energy and a clear strategic vision, fostering a significant feel-good factor among players and fans.
At 23, Griffiths expresses immense satisfaction in achieving his long-held goal, a testament to his resilience through four impactful loan spells that provided 146 senior appearances. His experiences at Cheltenham, Lincoln, Portsmouth, and Bristol Rovers were crucial in honing his skills before his permanent breakthrough at Albion, succeeding former academy peer Alex Palmer, showcasing the effectiveness of player development.
The arrival of Ryan Mason, a promising coach developed over seven years at Tottenham, signals a new era for West Brom. Mason, forced to retire early from playing, brings a wealth of coaching experience from working with elite managers like Pochettino and Mourinho, evident in his tactical acumen and impactful substitutions that have already delivered results for the Championship side.
Under new owners Bilkul Football, West Brom has embarked on a strategic overhaul, focusing on signing younger, unheralded talents while carefully managing the wage bill. The successful £10 million sale of Torbjorn Heggem, acquired for significantly less, exemplifies this data-driven transfer strategy, alongside bringing in promising players like Aune Heggebo, George Campbell, Toby Collyer, and Isaac Price.
Despite a shift in promotion expectations, a tangible ‘feel-good factor’ now permeates the club, bolstered by new ownership and a collective sense of moving in the right direction. Griffiths confirms this positive energy, highlighting the beneficial impact of new arrivals on team dynamics and overall morale, which is crucial for their Championship campaign.
Griffiths’ ascent also underscores West Brom’s thriving academy system, which continues to produce top talent for English football. Graduates like Tom Fellows, now a leading Championship winger, and Caleb Taylor exemplify the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown players, a lineage that once included England star Morgan Rogers, demonstrating a clear pathway to the first team.
Griffiths, though affable, conveys a determined ambition, acknowledging the disappointment of last season’s play-off collapse. Looking ahead to challenging fixtures against teams like Stoke, he expresses strong confidence in West Brom’s ability to compete with the division’s best, fueled by their solid start and renewed squad cohesion under Mason’s leadership in the demanding EFL.
