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West Brom have brought their hunt for a new manager to an end on Monday evening, just over a month since Tony Mowbray was sacked.
Ryan Mason will lead the Baggies in his first permanent managerial role after leaving Tottenham Hotspur just weeks after coaching them to the Europa League title in Bilbao.
The 33-year-old becomes one of the youngest EFL head coaches of all time, but he will not be afraid of the challenge that awaits him in the Championship in 2025/26 and Mason will already be preparing for the new season.
There will be a level of excitement and expectation after bringing in the new manager, with West Brom having to wait for the ex-Tottenham coach, but now it is full steam ahead with the transfer window already open.
Ryan Mason’s first words as the new West Brom manager
The first interview is vital in modern football, and it can dictate whether a fanbase will buy into your philosophy or not and Mason has been quick to address supporters as he takes the reins at The Hawthorns.
He said (via: WBA TV): “The history of the football club speaks for itself. Speaking to the people inside the club, the process of the last week or so has been great. I’ve got a really good feeling from it. The time for me personally feels right to take an opportunity like this and it already feels like it’s a good fit. I can’t wait to get started.
On why he chose the Baggies, Mason explained: “To have the opportunity to come to a club like this with its not just recent history, but its full history as well, it’s something that just really excites me. I can’t wait to build a connection with the fans, get started and have a real good go at it.
“In terms of coaching experience, I feel like I’ve accumulated quite a lot in different circumstances as well. I definitely feel ready for the opportunity, I’ve felt ready for quite a long time now. It’s just been about trying to pick a club that I can align myself with and take forward.
“This is a club where it’s exciting. I really can’t wait to get started. There’s a lot of work and a lot of effort that’s going to go into it and hopefully we can bring success to the football club.”
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Recapturing the same connection with fans that Carlos Corberan had is important
Tony Mowbray was perhaps the right man at the wrong time for the Baggies, and his failure to secure a play-off position proved costly as his now former side finished ninth.
Filling the void that was left by Carlos Corberan when he joined Valencia in December was always going to be tough, and it is crucial that Mason can bring the togetherness back to The Hawthorns after a tough few months.
The decision to hire the 33-year-old was not entirely welcomed by Baggies fans, but he will have impressed in his first interview with the media and it is imperative that he is given time to bring in the players that he needs to push this team back towards the top six.