Eric Ramsay's West Brom in-tray: What does new boss have to address as he checks in?

There are several areas within the club Ramsay will look to address - here are some in the new head coach's in-tray.

Organisation and concentration

Albion have not looked organised or maintained focus all season - or for some time, in fact. You could argue you have to go back to Carlos Corberan's exit for the last seriously drilled Baggies side.

Former Minnesota boss Ramsay has been targeted by club owners Bilkul for several reasons, working within a budget included, but a structured organiser was high on the list of requirements.

Ramsay's Minnesota carried very clear traits. They were happy to work without the ball - a low budget meant they would never boast the MLS star players - and be a tight, compact and organised unit.

They did not make them a busted flush over the halfway line, where the Loons broke with pace and incisiveness. They were not a direct, long ball outfit. And they knew how to score goals.

His side did not care for possession, but instead for decisive counter-attacks and effective breakaways. Whether that translates directly to Albion, who would so often be expected to have the ball against 'lesser' second tier opponents remains to be seen.

But Ramsay's north American outfit prided themselves on a resilience and a tactical organisation that opponents so often found tough to penetrate. That particularly helped away from home - where Albion have so struggled - where Minnesota boasted the third strongest record in 2025.

Adaptability is another key Ramsay trait. He could mould his side into different shapes after key departures.

Maintaining his strong defensive record from Minnesota will be key. The Loons had the second-meanest defence in the Western Conference last term. This Albion side struggle to stay switched on and constantly conceded at the worst possible times - even on Sunday in the FA Cup.

Improvements in all of these areas will be refreshing and important.

Transfers

It may have slightly slipped under the radar but the January window is open.

The rumour mill never ends and barely 12 hours after checking in Ramsay was linked with a move for his former Minnesota midfielder Nectarios Triantis, a player the Baggies were touted with interest in last summer before he moved Stateside.

We know Albion's recruitment will be minimal and possibly exclusively loans this month. Midfield is a problem area and Albion are light.

But there are other departments that need improving, and as previously reported goalkeeping is one of those. Other areas have bodies, but could still be improved on. Ramsay will hope for one or two additions.

Youth

The kids are alright.

The recalled Harry Whitwell had a run-out ended by a concussion but Sunday in Swansea belonged to Wales youth international skipper Ollie Bostock.

What a day it was for the talented 18-year-old winger, the academy's brightest prospect at the moment, so often unused in the last three months by Mason.

Bostock's glittering cameo does not mean all Albion kids are ready. But he - and Whitwell - involved proves there are some waiting in the wings to have and take a chance. Alex Williams, the right-back on his way back to fitness, could be another. That trio could also help the Baggies in their recruitment work this window.