West Bromwich Albion return to Championship action as they face Birmingham City in an important Midlands derby at St. Andrew’s.
The Baggies are currently struggling for form and results, having gone seven league matches without a win. Under new manager Eric Ramsay, the club has failed to gain momentum, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone with 15 games remaining.
With survival at stake, West Brom turned to the January transfer window in search of solutions. However, some of their recent signings particularly Danny Imray have yet to convince, raising questions about whether the club already sold a better option in Tom Fellows.
West Brom’s Difficult Situation Under Eric Ramsay
Since replacing Ryan Mason, Eric Ramsay has endured a challenging start to his reign. The former MLS coach has recorded three defeats and two draws, placing immediate pressure on his tenure.
Defensive mistakes, lack of creativity, and poor finishing have contributed to West Brom’s decline. Without quick improvement, the club risks being dragged further into the relegation battle.
As a response, the board backed Ramsay in January with four new additions.
West Brom’s January Signings: Early Assessment
During the winter window, West Brom signed:
- Hindolo Mustapha (loan)
- Danny Imray (loan)
- Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba (loan)
- Max O’Leary (permanent)
While it remains early to deliver final verdicts, initial performances provide insight into their impact.
Max O’Leary
The goalkeeper has already shown vulnerability, conceding four goals in three games and committing a costly error against Derby County. His inconsistency remains a concern.
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba
The Aston Villa loanee brings promise, having scored 11 goals at U21 level. Although he failed to score on debut, he could develop into a useful attacking option.
Hindolo Mustapha
Mustapha arrives with strong youth-level numbers, including 18 goals and 18 assists for Crystal Palace’s academy. If he adapts to Championship football, he may become a key creative outlet.
Why Danny Imray Has Struggled at West Brom
Danny Imray was expected to strengthen the right side of defence, particularly in a wing-back system. However, his early performances have been underwhelming.
After two Championship appearances, Imray has:
- Lost 62% of his duels
- Failed to create a single chance
- Offered limited attacking threat
These struggles reflect his previous loan spell at Blackpool, where he also posted modest numbers, including just two assists in League One.
For a team desperate for width and creativity, Imray has yet to deliver the required impact.
Tom Fellows: The Player West Brom Should Have Kept
One of West Brom’s biggest regrets may be the sale of Tom Fellows last summer. The academy graduate was sold to Southampton for around £10 million after an impressive 2024/25 campaign.
Fellows was known for his fearless style, pace, and crossing ability qualities that suit both winger and wing-back roles.
During his time at West Brom, he recorded:
- 14 assists in 45 Championship games
- 13 big chances created
- 4 goals
- 50% duel success rate
These numbers highlight his importance as a creative outlet on the right flank.
Why Fellows Is a Better Fit Than Imray
Under Eric Ramsay’s 3-4-2-1 system, wing-backs play a crucial role. They are expected to defend, overlap, and contribute in attack.
Tom Fellows fits this role naturally.
At Southampton, he has continued to develop, delivering four assists in 21 league games and regularly operating as a wing-back.
In contrast, Imray has struggled defensively and offensively, offering little threat in wide areas. His lack of crossing accuracy and limited ball progression restrict West Brom’s attacking options.
Simply put, Fellows provides what West Brom currently lack: creativity, pace, and consistency.
West Brom’s Academy Legacy and Missed Opportunity
West Brom have produced several valuable academy graduates in recent years, including:
- Morgan Rogers
- Fin Azaz
- Dara O’Shea
- Tim Iroegbunam
- Tom Fellows
Fellows’ development places him among the club’s most successful youth products. Selling him may prove costly, especially while struggling for survival.
Keeping him could have strengthened the squad without additional investment and provided long-term stability.
A Costly Decision for West Brom
As West Brom battle relegation, every decision is under scrutiny. The early struggles of Danny Imray highlight the risk of relying on unproven options in crucial positions.
Meanwhile, Tom Fellows continues to shine elsewhere, proving he could have been a major asset in Ramsay’s system.
Unless Imray improves quickly, West Brom may come to regret selling a player who was perfectly suited to their current needs.
The comparison between the two players serves as a reminder of how important long-term planning and academy development are for clubs fighting at Championship level.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
