Andrew Nestor opens up on standout first impression of new West Brom boss and talks style

Nestor, who joined Mason for his official media unveiling on Wednesday, revealed the way Mason sees the game is in tune with much of the American owners' time at the club so far, mostly featuring Carlos Corberan at the helm.

Nestor added there are 'tweaks and evolutions' both parties were aligned with to help push Albion on for the new Championship campaign.

Albion shifted gear drastically mid-season following Corberan's exit and ventured from the Spaniard's organisational, tactical and assured style to appoint Tony Mowbray with the idea of letting the side off the leash to play more attacking football and score more goals.

The idea failed and it is understood Mason is a return to a way of coaching and leading more similar to Corberan's - who is thriving in Spain with Valencia.

"There are quite a few things. One was an immediate alignment around vision for the squad and playing style," Nestor told the Express & Star of what stood out in initial talks with former Tottenham coach Mason.

"It's not a huge departure from what we've been building over the past 12-plus months.

"But there are certain tweaks and evolutions to that game model that we feel are important to improve and be more competitive in this division and meet our ultimate goals."

When asked to expand on a style of play preferred by Mason, Nestor replied: "Very well organised, but on the front foot and aggressive.

"Really, I think he's well positioned to put the players we already have in a position to succeed individually and collectively as a group. And we have alignment of where we need to improve."

Nestor sits on the board of Shilen Patel's Bilkul Football ownership group and was confirmed as sporting director at The Hawthorns last season having initially resumed the responsibilities of the role.

The United States director, who previously worked with Tampa Bay Rowdies and Bologna, explained how Mason's vision for the make-up of first-team staff structure and dynamic also tied in with the club's.

Mason brought with him assistant coach Nigel Gibbs, who comes with decades' worth of experience, as well as head of performance - with an eye on physical values - Sam Pooley.

Also new to Albion's backroom staff is a member of the analytics team in Greg Mathieson.

"Alignment across how the sporting department is set up, and processes around everyday operations was also important," Nestor continued.

"So speaking of staff, you have someone like Nigel who has extensive coaching experience at the senior level.

"Sam, who's focussed on sports science and performance and Greg on analytics to be able to really synthesise with what Ryan envisions and then be able to work with our various department heads to ensure that all happens and create continuity for this, moving forward."

The sporting director added: "I hit upon it a bit earlier, but also just the leadership characteristic, that is extremely important to us. It's a lot of this is tactics and squads set-up but a lot of it is also motivating players and leading players."