'Dream' loan impact as West Brom prospect shines on debut
Albion prospect Harry Whitwell admitted it was "a dream" to score a first senior goal just nine minutes into his debut at Forest Green Rovers.
Whitwell, 19, last week sealed the first loan of his career with a switch to the National League outfit from Gloucestershire under the management of former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage.
The attack-minded midfielder was an unused substitute in Saturday's home victory over Yeovil but marked his debut from the bench with an immediate impact against Sutton United.
Whitwell was picked out in the opposition penalty area and converted a fine low finish between the legs of Sutton goalkeeper Jack Sims just nine minutes after his introduction to score the third in a 4-0 victory for Savage's side.
Hawthorns prospect Whitwell, who recently penned a new Baggies contract until 2027, is relishing the opportunity to be part of a dominant team expected to challenge near the top of the table in the fifth tier.
"I'm buzzing, it's what you dream of - to come on and get a goal on your debut," Whitwell said. "It was a really good game to come on in, 2-0 up, but to get over the line with a 4-0 win is perfect.
"If we carry on like that we're looking good for this season. We've got to make sure we don't slip up, and play like that every week now because that's the bare minimum.
"I was here a week ago with West Brom (for Albion's under-21s in a National League Cup tie). I'd heard a rumour of the interest and that maybe tipped it over the line.
"As soon as I heard the interest ... my aim this season was to play men's football and this is a great place to do it, great facilities, the team will be right up there at the end of the season and to dominate the ball, which suits me.
"When you're on the ball, dominating the ball, that's what every footballer wants to do. When you're scoring like we did and making chances it's great fun to be a part of."
Whitwell has been on the fringes of Albion's first team for some time having made his first team bow in an FA Cup tie against Aldershot at The Hawthorns in January 2024.
Oxford-born Whitwell, who turns 20 in November, was given his league debut from the bench in the victory over Luton on the final day of last season.
He had not sampled regular senior football on loan prior to the opportunity to join Forest Green after previous opportunities had broken down. The rangy midfielder was an ever-present in training under Carlos Corberan and Tony Mowbray and was with Ryan Mason's first team in Austria during pre-season this summer.
But Whitwell was keen to develop beyond under-21s football with Albion. He is in regular contact with Baggies legend Chris Brunt, the club's loans, pathways and development manager.
"Coming from an under-21s background, where there is a game once a week, it's different, but I'm really looking forward to going Wednesday-Saturday-Bank Holiday Monday," he said.
"Everyone is so welcoming. As soon as I stepped in the door everyone was making me feel at home. It helps when you score on your debut to get the camaraderie going, so I'm really happy."
