West Brom sporting director gives verdict on transfer window

Nestor is happy with the current make-up of the squad following a high turnover of players at The Hawthorns.

"I’m pleased with the results and I feel like everything went as planned," said the 43-year-old. "This was a plan three windows in the making." 

"We started last summer, looking at what we inherited, where the squad was at, what we would need to achieve to rebalance the squad, bringing in players that really fit the model that we want to see out on the pitch and also how to make sure we do that in a way that’s compliant with what our financial needs are. 

"In January, we were able to invest in a couple of attackers and then in the summer, hit the ground running with our new signings. I think it’s really helpful that we were able to bring in some of the new signings early in the summer, and we’ve already seen some of our new players have an impact on the pitch in our first four league matches.

Nestor revealed a key goal in recruitment planning was bringing the average age of the squad down.

"I think we’re certainly a bit more athletic. There’s more pace, as well as an ability to get the ball up the pitch quicker. 

"I also think there’s renewed hunger to succeed within the squad and as a club as a whole. In terms of the players themselves, we’ve continuously lowered the average age of the squad. 

"I think in 2023/24, we were one of the oldest squads in terms of playing time – it was near 30-years-old. Against Wrexham in August, our starting line-up was just under 25-years-old, but it’s the right type of balance as well. 

"We have plenty of veteran leadership, we have guys in their prime and we also have young players mixing in. Some of those young players are players we rate among the best in the league in their position, whether it’s Isaac Price, Tammer Bany or Toby Collyer. 

"These types of players are 21-years-old and they can already contribute to the first team. I feel like we’ve struck a good balance of players that are really hungry to come in here and succeed, good leadership on the pitch and the ability to sustain throughout a really gruelling season. 

Plenty of new recruits have already made successful appearances for the Baggies, but Nestor believes fans must be patient as players adapt to their new surroundings.

"Some of the new players haven’t played in this country before, so it’s been an additional challenge for them to adapt personally and to adapt to the pace and the physicality of the Championship, so we’re really pleased to see that. 

"I think it says a lot about our data and scouting team knowing what attributes we’re looking for and players that we’re signing. 

"I think it says a lot about the coaching staff as well. It means that our coaching staff are able to integrate these players quickly and very clearly communicate to them what’s needed. That’s gone very well."

Nestor spoke about matters such as new arrivals, player departures and the profile of the squad with WBA TV.