Darren Moore wants blend of youth and experience at West Brom
Darren Moore hopes the talented crop of youngsters coming through at the Baggies will play a ‘huge part’ next season.
Albion’s new head coach knows several of the academy stars closely, having worked as both a youth team coach and the club’s loan manager in recent years.
He has promoted James Shan from under-23s boss to first team coach – and part of Shan’s role will be focused on preparing the youngsters for first-team football.
Sam Field, Jonathan Leko, Rekeem Harper, Jack Fitzwater and Rayhaan Tulloch are all expected to challenge for places in the squad next season after coming through the club’s academy.
And Moore is excited about the youngsters in the building.
“They’re an excellent group of players, they have fantastic ability and we’re working with them for the forthcoming season,” he told BBC WM this week.
“All those players will have a huge part to play for the up and coming season, they’re fantastic talents.
"I’m looking forward to working with them closely and hopefully improving them further to enhance the first team.”
Moore did not play any of the academy stars in his six games as caretaker boss, and opted for experience instead.
He confirmed that he would always put the best team out on the pitch, but he thinks a blend of youth and experience is the best way forward for the relentless challenge of a long 46-game Championship season.
“We’ve got some fantastic young players that have been developed through our excellent academy system, a system I’ve been a part of,” added Moore.
“Now I’m in the head coach’s role I know exactly what the academy is producing and what is at the football club.
“Those players have got a big chance of being included in the squad for the season ahead.
“Obviously the players have got to continue improving, continue developing, because the competition at the club will be fierce.
“They’ll be up against some well-renowned established professional footballers, and I will always select the best team possible to go and do the job.
“You’re looking for a nice balance of youth and experience. That’s always the key looking at the Championship.
“It is demanding to go Saturday–Tuesday throughout the season. The squad will be carefully looked at with regards to the season ahead.”
