West Brom debrief: Defensive shout provides summer transfer hint, key man absence and farewells considered

The final debrief of one of Albion’s most miserable campaigns in a generation.

Gilchrist given nod

A few eyebrows were raised when James Morrison selected Alfie Gilchrist to start at centre-back on the final day at Hillsborough.

Morrison’s reasoning, as expected, was that Gilchrist had played particularly well in his one game at centre-back, against Southampton in a 1-1 draw, before losing his place to Nat Phillips. The latter was given a breather on Saturday and his dominant presence was missed.

Gilchrist, whose preferred position as a right-back or centre-back is unclear, did not have a great game but he was no poorer then many colleagues in green and yellow.

Albion conceded twice from set-pieces, highlighting Phillips’ absence.

Gilchrist being used ahead of Chris Mepham, who was conspicuous by his absence, was interesting. Mepham has not been injured, but more overlooked, in recent weeks.

The Wales international only arrived last summer but could be one on the move from The Hawthorns this window.

Missing cog Molumby

Phillips was a miss but so too was Jayson Molumby, who had a minor hamstring strain and watched the clash from the press box having made his way up from the dressing room with the club’s first-team analysists.

Molumby has been one of several key figures in the revival under Morrison - and in a more unfamiliar role, too.

His position on the right of a midfield four, but playing an inverted role, where he has tucked into midfield to assist and help right-back Danny Imray on the outside, has been very successful.

Irishman Molumby always brings a level of tenacity that is particularly noticeable when he is absent.

Ollie Bostock, a natural winger, started in his place but it was a tough schooling for the teenage prospect. He and colleagues were all at sea and the Wales youth international was withdrawn at the interval.

Farewells?

Max O’Leary, Jed Wallace, Karlan Grant, Josh Maja and Daryl Dike all featured in possible farewell appearances with their contracts to expire.

The other senior player whose terms expire is goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith, who is on loan at play-off side Middlesbrough where he has yet to play a single minute.

O’Leary and Maja started and the other three emerged as substitutes - Grant and Dike at half-time.

O’Leary’s proud record of five clean sheets was ended before half-time. The Baggies shipped two poor quickfire goals having not conceded for more than 500 minutes. The former Bristol City shot-stopper has done well enough to show he can be considered for a deal.

Maja was totally anonymous and it feels his impending exit is the most cut-and-dried of the attacking quartet.

I have said before there is a case for all four to be released. It could be the best move for all parties.

There is a debate there about having to rebuild an entire attacking unit, but Albion did so defensively last summer and they could be better off for it financially, with long-serving big earners to leave.

Players will now head into breaks and club chiefs will confirm decisions on an interesting few weeks ahead.