Why the Carlos Corberan way still has a place in Tony Mowbray's new West Brom

When Mowbray arrived at Albion earlier this year, he was quick to praise the work done by the Spaniard prior to his departure on Christmas Eve.

The new Albion boss pointed out the positives in what the old chief had done, in making Albion a solid side, one that was hard to beat, as they rose from the relegation zone to the play-offs under his stewardship.

In his unveiling Mowbray touched on the importance of not completely ripping up what Corberan had put in place, the good habits of his way of playing - while also trying to release his forward players and give them a freedom to play.

I think most people realised it wasn't going to happen overnight - and that has been the case.

In the first few games under Mowbray, there was an inconsistency to Albion. The defensive began to evaporate, as Albion went about taking games to the opposition. 

But it was difficult for the Albion players, as Mowbray acknowledged, in trying to move away from what they had done previously, and that is what led to inconsistency in results and in performances.

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However, as the games have progressed, there have been more and more green shoots of progress. Albion have looked more attacking, more threatening and a side that almost looks like it is gelling again as it moves towards a new way of playing.

That has certainly been the case in the last few games, in the way that they have attacked the big sides such as Leeds and Burnley. In both games, Albion on another day could have won with the openings they created.

That is down the the stamp Mowbray has put on the players, the license he has given them to go and play.

However, also in those games, and in the second half display against QPR, when Albion have had to defend doggedly to protect a lead, the Corberan watermark is still there in the background.

The defensive shape, the discipline when defending and being able to remain compact and tight is what we saw under the previous boss. 

At times it has looked like Albion are benefitting from the best of both worlds. The offensive license from Mowbray, and the defensive base that Corberan instilled in them.