West Bromwich Albion have turned to a young coach with Premier League pedigree, appointing former Manchester United assistant Eric Ramsay as their new head coach.
From Old Trafford to The Hawthorns
The 34-year-old Shrewsbury-born coach takes the reins at the Championship club following the dismissal of Ryan Mason earlier this week. Ramsay's appointment was confirmed just hours after West Brom's FA Cup third-round victory over Swansea City, which was overseen by caretaker boss James Morrison.
Ramsay arrives at The Hawthorns having most recently guided Minnesota United to the semi-finals of the Major League Soccer play-offs. He took charge of the MLS side in February 2024, marking his first senior managerial role after serving on Erik ten Hag's coaching staff at Manchester United.
A Varied Coaching Background
Despite a limited playing career comprising a short spell with Welshpool Town and international futsal for Wales, Ramsay has built a diverse coaching CV. His experience includes assistant roles with the Wales national team, as well as periods at Swansea City, Shrewsbury Town, and Chelsea.
He will be joined at West Brom by assistant coach Dennis Lawrence, who worked alongside him in Minnesota. Lawrence brings further experience from stints with Roberto Martínez at Wigan Athletic and Everton, and with Mark Robins at Coventry City.
Club Leadership Backs New Appointment
West Brom chair Shilen Patel expressed strong confidence in the new appointment. "Throughout our recruitment process, Eric consistently exhibited the qualities to lead and succeed in the world’s most demanding football environment," Patel stated.
"In his time as a head coach, his teams have been characterised by intensity, organisation, and adaptability – all critical for the sustained success and growth that we envision in the short and long term," he added.
Ramsay's immediate task will be to improve the club's league position, with the Baggies currently 18th in the Championship table. His predecessor, Ryan Mason, was sacked on Tuesday following a 2-1 defeat at Leicester City, which was the club's tenth consecutive away loss.
