Lewis Cox

The second episode of the Baggies Broadcast reviews West Bromwich Albion’s 2-1 Championship victory away to Norwich City, highlighting the controversial and fortunate elements of the result alongside dogged defending and quality in attack under James Morrison. The episode also discusses rumours that Toby Collyer could return to West Brom and is available through Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Acast.

West Bromwich Albion have signed 19-year-old winger Nathan Dlamini for their under-21 side. The Darlaston-born player developed through Walsall and Aston Villa before spending three years at Blackburn Rovers, where he made five senior appearances last season, including four Championship substitute appearances and an FA Cup start. Dlamini believes West Brom offers a strong platform and pathway to consistent first-team football. He will initially join Leigh Downing’s under-21s, while the club continues to prioritise adding senior wingers.

West Bromwich Albion opened their Championship campaign with a 2–1 victory at Carrow Road. Max O'Leary, Nat Phillips and Jimmy-Jay Morgan each received a rating of 9, with O'Leary making important saves, Phillips producing a commanding defensive display and Morgan contributing a goal and an assist. George Campbell, Isaac Price and Ousmane Diakite also earned strong marks as James Morrison's side overcame a difficult second half to claim the win.

West Bromwich Albion opened their Championship season with a 2–1 victory at Norwich City after absorbing sustained pressure and making 20 Norwich shots count for little. Goalkeeper Max O’Leary, defenders Nat Phillips and George Campbell, and a disciplined back line were central to the win. Jimmy-Jay Morgan assisted Aune Heggebo’s disputed opener before scoring a superb solo second, while Mathias Kvistgaarden’s late consolation was not enough to deny James Morrison’s side a memorable opening-day victory.

West Bromwich Albion have accepted Derby County’s improved offer for midfielder Alex Mowatt, who is expected to complete the move after undergoing medical checks. The 31-year-old is set to leave West Brom after five years, 170 appearances and 14 goals, with the club poised to make a profit on a player signed as a free agent from Barnsley in 2021. Derby manager John Eustace has long admired Mowatt, whose departure is facilitated by West Brom’s increased midfield depth following the arrivals of Felix Horn Myhre and Rabby Nzingoula.

James McClean has insisted he is still part of Derry City’s plans despite reports that the club could terminate his three-year contract because of concerns about his fitness and physical capacity. The 37-year-old, who returned to his hometown club in January after 14 years in English football, made only 12 starts in Derry’s first 27 League of Ireland Premier Division matches. An independent physician is expected to assess whether he can fulfil the terms of his contract, which has more than two years remaining. McClean previously played for West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, Stoke City and Wrexham, and earned 103 Republic of Ireland caps.

The European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, running from August 10 to 16, will offer more than medals: ten leading athletes will receive a gold crown and €50,000, worth about £42,847. Keely Hodgkinson is among the leading contenders after winning Olympic and European 800-metre titles and setting a European indoor record. Other prominent competitors include Mondo Duplantis, Simon Ehammer, Diane van Es and Klara Lukan, while several 2024 gold crown winners are expected to return.

West Bromwich Albion drew 1-1 with Coventry City in a behind-closed-doors pre-season fixture at The Hawthorns. Jimmy-Jay Morgan scored his fifth goal of pre-season to equalise after Loum Tchaouna's opener. Injury-returning players Mikey Johnston and Tammer Bany each played 45 minutes, with Bany striking the crossbar. The match also tested the stadium's new PA system ahead of the season opener, while West Brom's competitive campaign begins with an EFL Cup tie at Rotherham.

Norway international midfielder Felix Horn Myhre received an emotional farewell from SK Brann after helping the club beat Rosenborg 3–2 with a late assist. After five years, 181 appearances and two league titles in Bergen, he is flying to England for a medical before completing an estimated £3.1 million move to West Bromwich Albion. Myhre said he is excited about a new challenge and has spoken positively with former Brann teammate Aune Heggebo, while Albion manager James Morrison has driven the deal and sees the box-to-box midfielder as an addition to his midfield options.

West Bromwich Albion enter the 2026/27 Championship season seeking a major improvement after narrowly avoiding relegation. James Morrison, now the permanent head coach, has retained key coaching support from Matt Gill and added Gavin Strachan and Tony McMahon. Recruitment has been encouraging, including Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Barney Stewart and right-back Nolan Galves, but the squad still needs midfield depth, natural wingers and another striker. With the expanded play-off places extending to eighth, the club can realistically target a competitive top-eight finish, although promotion is not an internal expectation.

West Bromwich Albion manager James Morrison believes new right-back Nolan Galves can quickly adapt from France’s Ligue 2 to the Championship after an impressive 65-minute debut in a 2-0 pre-season win over Peterborough. Galves joined from Rodez as a more affordable alternative to Danny Imray, who moved to Wrexham, and Morrison praised his attacking qualities and defensive contribution. West Brom also hopes to progress with a bid for SK Brann midfielder Felix Horn Myhre, while Morrison emphasized Jayson Molumby’s importance amid reported interest from Wrexham.

West Bromwich Albion ended pre-season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Peterborough United, with Aune Heggebo and Barney Stewart scoring after half-time. Lewis Cox assesses the performance and looks ahead to Albion’s opening competitive fixture, an EFL Cup first-round trip to Rotherham United.

West Bromwich Albion ended pre-season with a win at Peterborough United. New signing Nolan Galves impressed on his debut with energetic defending, blocked shots and dangerous crossing, while Aune Heggebo continued his scoring form. Isaac Price created the opener, and Jayson Molumby, Harry Whitwell and Mikey Johnston also made notable contributions. Barney Stewart added a second after coming off the bench, with several returning players receiving positive assessments.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have unveiled a predominantly white away kit for the 2026/27 Championship season, marking the club’s 150th anniversary and reviving a traditional colour worn extensively between 1890 and 1990. Designed by Sudu with supporter input and player feedback, the shirt features black and orange trim and Midnight as its sponsor. Pre-orders open on 31 July, with general availability from 14 August; prices range from £60 for the standard adult shirt to £80 for the pro version, while the goalkeeper kit is purple.

New West Bromwich Albion striker Jimmy-Jay Morgan says the club's determination to complete his £1.2 million transfer from Chelsea and its clear development plan made the move an easy choice. The 20-year-old, inspired by former West Brom loanee Romelu Lukaku, has scored four goals in three friendlies and is expected to play a major role under manager James Morrison. Morgan is also working to improve his finishing, movement and concentration after a productive loan spell at Peterborough United.

French right-back Nolan Galves has joined West Bromwich Albion from Rodez on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee, reportedly after Rodez set an asking price of £850,000. The 23-year-old, West Brom's sixth summer signing, describes himself as an attack-minded full-back but says he understands the defensive demands of the Championship. Galves could make his debut in the final pre-season friendly against Peterborough, and his arrival helps address the club's need for a right-back after Danny Imray chose Wrexham. He contributed eight assists as Rodez reached fifth place and the Ligue 2 play-offs last season.

West Bromwich Albion have signed 23-year-old French right-back Nolan Galves from Rodez on a four-year contract. Developed at FC Sochaux, Galves impressed during the 2025/26 Ligue 2 season with eight assists, 59 successful crosses, 27 dribbles and strong attacking and possession-recovery figures. His performances helped Rodez finish fifth and reach the play-offs, attracting interest from several English clubs. He is expected to help solve West Brom's right-back shortage, particularly with Danny Imray reportedly heading to Wrexham.

West Bromwich Albion Women have signed 23-year-old striker Tara Kirk from Peterborough United ahead of their National League North campaign. Kirk previously played for Leicester and Peterborough, where she scored 12 goals in her first season and helped the club win promotion despite limited appearances last season. She has also built a significant social media and media-presenting profile, with more than 80,000 followers. Kirk praised Albion's facilities and welcoming environment, while Martyn Irvine takes interim charge during manager Siobhan Hodgetts-Still's maternity leave.

West Bromwich Albion head coach James Morrison welcomed Conor Townsend's return from Ipswich, saying the experienced left-back will provide competition for Callum Styles and help raise training standards. Townsend, who has been recovering from an ACL injury and has not played competitively since April 2025, could feature in the final pre-season friendly against Peterborough. Morrison also praised West Brom's 4-1 win over Shrewsbury and stressed the need for physical intensity ahead of a difficult start to the season.

Mikey Johnston played his first 45 minutes in five months during West Bromwich Albion's 3-1 training-ground defeat by Notts County, marking progress after a broken ankle ended his previous season. Head coach James Morrison stressed that the winger still has significant fitness work to complete and estimated his chances of being ready for the Championship opener at Norwich on August 15 at 50-50. West Brom are short of natural winger options following the departures of Jed Wallace and Karlan Grant, but Morrison said Johnston would not be rushed. Attacking midfielder Tammer Bany, recovering from a hamstring injury, has resumed training and may return through the under-21s or later pre-season matches.

West Bromwich Albion secured a convincing 4-1 pre-season win over Shrewsbury Town, with Jimmy-Jay Morgan scoring twice and contributing to the other goals. Morgan’s finishing and link-up play marked him out as a major attacking prospect, while Harry Whitwell impressed from the right and strengthened his case for a breakthrough season or a higher-level loan. Chris Mepham also performed strongly in a separate 3-1 defeat by Notts County, improving his prospects of a starting role. Alex Mowatt captained the side and continued to demonstrate leadership and experience as manager James Morrison considers his next club captain.

Mikey Johnston returned to action for the first time in two months after recovering from a broken ankle, playing the opening 45 minutes as West Bromwich Albion lost 3-1 to Notts County in a behind-closed-doors friendly at their Walsall training base. Barney Stewart equalised after Jack Evans opened the scoring, but Luke Browne and Emile Acquah struck in the final 15 minutes. West Brom's remaining pre-season fixture is against Peterborough before the new campaign begins with matches against Rotherham and Norwich.

West Bromwich Albion beat League Two side Shrewsbury Town 4-1 in a pre-season friendly, with Jimmy-Jay Morgan scoring twice and Harry Whitwell and Aune Heggebo also finding the net. Morgan, Whitwell and Alex Mowatt received the highest ratings, while Isaac Price and Alex Williams also impressed. Max O'Leary was largely untested but was beaten for Shrewsbury's goal. West Brom had earlier lost 3-1 to Notts County in a separate behind-closed-doors match.

West Bromwich Albion defeated Shrewsbury Town 4-1 in a pre-season friendly, with academy graduate Harry Whitwell opening the scoring and Chelsea recruit Jimmy-Jay Morgan adding two goals before half-time. Shrewsbury briefly reduced the deficit through Fletcher after Albion switched off, but Morgan restored the two-goal advantage before the interval. Aune Heggebo headed a late fourth from Morgan’s cross, completing a convincing performance in which Albion dominated possession and most of the chances.

Former West Bromwich Albion defender Ahmed Hegazi has retired from professional football at age 35 after finishing the season with Saudi Arabian second-tier club Neom. The Egypt international made 104 appearances for West Brom between 2017 and 2020, played every Premier League match in the club's final top-flight season before relegation, and helped secure promotion back to the Premier League in 2019/20. Hegazi said his playing career had ended but that his passion for football would continue.

West Bromwich Albion defeated Shrewsbury Town 4-1 in a pre-season friendly attended by more than 3,000 travelling Albion supporters. The mixed West Brom side was led by James Morrison, following an earlier closed-door training match against Notts County.

Max O’Leary aims to secure the No.1 role at West Brom, confident he is entering the peak years of his career after signing a three‑year contract and impressing late last season. He welcomes competition from new signing Matt Ingram and expresses support for young goalkeepers Ben Cisse and Joe Wallis as they continue their development. O’Leary credits the club and manager James Morrison for their backing and believes regular game time and involvement in first‑team settings will benefit the club’s emerging talents.

South Staffs Premier Division matches saw standout bowling from Ben Jewkes, whose eight-wicket haul led Wombourne to a dominant win over Tamworth. Walsall moved into third with a tight victory over Beacon, aided by key contributions from skipper Hashim Iqbal and bowler Anaesh Patel. League leaders Fordhouses narrowly beat Penkridge, driven by Saqib Akbar’s stabilizing innings and Lewis Peat’s five-wicket performance. Cannock strengthened their position with Adil Amin’s unbeaten 88, while Brewood defeated Old Wulfrunians Tettenhall to climb off the bottom. Wolverhampton secured a losing draw against Pelsall through resilient lower-order batting.

Morgan Rogers is close to completing a British record £117 million transfer from Aston Villa to Chelsea, surpassing the fee paid for Elliot Anderson earlier in the same window. Chelsea moved ahead of Arsenal to secure the 23-year-old attacker, with new manager Xabi Alonso playing a key role. Rogers is expected to undergo a medical on Monday and sign a long-term contract. His former club Middlesbrough will receive a significant payment through a sell-on clause. The move follows Villa’s recent major signings and ongoing transfer activity.

Barney Stewart describes his unusual rise from university football to a £1.2 million move to West Brom, crediting his development to the freedom he experienced outside traditional academies. After scoring heavily at Heriot-Watt University, he progressed through Falkirk and Dunfermline before impressing in Scotland’s top flight. Now integrating well with his new teammates during pre-season in Portugal, he has become known for his enthusiasm and participation in squad games such as werewolf, despite admitting he performs poorly as a traitor.

Mikey Johnston remains sidelined for West Brom as he continues rehabilitation from a broken ankle sustained in February, missing the club’s pre-season tour of Portugal while working on a tailored fitness programme in Walsall. No timeline has been set for his return, though further updates are expected after the upcoming friendly against Bromley. Tammer Bany has travelled with the squad as he progresses from a late-season injury, increasing his training load despite not yet participating fully with the team.

Aune Heggebo credits head coach James Morrison for raising training standards and driving West Bromwich Albion’s late-season surge that secured survival through a 10-match unbeaten run. He highlights how improved collective performances and attention to small margins helped turn results compared with previous managers. With Morrison and assistant Matt Gill now leading a strengthened coaching team, Heggebo stresses the squad’s determination to deliver a season that matches the club’s expectations. Reflecting on his first year at the club, he notes the value of experience and believes consistent work will bring improved performances in the upcoming campaign.

Lewis Cox arrives in Portugal to cover West Bromwich Albion’s pre-season tour, promising interviews with players and head coach James Morrison along with daily video updates and diary entries ahead of the friendly against Bromley in Albufeira.

West Bromwich Albion’s new forwards Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Barney Stewart have been praised for their energy and hunger during the club’s pre-season training camp in Portugal. Aune Heggebo highlighted their positive integration and strong performances, including Morgan’s early goal in a friendly against Sheffield Wednesday. The squad has been undergoing intense double sessions featuring running and boxing as part of what Heggebo described as a traditional English pre-season, with Alfie Gilchrist noted as the strongest boxer in the group.

Damia Abella, formerly a statistical analyst and coach at West Bromwich Albion, has joined Fiorentina as a technical collaborator after leaving the English club this summer. The move places him under newly appointed head coach and 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Grosso. Abella, who earned his UEFA A Licence during his time at West Brom, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity as Fiorentina seeks improvement after finishing 15th in Serie A last season.

Erik Pieters has taken on an academy coaching position at Stoke City, returning to a former club after retiring in 2024. The former West Brom defender, who previously played for Stoke from 2013 to 2019, has not played since a brief late‑career appearance for Derby County. Pieters becomes part of Stoke’s professional development phase staff alongside Danny Pugh. His final significant playing spell came with West Brom, where he became a reliable option under Carlos Corberan during a period of limited transfer spending.

Stafford Rangers have signed veteran midfielder Tom Tonks from Tamworth as they aim to improve on last season’s 17th-place finish. The club expressed frustration after defender Harry Flowers, who had committed to staying, chose to join a higher-division side instead. Manager Graham Deakin said significant efforts were made to retain Flowers but he opted for a stronger offer elsewhere.

Gareth Barry urges West Bromwich Albion owner Shilen Patel to show patience with new head coach James Morrison as he begins his first full season in charge of a younger squad. Pre‑season preparations include matches against Sheffield Wednesday and Bromley as the club continues reducing its squad age, with several experienced players departing and younger recruits coming in.

West Bromwich Albion unveiled a predominantly red 2026/27 away kit inspired by Black Country industrial heritage, featuring design elements referencing the Red House Glass Cone. Manufactured by Macron as part of an ongoing partnership, the kit incorporates colours symbolising the region’s glassmaking history. Local figures, including the leader of Dudley Council and the museums manager for the Red House Glass Cone, welcomed the collaboration. The kit is available in various sizes and price ranges online and in club shops.

James Morrison is expected to remain tactically flexible after guiding West Brom to safety last season with a switch to a 4‑4‑2 formation that sparked a ten‑game unbeaten run. Club pundit Andy Johnson believes Morrison may change his setup depending on new signings, noting the arrival of forwards Barney Stewart and Jimmy‑Jay Morgan and the departure of Daryl Dike and the likely exit of Josh Maja. Johnson highlights Morrison’s pragmatic approach, focused on stability and confidence-building rather than style.

Norway’s World Cup run has been propelled by standout performances from several players with ties to West Midlands clubs, including Erling Haaland’s decisive goals and Orjan Nyland’s crucial saves in the win over Brazil. Former Wolves manager Stale Solbakken has guided the team to their first quarter‑final appearance, where they will face England. Torbjorn Heggem, formerly of West Brom, and Wolves’ David Moller Wolfe have both played key defensive roles as Norway continues its historic push toward the title.

West Bromwich Albion has made several early pre-season decisions, bringing in new signings and key off‑field additions, with emphasis on providing full support to new head coach James Morrison as he enters his first permanent managerial role. Albion correspondent Lewis Cox shares his assessment in a video update.

Former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips expresses confidence that head coach James Morrison can guide the team to compete for the expanded Championship play-off positions following a disappointing previous season. Morrison, now confirmed permanently in his role, has reshaped his backroom staff and overseen early signings focused on youth. Chairman Shilen Patel has apologised for last season’s struggles and emphasised that the club now has a stable structure to move forward. Phillips believes automatic promotion is unlikely but expects West Brom to be in play-off contention throughout the season.

Staffordshire secured top position in their National Counties T20 Super 12s group after rain in Carlisle caused both fixtures to be abandoned, providing the points needed to overtake Shropshire. The result earns Staffordshire home advantage in the next stage, where they will join other group winners. A separate friendly saw a Shropshire County Cricket League representative side defeat Shropshire Academy by three runs after strong batting performances on both sides.

Transfer speculation highlights that Sasa Kaladzjic is now considered unlikely to leave Wolves due to wage issues and a new manager wanting to assess him. Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci remains a potential option for Leeds as they replace Pascal Struijk. Contract expirations at West Brom place Karlan Grant and Josh Maja on the verge of free agency, with both reviewing their options. Aston Villa are reported to be targeting Jarrod Bowen following West Ham’s relegation, with the winger coming off a strong individual season.

West Brom Blind secured their third consecutive Disability FA Cup title with a 5-2 victory over rivals Royal National College for the Blind, led by a hat-trick from Efe Shimwell and a brace from Eesa Amjid. The team built a dominant 5-0 lead before RNC responded with two late goals. The win marked a highlight in the tournament’s 10th anniversary, held at St George’s Park, and continued Albion Blind’s recent run of success under the Albion Foundation.