Club News

'Let's hit the ground running' - Shan

Baggies new crop "buzzing" for challenge

ALBION'S Academy successes have left the Club's new crop of hopefuls "buzzing" with excitement for the 2016/17 campaign.

The new induction of U18s along with the U21s were 'out on the grass' for the first time in pre-season this week and Albion's coaching team were delighted with both the condition and the obvious anticipation of the players.

After watching Jonathan Leko, Tyler Roberts and Sam Field close the Premier League season on the pitch for the first team against Liverpool, the youngsters are all dreaming of making similar strides.

That followed a pre-season in the summer of 2015 which saw Leko and Roberts make big impressions on Head Coach Tony Pulis while Jack Fitzwater, Shaun Donnellan, Jack Rose and Joe Ward, among others, lay down markers for the future.

"This time of the year is always a fantastic opportunity for the young players to get in front of the gaffer," said U21s coach Jimmy Shan.

"To be involved with the first team is a real opportunity and that's why all the boys want to hit the ground running. I'm hoping during the pre-season that one way or another the lads get the chance to get in front of the gaffer."