'Concerning transfer window for struggling West Brom'

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West Bromich Albion's deadline day business reflects the alarming situation the club currently finds itself in.

It's largely been caused by the financial mess the owners inherited from the previous regime but it's also the result of recent chaos behind the scenes. The acrimonious departure of sporting director and president Andrew Nestor emerged on the eve of the window closing and now they've gambled their Championship future on two 19-year-olds from Premier League academies.

American Nestor had already distanced himself from recruitment duties in a bid to rescue his reputation but not before spelling out in a pre-Christmas open letter why they wouldn't be able to shop at the high end of the market.

That was of course due to the ongoing challenge of complying with profit and sustainability rules so the lack of activity is understandable. But fans would've hoped for more than having to throw two teenagers into the deep end of a relegation battle.

I don't mean offence to Hindolo Mustapha and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba. I'm sure the attack-minded pair are bright prospects full of confidence and desire to impress - however, it's unfair to expect them to provide the boost the Baggies desperately need right now.

Albion do at least know all about Jimoh-Aloba, having nurtured his talent from the age of six until he left to join Aston Villa in 2023.

The forward returns with a European goal on his CV, which he notched in last week's win over RB Salzburg, but that was only his sixth first-team appearance. That's six more than midfielder Mustapha has made for Crystal Palace.

Right wing-back Danny Imray also arrived last week without a senior appearance to his name for the South London side. He only made his Championship debut in the dismal 3-0 loss at Portsmouth on Saturday.

Having to turn to an inexperienced trio at this level to save their season will lead supporters to ask why multiple managers haven't shown more faith in their own youngsters.

Harry Whitwell had a successful loan - albeit in the National League at Forest Green - but hasn't featured in the league since being recalled and 18-year-old Ollie Bostock has been an unused member of matchday squads throughout the season.

The one real opportunity the Lichfield lad did get saw him named man of the match in their FA Cup victory at Swansea last month. That came just hours before Eric Ramsay was appointed as head coach.

The 34-year-old boss worked with top youngsters at Chelsea so hopefully he can get the best out of his new recruits, but he also needs to get a tune out of the experienced players he inherited.

They've shown no signs of being comfortable with the Welshman's style of play so far and more concerning, they lacked fight in their most recent defeat at Fratton Park.

All of this won't reassure fans, who fear their beloved Baggies could soon drop into the third tier of English football for only the second time in their history.

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