West Bromwich Albion secured their first signing of the summer transfer window in June, landing Wigan Athletic winger James McClean on a three-year deal.
Having spent two years out of the top flight with the Latics, the Ireland international is relishing the opportunity to test his mettle in the Premier League once more:
“I’m delighted. I’ve played in the Premier League before and not only am I back here, but I’m with a stable top flight club and one that wants to push on. Tony Pulis told me what his plans were, where I would fit in. It was all very positive. He also told me he has a great dressing room, it’s been a stable club – but he’s made it clear he wants to push this club on. I’m very ambitious. Once the Albion came in this was a move I was keen to get done – this is a big club and a new chapter for me.”
The History
McClean began his professional career at Irish Premier League side Institute, where he made one appearance before signing for his local outfit, Derry City. During his four seasons for the Candystripes, McClean amassed 16 goals in 79 appearances, earning a move to Sunderland in the summer of 2011.
The Northern Ireland native made his first start for the Black Cats in January following the appointment of Martin O’Neil and went on to make a further 28 appearances in all competitions, notching six goals and four assists along the way. After being named Sunderland’s Young Player of the year, McClean recorded five goals and four assists across 41 outings in the subsequent campaign.
McClean signed for Wigan in August 2013, making his debut in a 2-0 loss to Manchester United in the FA Community Shield. Although the Latics were relegated from the Championship last term, McClean ended the season as their top scorer with six goals (and six assists) and was rewarded with the Player of the Year gong. In all, the Derry-born wide man racked up 10 goals and 12 assists in 86 appearances throughout his two-year stint with the Latics.
Despite earning seven caps for Northern Ireland U21s, McClean resisted calls from Martin O’Neill to play for the senior side and instead waited for a call-up from Republic of Ireland. McClean has since gone on to tally 31 caps for Ireland, chalking up four goals in the process.
The Prospects
Judging from Pulis’ comments on McClean’s transfer, it seems that the Baggies coach intends to deploy him on the left wing when he’s afforded pitch time:
“He’s got Premier League experience from his time with Sunderland. James has had a couple of indifferent years with Wigan but he did well at Sunderland and we’re very pleased to have him on board. I am absolutely confident that he can fulfil the potential to come back and be a big player for us. He’s got pace, he’s left-footed – so he gives us a good balance in the side – and he can score goals.”
Whether or not McClean can cement a regular starting berth remains to be seen, considering his former Wigan team-mate Callum McManaman struggled to make an impact upon his arrival in January. Nonetheless, a return of six goals and assists in the Championship last season holds him in good stead, particularly when the Baggies ranked in the bottom five with regards to goals scored (38) in the previous campaign.
One of West Brom’s most glaring deficiencies last season was the limited goal contribution from their midfield contingent. Collectively, the Baggies’ ten midfielders combined for just ten strikes, with Craig Gardner producing more efforts (56) than any team-mate in the centre of the park. McClean total of 89 attempts last season – albeit in a lower league – highlights his ability to carve out goal attempts in an underperforming outfit.
Crucially, if McClean is granted a run of starts on the Baggies left flank, then there’s a real possibility that Chris Brunt will be utilised as a left-back by Pulis again. Such a scenario could deprive us of a defensive option as a consequence – given that Brunt is likely to be classified as midfielder across the Fantasy games. Bearing in mind that the midlands side racked up 16 clean sheets last season, this would prove frustrating for Fantasy managers.
Such concerns are likely to drive many to prioritise Boaz Myhill as their weapon of choice in the Baggies rearguard. Unless Pulis strengthen’s in this area, Myhill is poised to be first choice in goal in light of Ben Foster’s injury: the England international is expected to be out until mid-October following knee surgery in March. Myhill seems likely to start the season at a price of 4.5 in the Fantasy Premier League, providing strong value and obvious initial Baggies acquisition.
Regardless, West Brom’s brutal start to the campaign (MCI, wat, CHE, sto, SOU, avl) is set to temper early investment, with Myhill likely to have to rely on save points for early returns. Their trio of home fixtures certainly look unlikely to return clean sheets, but the fact that no side tallied more away shut-outs (eight) than Pulis’ side last season bodes well for their kinder road fixtures and beyond.
Myhill may represent the limit of our pre-season interest in the West Brom squad, although with clashes against City and Chelsea at the Hawthorns early on, McClean is certainly presented with a big stage on which to win over his new supporters.
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