West Bromwich Albion 2026/27 Championship Preview
Flirting with disaster was not part of the script at The Hawthorns last season, but a nail-biting 21st-place finish on 51 points laid bare the scale of the rebuilding job required in the West Midlands. Having narrowly avoided the drop to League One, the Baggies enter the new campaign under the stewardship of head coach James Morrison, who has spent the summer trimming wages and reshaping the playing squad into a far leaner, more dynamic unit.
The departures of senior figures like Jed Wallace and Daryl Dike have opened up responsibility for a fresh core. In midfield, Alex Mowatt and Jayson Molumby supply crucial competitive grit alongside Northern Ireland international Isaac Price, while former Bristol City goalkeeper Max O’Leary steps in between the posts behind a revised central defence featuring Chris Mepham and Nat Phillips. Out wide, Mikey Johnston remains the team’s primary spark of creative unpredictability, charged with feeding striker Josh Maja.
With the relegation scare now behind them, expectations among the Hawthorns faithful remain cautious yet demanding. Re-establishing defensive solidity and turning their home ground back into a fortress are top priorities. If Morrison can get his frontline firing early, Albion possess enough quality to keep clear of trouble and target a stable return to mid-table safety.

West Brom’s set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Josh Maja
- Free-kicks: Alex Mowatt, Callum Styles
- Corners: Alex Mowatt, Callum Styles
West Bromwich Albion FAQs
Where did West Brom finish in the 2025/26 Championship season?
Albion endured a difficult campaign, accumulating 51 points to finish 21st in the standings and narrowly avoid relegation.
Who is the West Brom manager?
James Morrison is the head coach, leading the side as they aim to rebuild stability in the second tier.
Who is the current West Brom captain?
Both Mathew Perry and Joe Smith will take the responsibility of club captain this season.