Football League World
·1 July 2022
Football League World
·1 July 2022
West Bromwich Albion have made some very promising strides in the build-up to the 2022/23 campaign.
The Baggies have completed the signings of John Swift, Jed Wallace and Jayson Molumby in preparation to push for promotion under Steve Bruce.
The trio of additions, and the former two in particular, should go some way to solving the club’s problems in the final third from last season, with Daryl Dike returning to full fitness set to considerably increase the Baggies’ threat.
Dara O’Shea endured a difficult 2021/22 campaign due to injury and will be hoping to make up for lost time next term.
Instagram to express his emotions ahead of the big kick-off in under a month.
He wrote: “Good to be back with the lads working hard in the sun.”
Having started the season strongly under Valerien Ismael, O’Shea’s progress was derailed by a significant ankle injury that ruled him out from late August to early February.
With Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley, Cedric Kipre and Kean Bryan still present at The Hawthorns, there will be plenty of competition for places in pre-season and O’Shea will be hoping to push his way to the front of the queue.
The Verdict
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There could still be defensive reinforcements to come in the Black Country.
Bruce seems content with his goalkeeping contingent of David Button, Alex Palmer and Josh Griffiths, but depending on loan movements and how the Baggies start the season, that could be an area to address before the window closes.
It is very important for O’Shea to perform well this upcoming season, entering the final year of his contract, and his chances of returning to the Premier League in the near future will be dented significantly if he does not earn a new deal next summer.
The Irishman is a better ball player than the majority of the centre backs at Bruce’s disposal and that may see him rise up the pecking order, once his fitness is proven.