EFL pundit drops West Brom promotion warning to fans | OneFootball

EFL pundit Sam Parkin has dropped a warning on West Bromwich Albion supporters and getting carried away with promotion talk...

EFL pundit Sam Parkin has dropped a warning to West Bromwich Albion fans about promotion following their impressive 2-1 victory at Carrow Road last weekend.

James Morrison kept West Bromwich Albion in the Championship last season, with the club signing seven players so far this summer to bolster their ranks and improve upon a disappointing 2025/26 campaign.

West Brom have started 2026/27 with a 4-1 cup win over Rotherham United and a 2-1 victory against Norwich City, with Jimmy-Jay Morgan impressing alongside Harry Whitwell. The new boy from Chelsea has contributed to four of those goals already.

Sam Parkin provides verdict on West Brom's promotion chances

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Sam Parkin spoke on Benjamin Bloom's YouTube channel, discussing the two sides and tempering expectations a little for West Brom fans getting carried away after their start to the season.

He said: "Two good teams. I'm not going to change my mind on Norwich. I think they're going to be really strong this year. I think that's a maybe a good early gauge of what West Brom could be this year.

"I'm not sure they've got the squad to really challenge, but you know, the fans should be optimistic about being well away from trouble and possibly pushing up that top half.

"Do you know what? Looking at the team, I haven't pored over all the action here, but I've done a bit of reading but, I mean, I'm a bit surprised that [Alex] Mowatt's left. I really am.

"Apologies, there's a lot of moving parts. I'm not sure exactly how it shapes up because they're playing this this narrow 4-2-2-2 but Whitwell, Price, and Horn Myhre played.

"I presume Horn Myhre was even more deep and central. Those three guys, physically, they're all about 6 foot, but like all three of them a kind of stiff breeze would knock them over.

"They're all really talented, graceful footballers if you like. Mowatt brings that stability, good passer, lovely footballer, but a little bit surprised [he has left]. And I don't know if [Jayson] Molumby is possibly moving on or out of favour but he was on the bench.

"So, you know, for me looking from the outside, it lacked a bit of steel West Brom. And maybe that's why they were slightly on the back foot and maybe a little overpowered by Norwich at times. But a great win and they're going to be competitive because I just really like West Brom.

"I just like West Brom probably just maybe changing the plan and the philosophy a little bit. It feels very unlike West Brom what I've seen in the first few weeks of the season. They've had great success previously, don't get me wrong, but not always been a great watch. I think that's fair to say."

Why West Brom fans should get excited about their start to the season

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West Brom fans should be wary of pundits trying to temper their expectations this season. The Baggies have built around a younger, more exciting core, with Morrison giving the side a clear identity and several players still possessing plenty of room to improve.

Morrison also helped steer Albion to safety last season, losing only twice in his final 13 matches. There is no guarantee they will suddenly challenge at the top, particularly in such a stacked Championship, but that should not stop supporters from being optimistic.

This is a fun team being steadily built, and with further development from its younger players, West Brom could surprise plenty of people who have already written them off as anything other than mid-table.

West Brom's opening league games will define their level quickly

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The alternative view is that West Brom have every reason to be optimistic under Morrison, but expectations should still be tempered after finishing 21st last season, even with the two-point deduction taken into account.

Also, their opening Championship fixtures are particularly demanding, though that could ultimately be the making of this developing side if they can emerge with confidence and points.

There are still obvious gaps, too, particularly in the attacking midfield and wide areas, while Mowatt's departure has left another hole that needs filling. The potential is there, but Albion still need further strengthening before talk of the play-offs and beyond becomes truly justified.