Warren is a self-publishing writer and sub-editor for FLW, covering all three divisions whilst strongly focusing on the developments at West Bromwich Albion. | OneFootball

FLW’s West Brom fan pundit has commented on whether Albion should make a move for Brighton outcast Tommy Watson.

West Brom have started putting plans in place ahead of the 2026-27 campaign after securing their second tier status under James Morrison.

A goalless draw against Premier League-bound Ipswich Town was enough to get the Black Country outfit over the line in their quest for survival last month, despite the EFL's decision to deduct the Baggies two points for breaching P&S rules.

The Baggies legend has since been made the permanent head coach at The Hawthorns, penning a two-year contract and hopeful of getting the club back towards the top end of the Championship table next season.

Now, with the regular campaign all over, Albion are set for somewhat of a rebuild after confirming a host of first-team figures will depart The Hawthorns at the end of their current deals.

A particular area that needs addressing will be out wide, with Mikey Johnston, who is yet to return from a broken ankle, is their only recognised winger, given Jed Wallace is leaving on a free transfer, while Karlan Grant continues to be locked in contract negotiations.

Therefore, Brighton winger Tommy Watson could be a target for the Baggies, with a tweet by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie detailing that he is expected to move back on loan to another Championship club ahead of next season.

The wideman struggled to find his feet at Millwall, failing to find the back of the net in 12 second tier appearances, so there may be some doubt over whether Albion would want to take a gamble on securing his services.

With this in mind, FLW’s West Brom fan pundit has commented on whether he would welcome Watson to The Hawthorns after a concerning period at The Den.

Speaking to Football League World, West Brom fan pundit Callum Burgess believes the Baggies should avoid bringing Tommy Watson to the club, with the winger showing inconsistencies at Championship level.

He has urged Albion to recruit players who are ready to make the step-up to the second tier after showing strong showings at previous clubs, with Danny Imray a shining example.

Callum told FLW: “I think in the loan market this summer, Albion need to follow the mould of Danny Imray, where he’s off the back of successful loans elsewhere and looks ready to make the step-up to Championship football.

“I think Tommy Watson could fit the mould of mistakes Albion have made in the past, like Lewis Dobbin, where we signed him two loans early, and Preston reaped the rewards of having Dobbin gain that experience elsewhere.

“You look at Iling-Junior, he had several loan spells and failed to really hit the mark, while Tommy Watson hasn’t pulled up many trees so far, so I think that Albion need to get more ready-made players rather than getting in early on loan spells for players who are already developing.

“You can make a comparison with Ollie Bostock, where you’d rather give him the minutes over someone like Watson.”

West Brom need proven Championship talent to drive them back up the table

After a bitterly disappointing campaign for all connected with West Brom, this upcoming summer transfer window will be pivotal to see whether the Black Country outfit can get back fighting towards the upper ends of the Championship standings.

And with a lot of attacking figures heading for the exit door, there will be a big onus to recruit players who can both create and score goals on a regular basis, with the Baggies struggling to do so under the likes of Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay.

Therefore, Albion must be able to lure players to the club who have a proven pedigree of performing at Championship level, and it’s safe to say Tommy Watson doesn’t fit into that category.

Despite being impressive at Sunderland and scoring the Black Cats’ winning goal in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United last term, his short stint at Millwall has been nothing short of disastrous, with just one attacking contribution from 12 games nowhere near good enough.

And after losing the likes of Jed Wallace, the Baggies would essentially be replacing their former club captain with another player who can’t produce the goods on a consistent basis, which could see the Baggies sucked back down into another relegation battle under James Morrison.

By hook or by crook, the Baggies have to raise the quality levels in the final third if they are to taste any success in the near future, so they will have to move on from pursuing someone like Watson, who will not be able to guarantee a tally of goals and assists needed for a promotion-contending side.