West Brom’s Managing Director Mark Miles has revealed why the club are in a “lucky position” ahead of the new campaign amid a summer of change at The Hawthorns.
In his first WBA TV interview as MD, Miles spoke about the task ahead in his new role and West Brom’s summer transfer plans.
The club’s newly-appointed chief was unveiled as Albion’s new chief after the departure of former Chief Executive Officer Ron Gourlay in the middle of June.
The 47-year-old first joined the Baggies in 2003 and has held a number of roles including Operations Director, and he thinks his experiences at the club will stand him in good stead.
He said: “Working in so many different departments during my time here means I know a lot of the ins and the outs. Nobody can pull the wool over my eyes.
“It also means I’ve been able to have touch points over other areas where I haven’t been involved, such as the football side.
“Being a Director for the last five or six years has meant I have seen what is happening across the football side of the club.”
Despite the change in roles he feels the club are in a “lucky position” this summer.
He added: “Obviously my role now is more strategic, so rather than getting into the nuts and the bolts of all the bits and pieces, I need to take a step back. However, we’re in such a lucky position in terms of having staff that can take on the work, meaning I can take a strategic approach and hopefully move the club forward.”
Mark Miles issues update on West Brom transfers
West Brom will be without Premier League money or parachute payments for the first time in more than 20 years this summer as Carlos Corberan‘s side will be hopeful of mounting a promotion push this season.
With West Brom’s pre-season underway and despite a number of departures, the Baggies are yet to bring any new faces through the door.
Albion have already bid farewell to last season’s captain Dara O’Shea, and with reported transfer interest in Grady Diangana, other faces are likely to follow.
Mark Miles said: “It’s no secret that we need to move some players out to keep us on a positive financial footing.
“Dara O’Shea has already left the club and that puts us in a really good position moving forwards in terms of future negotiations.
“The strategy is to bring in some new players that Carlos wants and fit his strategy and ethos. We’re after young, dynamic and enthusiastic players who will display that enthusiasm on the pitch and work in Carlos’ style.
“We’ll be looking to bring those kinds of players in, but we’ll also be looking to move some of the players who don’t fit his style and ethos out.”
Miles predicts a tough season but insists Albion will be competitive in the Championship this season.
“There will be some ins and there will be some outs, but one thing I can stress is that it’s our full intention to have a squad which will be competitive in the Sky Bet Championship this season.
“Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s going to be a tough season when you look at the teams that have come down from the Premier League and the teams that have been promoted from Sky Bet League One.
“However, I’m confident that under Carlos’ guidance, we’ll have a competitive team in the Championship.”
West Brom outgoings: Who has left The Hawthorns so far?
West Brom’s squad is already looking a lot thinner from the one that missed out on a Championship play-off place at the end of last season.
Jake Livermore, Tom Rogic and Kean Bryan all departed ahead of O’Shea following the expiry of their contracts. The uninspiring Marc Albrighton returned to Leicester City as his loan spell ended while youngsters Quevin Castro and Rico Richards also left the club.
Erik Pieters earned himself a one-year contract extension after impressing at the heart of defence.