Eric Ramsay makes 'professionalism' West Brom point and addresses Albion 'cultural problem' claim
The best bits from new West Brom manager Eric Ramsay’s media unveiling.
Eric Ramsay believes the framework is already there for West Bromwich Albion to succeed under his management, with some minor tweaks required to get the Baggies ticking.
There was great excitement about what Ryan Mason could do in charge of West Brom and some real optimism about many of the summer signings, however it didn’t go to plan as Albion are currently 18th in the Championship and cut 10 points adrift from the play-offs.
Ramsay will be eager to turn things around for West Brom in what is his first full-time managerial gig in English football, following a successful spell at Minnesota United. The former Manchester United and Chelsea coach will be focusing on taking it game by game to begin with, but he will no doubt have the top six in his sights as an end goal.
‘Strong culture’ already implemented at West Brom
It appears Ramsay’s successor has laid some handy groundwork, as the new boss is pleased with the atmosphere and culture already instilled in the Albion squad. Speaking to the media in his unveiling press conference, Ramsay emphasised his delight at how things have been in his first few days.
"I think it's a very coachable group,” Ramsay began. “I think the word professionalism has been used a lot by the staff that are around the group. There is a very strong culture of work, there is a very strong support staff from a sports science and performance perspective that is wrapped around that group, and you really get that sense.
"So, as alluded to, in no way do I feel like I'm going into a club, or a changing room where there's a cultural problem, or where there are problems with professionalism. It's a really good group, and you can sense that already.
"My job is to now make sure that that sense of positivity lasts. I build real clarity in terms of the framework that the players are operating in. I demand within that, the staff demands within that, and we start to build some coherence and some consistency in terms of what's being asked.”
Ramsay welcomed with open arms
It’s always difficult for a new head coach to come in at any time, let alone in the middle of a busy season. But Ramsay feels supported by the players and staff at the training ground
"We've had a really good welcoming from the staff, and they are staff who care for the well-being of the club. We have a group of players who are incredibly professional, want to improve and get better and I could not have had a better couple of days.
"It has felt like home pretty quickly, and I can only feel optimistic about the position I am in at the moment. I don't get a sense of walking into something that feels troubled. There is a great culture among the staff and the players, we have people who have worked at a high level, who have been at the club for a long time.
"It is a tight-knit group of capable staff. Me and Dennis (Lawrence) have been welcomed by James Morrison, Damia (Abella), Boaz Myhill, Tony Strudwick and we have got our finger on the pulse pretty quickly.
“I am walking into something that feels right for someone who can enjoy success in these conditions. I want it to be clear what the expectations are on the team, what the standards are, and the messages have been around that.
"What it is we will expect from the team and how we will build a high-performance culture in this team. I am not thinking any further than Friday. My strength as a coach is the focus on the day to day and how every morning needs to feel. If you can get that right over a season, then what you want arrives with that.”