Ex-West Brom warrior defender without a club at 35 after brutal end of season free agent decision

West Brom have turned to Ryan Mason as their new manager on a three-year deal. The 33-year-old has left his position in Tottenham Hotspur’s backroom staff to take over at the Hawthorns. He has been picked as their replacement for Tony Mowbray and he will be eager to show what he can do.

The Baggies missed out on the play-offs last season. They will be eyeing a place in the top six next time around as they aim to get back to the Premier League. In the meantime, they have the chance to bring in some new players in the window.

Former West Brom defender Craig Dawson released by Wolves

Former West Brom defender Craig Dawson will leave Wolves at the end of the month. The top flight outfit have confirmed on their retained list that he will be heading out the exit door. Pablo Sarabia is also leaving Molineux along with youngsters Stan Amos, Justin Hubner, Testimony Igbinoghene, Aaron Keto Diyawa, Lucas Kibrya, Filozofe Mabete, Josh Nyakudya and Matty Whittingham.

Dawson, 35, played for the Baggies from 2010 to 2019 and was a great servant to the club. He made 225 appearances in all competitions and scored 15 goals, as well as being loaned out to Bolton Wanderers. Prior to his transfer, he started his senior career at Rochdale.

The North West-born man has also had spells in the past at Watford and West Ham. Wolves acquired him back in 2022 and he has been with them for the last three campaigns. He played 61 matches altogether and found the net on two occasions.

What now for ex-West Brom man Craig Dawson after Wolves exit?

The Sun claim Wrexham and Derby County are keen on landing Dawson now after his Wolves departure. The latter are managed by ex-Birmingham City boss John Eustace. He was able to keep the Rams up last term and they are now eyeing additions.

Former Aston Villa player Lee Hendrie has urged Eustace to lure the player to Pride Park amid competiion from the Racecourse Ground and has said, as per Football League World: “I know his age, but he’s a very good pro, a modern pro. He looks after himself and, again, has experience to [get them] where they want to go.

“We’ve seen players come out of the Premier League in the past that have stepped down and played in the Championship. He’d have to be managed well, which I’m sure Eustace will, but he’d be a really key addition to a Derby side that I think will be a lot more stable this season, and that’s why I think they’re looking to have some more experienced heads.

“They’ve got a fair few younger players, and that’s why I think they’re going down this route, particularly in that centre-back role where Dawson would play. I feel you could get a good season out of him, and then, who knows, maybe on from there, but bringing him in and having experience in the Championship is vital.”