West Bromwich Albion play Aberdeen later this evening in another pre-season friendly and the squad have already travelled up to Scotland for the match at Pittodrie.
With games against Barnet and Swindon Town so far this summer, and both returning wins, along with our behind closed doors action against league opposition, head coach Darren Moore’s plans are progressing nicely for the coming 2018/19 Championship campaign ahead.
We're taking a strong squad up to @AberdeenFC this evening…#WBA https://t.co/AIQdvpNCbC
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) July 20, 2018
We’ve even had a few signings through the door in the shape of Sam Johnstone, Jyle Bartley and Jonathan Bond.
There are outstanding issues though, the futures of James McClean, Salomon Rondon, Craig Dawson, Allan Nyom to name just four with speculation continuing to link them with moves away from the club this summer.
Speaking to wba.co.uk ahead of the game, Moore explained.
“We face a step up tonight because Aberdeen will be further ahead with their fitness schedule as they are getting ready for next week’s Europa League start against Burnley. We’ve got some game time into most of the players although we could do without these niggles which are holding back one or two of the lads. But there is no point taking chances at this stage of our preparation. It will be hard work tonight. Aberdeen will be at full throttle and that’s just what we need at this stage of our preparations.”
Those niggles effect Johnstone, Nyom and Rondon and those three haven’t travelled and won’t be risked. The article does state Moore can lean on the rest of his senior group though, so is Dawson back in the fold? How strong is strong with the claim we will ‘deploy’ our top group given who is left fit.
There are still a few more questions than answers for fans but it’s hard not to take an educated leap and assume those subject to speculation won’t be playing this evening.
There’s also claim and counterclaim when it comes to what some players have been fined and disciplined for.
Nothing said about Dawson? Does that mean he’s traveling
— . (@AllWBAFC) July 20, 2018
We haven’t got a strong squad
— Aaron Rock (@AaronJayRock) July 20, 2018
After his actions? Given the green light to miss training and Portugal because of his missus was ready to give birth at any given time. People will find out the whole truth about the club and the want away players soon I should imagine
— danny (@danwba93) July 20, 2018
Club have done and said a lot which isn't entirely true. Foster also didn't go to Portugal on the basis the move was already starting to progress . Myhill was ready to sign a new contract offered by the club and the club changed their mind at the last hour.
— danny (@danwba93) July 20, 2018
Yacob went to Argentina about 2 weeks after the season finished, i think he made his mind up he wanted out anyway.
— Anthony Roberts (@RobertsWBA23) July 20, 2018
Sounds like you’re in same boat as Aberdeen! ????
— ben rose (@benroseguitar) July 20, 2018
Yes Dawson has travelled
— danny (@danwba93) July 20, 2018
rondon wont be playing so assume hes not gone,nothing at all on dawson
— Adam (@baggielonglegs) July 20, 2018
I think Rondon is not being risked as club know Newcastle will trigger his clause as soon as they get Mitrovic gone
— Stuart Hunt (@huntywbafc) July 20, 2018
