West Bromwich Albion have been very active this summer in beefing up their ranks to enhance their chances of an immediate promotion back to the Premier League. The Baggies were in tatters last season and finished rock-bottom in the league standings, which impliedly led to their eviction from the top flight. They are now set to ply their trade in the Championship and face an uphill task to regain, what they must feel, is a rightful spot in the top-flight.
Under the stewardship of Darren Moore, West Brom have signed Sam Johnstone, Kyle Bartley, Jonathan Bond and Harvey Barnes this summer. To strengthen their backline further, Moore has roped in Conor Townsend recently from Scunthorpe United for a fee which is believed to be in the region of £750,000. The Throstles reportedly pipped Hull City and Ipswich Town to bag Townsend’s signature.
Townsend emerged through the youth ranks of Hull City but he couldn’t make any sort of impact in their senior side. While he was on their books, he was shipped out on loan to Grimsby Town, Chesterfield, Carlisle United, Dundee United, Scunthorpe United and once again to Grimsby Town before making a permanent switch to Scunthorpe in the January transfer window of 2016.
Since joining the Iron, he made 88 appearances across all competitions for them and managed to find the back of the net on 5 occasions. His move to the Hawthorns is not only an elevation for him personally but he would also be an exciting back-up for Kieran Gibbs. The 25-year-old should be able to provide competition for a place in the starting XI for the former Arsenal man.
Traditionally a left-back, the left-footed player is capable of operating in the attacking third of the pitch in a competent manner. He played an instrumental role for his former employers last season and helped them to make it to the playoff semi-final in League One. Technically, he is very sound and he has the pace to gallop down the left flank to create openings for his side. He crosses the ball well and his link-up play with the wingers is commendable.
Further, the Englishman is a resolute defender and tracks back in time more often than not. Townsend’s best years are certainly ahead of him and he needs to make the most of his qualities in the upcoming tests. Having proven himself in the third division, it would be intriguing to see how he fares in the second division this season.
