West Bromwich Albion have confirmed the appointment of Ryan Mason as their new head coach on a three-year deal.
The 33-year-old leaves his assistant role at Tottenham Hotspur to take on his first full-time managerial post at The Hawthorns.
Albion Turn to Premier League Coach Mason
The former England international, who was forced to retire from playing at 26 due to a serious head injury, has been handed a three-year deal in the Black Country. His appointment comes following the departure of Tony Mowbray earlier this year, and sees the club’s owners Bilkul Group land their preferred target after an extensive recruitment process.
In a statement, Albion chairman Shilen Patel praised Mason’s “elite standards” and said:
“We are excited to have someone whose skillset means he has the aptitude to help us further establish elite standards in both preparation and player development for the first team and across all our team programmes.”
Patel also highlighted Mason’s grounding in top-level coaching and his influences, particularly former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, as key to shaping the club’s future identity.
New Backroom Staff Confirmed
Mason brings with him an experienced backroom duo in assistant head coach Nigel Gibbs and head of performance Sam Pooley.
Gibbs, 59, has previously coached at clubs including Millwall, Watford, Leeds United and Reading, as well as working abroad. He was Mason’s assistant at Spurs during both interim spells and more recently held a developmental role in North London.
Pooley, 35, spent nine years at Spurs in various sports science roles and joined Rangers as head of performance earlier this year. He now reunites with Mason in the Midlands.
They join existing coaches Boaz Myhill, James Morrison and Damia Abella as part of a new-look coaching setup at The Hawthorns.
Speaking after the announcement, Mason said:
“This is a huge club with fantastic infrastructure and an incredible fan base and I am excited about what we can achieve together.”
Writer’s View
Ryan Mason’s appointment feels bold but calculated. He’s highly regarded within coaching circles, has spent formative years under some of the game’s biggest managerial names, and will inject a fresh, modern approach to a club seeking identity and stability.
The presence of experienced staff like Nigel Gibbs alongside him will balance out his inexperience in a permanent managerial role, and the backing from ownership suggests this is a long-term vision rather than a stop-gap appointment.
With Mason now in place, attention will turn to the transfer window and squad rebuilding. If Albion can support him in the market and give him time, this could prove an inspired move for a club eager to return to the Premier League.
