New West Bromwich Albion head coach Eric Ramsay has declared his first match in charge against high-flying Middlesbrough is the 'perfect start' to his tenure at The Hawthorns.
A Daunting but Welcome First Fixture
Ramsay, who officially took over this week following the departure of Ryan Mason, faces a baptism of fire with his opening game. His new side, sitting 18th in the Championship, welcome second-placed Middlesbrough on a Friday night under the lights. While acknowledging the challenge, the 34-year-old Welshman is relishing the occasion.
"In some senses, but I feel like it’s in a lot of senses a perfect start," Ramsay told reporters at his first press conference. "It’s a real challenge... a big club at home under the lights on a Friday night with a real sense of optimism and the players have a real point to prove."
Settling In and Setting Standards
Ramsay, who previously coached at Manchester United and had a successful spell with MLS side Minnesota United, has been delighted with his initial reception at the club. He praised the 'incredibly professional' playing squad and dedicated staff, stating he 'couldn’t have had a better first couple of days.'
"It’s felt like home very quickly," he said. "You don’t get a sense of walking into something that feels troubled... There is a great culture amongst the players and staff. I’m walking into something that feels ripe for someone to come in and enjoy success."
The Shrewsbury-born coach emphasised his immediate focus is on building clarity and consistency. "I want it to be very clear what the expectations are on the players," Ramsay explained. "The messages so far have centred around... how we start to build a sense of real high performance culture."
Focus on the Immediate Challenge
Despite Albion's league position—10 points off the play-offs and seven above the relegation zone—Ramsay is keeping his attention fixed on the short term. He believes his coaching strength lies in a relentless daily focus.
"I genuinely am not thinking any further than Friday," he maintained. "I think one of my strengths as a coach is that relentless focus on the minute to minute and the day to day... because I know that if you can get that right then what you want arrives with that."
His first task is to prepare his squad for the formidable test posed by Middlesbrough, as he aims to build momentum from the outset of his Albion reign.
