West Bromwich Albion's unfortunate exclusion from this season's Championship play-offs has been labelled as "unacceptable" by midfield stalwart, Jed Wallace. This stark verdict comes after a season riddled with underwhelming performances and managerial upheaval, illustrating a year to forget for the proud Baggies faithful.
Wallace, in his third campaign with the club, did not mince words while addressing the situation. Since Tony Mowbray took the reins from Carlos Corberan in January, the team managed only five wins from 18 matches, which ultimately saw their play-off ambitions dissolve into mid-table mediocrity. The change in management did little to stem the tide of inconsistency that plagued the team, leading to Mowbray's dismissal.
As the Baggies prepare for their final fixture of the season against Luton Town at home, the atmosphere is one of reflection and missed opportunities. Positioned no higher than ninth and facing the possibility of their lowest points total since the 1999-2000 season, Wallace conveyed his disbelief at the numerous dropped points, citing "missed chances," "late goals," and "individual errors" as the narrative of their season.
For a club with such a storied history and passionate fanbase, these results simply do not meet the standards expected. As Wallace highlighted the need for personal and collective introspection among the players, it's clear this season has left much to be desired.
The club's management and players are not just battling statistics; they're grappling with restoring pride and building towards a future that reflects the club's true capabilities.
As we look towards the curtain closing on what can only be described as a turbulent season for West Brom, questions about leadership and vision loom large. With the managerial position still a temporary arrangement under James Morrison, the offseason will likely be a busy time at The Hawthorns.
As we stand shoulder to shoulder in our unwavering support for the mighty Baggies, here's a gentle nudge to our neighbours: "How many Wolves fans does it take to change a light bulb? Eleven - one to screw it in, and ten to reminisce about how the old one was much brighter!"