OPINION
A change in the dugout at West Brom also resulted in a change of personnel out on the football pitch on Wednesday night as James Shan took temporary charge versus Swansea City.
Guiding his side to a 3-0 win, the man currently occupying the manager’s seat chose to switch out four players from the weekend’s draw against Ipswich Town – Darren Moore’s final game in charge – with returns to the side for Mason Holgate, Ahmed Hegazi, Rekeem Harper and a surprise start for Chris Brunt.
? Tonight's team news…
James Shan makes four changes. Mason Holgate, Ahmed Hegazi, Chris Brunt ©? and Rekeem Harper all return to our starting XI.#WBASWA | #WBA pic.twitter.com/Qb8gUxUzH1
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) March 13, 2019
Many of the Baggies faithful would have been shocked to see the veteran starting after not appearing since early February but despite his lack of game time he came in to make a massive impact scoring one and assisting another on the way to a crucial three points.
After finding himself exiled from the first team squad under Moore, his return was obviously about bringing some much needed experience into the squad and after a dazzling display, he has surely earned himself a lifeline regardless of whether Shan remains in charge or a new manager takes over.
He was a quality performer on Wednesday night and if those are the sort of performances the Hawthorns can expect from him then there is little questioning that he deserves to remain in the side.
A surprise, but welcome, comeback from the 34-year-old.