Former Premier League footballer Carlton Palmer has been really impressed with Valerien Ismael at West Bromwich Albion.
Ismael was named West Brom’s new head coach in June, after a really successful spell at Barnsley. The 45-year-old took the Tykes into the Championship play-offs last season and replaced Sam Allardyce at the Hawthorns.
Albion started the new Championship campaign in fine form as they were undefeated in their opening seven matches, winning four and drawing three to leave them well in contention for automatic promotion back to the top flight.
Alongside the terrific start to the campaign, Ismael has looked to strengthen his playing staff over the summer bringing in six new players with Matt Clarke, Quevin Castro, Adam Reach, Alex Mowatt, Jayson Molumby and Jordan Hugill all penning deals at the Hawthorns.
Former professional Palmer has been really impressed with Ismael, telling This is Futbol: “I don’t see West Brom not competing at the top end of the table, I’m very impressed with Ismael. He knew he was coming in there; he knew he wouldn’t have lots of funds, but he had a decent base to go off because obviously they came down from the Premier League and they’ve kept some really good players.
“But he’s proved at Barnsley he can work on shoestring and still get into the play-offs, so I expect West Brom to run it very, very close of getting automatic promotion.”
After a fine start to the Championship campaign, Valerien Ismael and West Brom will be hoping that they can continue their good run of form but also turn disappointing draws against the likes of Millwall and Derby County into wins to ensure they have a better chance of coming in the top two.