Why West Brom's youngsters were not loaned out
One of the most intriguing aspects of the final week of the window was the lack of youngsters leaving The Hawthorns on loan.
The Baggies have been vocal proponents of loans to the lower leagues for their academy graduates, and it is a system head coach Darren Moore oversaw in a previous role.
But Jonathan Leko, 19, Sam Field, 20, Kyle Edwards, 20, Rekeem Harper, 18, and Kyle Howkins, 22, all remained at the club until January, despite numerous offers for their services.
League Two Port Vale were keen to take Howkins back on loan again, and there was plenty of League One interest in the other four.
Field is in particular need of first-team football, having been misused last season by Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew.
Edwards has already felt the benefits of a loan spell at Exeter City, which has catapulted him towards Albion’s first team.
He is perhaps the most in-form youngster at the club, having scored three goals in his last three games.
He scored another goal for the under-23s this week following his winner for the seniors in the Carabao Cup second round clash with Mansfield Town last week.
There’s no doubt that all five of those youngsters would develop on loan in the lower leagues just like defender Jack Fitzwater and Kane Wilson are currently doing so at Walsall.
However, Albion’s next senior fixture away at Birmingham City at the end of the international break sparks a hectic period of seven games in 23 days.
There are midweek clashes for three weeks in a row, and with such a congested schedule, Moore was reluctant to let them leave.
With just four centre-backs at the club, Albion’s new back three is vulnerable to injury, but Howkins and Field both provide cover in defence.
Howkins made his debut for the seniors in the 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup and Field has featured at centre-back both cup matches so far.
In midfield, Harper is beginning to knock on the door thanks to a couple of impressive performances, and Leko put in his most mature performance in an Albion shirt against Mansfield.
The Baggies have been pretty fortunate with injuries so far this season, but Moore knows he needs a big squad at his disposal, and wants his youngsters to be ready if called upon.
“They’re part of the squad and they’ve come on immensely,” said Moore.
“We’ve kept them in the first team since the first day of pre-season, they’ve played in games and been training on a day to day basis. They’re up to speed in terms of their physicality and mentality.
“The way they moved the ball and applied themselves (against Mansfield) was very good. Jon, Kyle, Harper, Field, and Howkins are all nearing the first team.
"The game will have done them the world of good, to play in front of that atmosphere will help.
"It’s nice for me to have that youth and ability that if needed and when called upon I know they’re available.”
