Comment: Darren Moore’s long-term vision is one West Brom fans can get behind

Confounding sceptics since he was installed as caretaker, this humble giant from Handsworth has already done more for the club he holds so dear than many hoped he would.

Win promotion, and salvation will be complete, but there are signs that would only be the start of the journey.

Moore has already healed a broken club, and restored joy to a fanbase who are now returning to The Hawthorns in their droves with smiles on their faces.

But one tiny criticism levelled at him this season has been his preference of experience over youth.

It’s taken an injury crisis in midfield for Rekeem Harper, 18, and Sam Field, 20, to be given their chances in the league.

Competition is fierce, of course, and Albion have England internationals like Gareth Barry and Jake Livermore in midfield, plus club legends like Chris Brunt and James Morrison.

Further forward, where Jonathan Leko and Kyle Edwards are trying to burst through, Albion have been electric all season.

Throughout, Moore has pleaded for patience.

“I really do feel passionate about the younger players,” he said, this week.

“Slowly but surely we’ve integrated them. You’ve seen this season from Edwards, Leko, Field and Harper, they’ve stepped in to perform at a mature level.

“They’re the future of the club. If we manage them right the future of this club looks bright because we’ve got some talented youngsters here.”

Under different regimes, the concern would be these promising youngsters were being ignored.

Plenty of managers are concerned only about the first team, but Moore worked in Albion’s academy for six years alongside these players.

“My background is from the academy, then I was loan manager, then first team coach,” he reminded.

“I have these layers. As well as working on the front line, I’m trying to develop these youngsters but each pathway is different.”

Nor is he preoccupied by just the exciting quartet who will likely feature in today’s FA Cup match. Those further on the fringes are also on his mind.

“You’ve seen a different type of development with Oli Burke to Rekeem Harper,” said Moore. “Or Jack Fitzwater, or Kane Wilson. The main thing is they’re being developed for West Bromwich Albion.”

Moore has an open mind, and has rewarded performance this season.

Dwight Gayle has the league’s best goals per minute ratio, and the league’s best conversion rate with shots on target. He’s arguably the most lethal striker in the division.

And yet Hal Robson-Kanu kept him out of the side for several weeks when he was in form and the team were winning.

That decision sent a message. Perform well, and anyone can work themselves into the team.

Harper and Field stepped up to the plate in Bolton on Monday night. The former was given man of the match, the latter scored off the bench.

Whether they keep their place when others return from injury and suspension will be intriguing.

The primary objective is promotion, and the cut-throat nature of modern football means no manager can look too far in the future.

But Moore’s affection for the club and background in the academy means it comes naturally.

He’s already looking beyond Harper and Field to the likes of Rayhaan Tulloch, Morgan Rogers, Louie Barry, Nathan Ferguson and Rico Richards – all England youth internationals of some repute.

“We’ve got some excellent youngsters just behind them,” said Moore. “Developed right you could see exciting times for this football club.”

Moore’s short term aims are obvious, but he’s not ignoring the long-term vision.

Barry, Brunt, and Morrison won’t last forever. Fail to win promotion and others will leave.

But there are signs that, given the opportunity, in years to come this local manager raised in the shadow of The Hawthorns may just have a few more local boys in his team as well.