West Brom could make EFL cult hero Eric Ramsay’s dream first signing

West Bromwich Albion went into the FA Cup third round with ex-playing legend James Morrison in the hot seat.

The former Baggies midfielder is no stranger to interim head coach duties, with West Brom getting rid of two managers in less than a year, as Ryan Mason was given his marching orders early in 2026.

He was only keeping the Championship dug-out warm; however, instead of being placed in charge for the foreseeable future, as West Brom have now confirmed their successor to Mason.

West Brom have confirmed their new manager

West Brom have speedily gone about their business after getting rid of Mason, with the hit-and-miss 34-year-old only given the axe six days ago.

Football is a fast-paced sport at the end of the day, with it now confirmed that Eric Ramsay will venture back to the English game, to take charge of the wobbling Championship outfit.

With the 33-year-old an in-demand figure, having even been alleged to be on the RC Strasbourg shortlist after letting Liam Rosenior go, it will be intriguing to see how instantaneous he can settle into life in a demanding division, such as the Championship.

Once branded as a “really talented” coach by Erik ten Hag, Ramsay has thankfully managed to come out of the shadows of a Manchester United coaching role and succeed in America, with a promising 38 wins in charge of Minnesota piquing the interest of those in the West Midlands.

However, managing in the Championship is a different kettle of fish altogether – as Mason found out all too well – with a dream first signing already emerging.

Ramsay’s dream first signing is in the pipeline

Mason would have loved the luxury of a full January transfer window, but after steering his lowly side to a shocking ten defeats in a row in league action, it’s no shock that the patience exerted from the West Brom hierarchy had run out.

Now, it’s up to Ramsay to resurrect the Baggies’ gloomy season, and he could be helped in that mission by picking up Sunderland veteran Luke O’Nien.

Reports have suggested that O’Nien is on West Brom’s radar as he looks for more minutes away from Sunderland, with the promotion-winning captain finding his minutes to be a lot rarer since Premier League football was achieved.

Still, despite his minutes drying up in the elite division, he would be an extremely worthwhile addition to the ranks, especially as Ramsay tries to grow accustomed to the task ahead of him in such a gruelling league.

Thankfully, O’Nien lives and breathes the Championship and the EFL more widely, with the tenacious 31-year-old present throughout all of Sunderland’s struggles and ecstasy, from League One all the way up to the Premier League.

Chipping in with 23 goals and 16 assists donning Sunderland red and white, alongside being known for being a brute in midfield and defence, O’Nien would love to come in and be a bulldozing presence for the Baggies as they attempt to climb the second-tier rankings, with Ramsay perhaps more at ease on his arrival if such a Championship-experienced battler was at his disposal.

Noted as being a “remarkable” servant at the Stadium of Light by EFL pundit George Elek, O’Nien could go down as an instantly likeable club icon at West Brom if he can help turn around his new side’s fortunes, as a third promotion effort is on the cards.

Ramsay would also feel revitalised to take his fresh environment head-on if the no-nonsense 31-year-old were by his side.

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