Of all the promoted teams, West Brom are regarded as the team that is most capable of competing within the Premier League this season. They have been in the top league twice before in recent seasons and possess more players who have Premier League experience than the other promoted teams. However this optimism should be counter-balanced by the fact that in 2005 this viewpoint was expressed, but they very quickly returned to the Championship.

Manager Tony Mowbray has looked to strengthen all aspects of his squad during the summer. The biggest piece of business was the £3.25 Million spent on Liverpool’s England goalkeeper Scott Carson. He had a difficult time on loan at Aston Villa last year and will be hoping to regain some of the form that got him recognition earlier in his career. Mowbray has also signed Dutch Under 21 defender Gianni Zuiverloon from Heerenveen. The highly rated youngster has moved for a reported fee of £3.2 Million.

Roman Bednar has made his loan deal permanent during the close season. The Czech striker scored thirteenth goals last year and has completed a £3.2 Million transfer from Scottish team Hearts. Slovakian international Marek Cech has joined West Brom from FC Porto for £1.3 Million. The 25 year old has plenty of Champions League experience and should prove to be a valuable signing for the club.

Mowbray has stated the need to find experience and he has done that by adding Luke Moore and Abdoulaye Meite to the squad. Moore spent the latter part of last season on loan at the Hawthorns and completed a £3 Million deal from Aston Villa shortly afterwards. Faye arrives from Bolton Wanderers after falling out of favour there. The Ivory Coast international has a reputation as a solid dependable centre half and his acquisition should prove useful.

For the most part, Mowbray has kept the majority of last season’s Championship team together. However he has lost Zoltan Gera and Kevin Phillips. The 29 year Gera spent four years at the Hawthorns but this summer he decided to reject a new contract and instead sign for Fulham on a free transfer. Phillips was in wonderful form last season, scoring 24 goals for West Brom. However he rejected their one year contract and instead accepted a two year deal at relegated neighbours Birmingham City.

For West Bromwich Albion and their supporters this season will be all about survival. Mowbray has proven that he is a good manager but he is untried at Premier League level. The playing squad does have some experience of playing at the top level and if they avoid any major injuries should be able to avoid the drop, but it will be difficult.