admin‘I think…’ – Ryan Mason reacts to Man United loanee Toby Collyer’s first West Brom start against Millwall
West Brom handed the Premier League prospect his first start this weekend in the Championship
West Brom were beaten 3-0 away at Millwall this weekend in their latest Championship outing. The Baggies have slipped out of the play-offs after their heavy loss at The Den. They are back in action after the international break with a home clash against Preston North End as they look to return to winning ways.
Ryan Mason was picked as their head coach over the summer and he penned a three-year deal at The Hawthorns running until June 2028. The 34-year-old left his role in the backroom staff team at Tottenham Hotspur to join them. He was appointed as their replacement for Tony Mowbray.
West Brom boss Ryan Mason reacts to Toby Collyer’s first start
West Brom swooped to sign Toby Collyer, 21, on loan from Manchester United in the last transfer window. He was given the green light to leave the Red Devils on a temporary basis to get some experience under his belt in the Football League. The youngster has since had to bide his time for opportunities with the Baggies.
Prior to the match against Millwall, all of his appearances were from the bench. However, the prospect was given his first start by Mason against the Lions in the middle of the park. Speaking afterwards, his manager delivered this verdict on his performance, as per an interview with BBC West Midlands: “Toby is someone who we need, like everyone. I think you see today we’ve not got the biggest squad in the world. We need everyone to contribute. I think that (his first start) will do him well going forward. I think the most disappointing thing today is the performance and the result. It is a tough one to take.”
What now for Toby Collyer at West Brom?
Collyer will be eyeing more minutes with West Brom over the coming weeks and months. He is due to spend the whole campaign with the Midlands outfit. He is under contract at Manchester United until 2027.
After joining the Baggies in the summer, he said at the time: “I spoke with the gaffer Ryan Mason and I got a really good first impression from him. Albion seems like the right place and the right environment for me and I’m hoping to play as much as possible. This is a great opportunity for me to help the team and take my game to the next level, which I’m really excited about.”
Meanwhile, Sporting Director Andrew Nestor added: “Toby is a dynamic midfielder who we rate highly and believe that his strengths will complement our already strong midfield options. He is an ideal central midfielder for our playing model with his physical attributes, progressive play and passing ability, and has the capability to make a real impression this season.”
Collyer rose up through the academy at Brighton and Hove Albion before Manchester United lured him up north in 2022. The England youth international has since played 13 matches for the top flight giants to date. He was wanted by Hull City in August before West Brom won the race for his services.
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