The autopsy into West Brom's season continues following a play-off semi-final defeat to Aston Villa, that meant that the Baggies only had a fourth place Championship finish to show for their efforts this season.
West Brom captain Chris Brunt who was red-carded in the play-off semi final second leg, has spoken in the press about how he believes the Baggies missed out on promotion this season, citing the loss of loan midfielder Harvey Barnes, who returned to his parent club Leicester City in January as a major factor as to why they fell short.
Brunt said to Express and Star: "With the attacking quality that he has, the emphasis on defending was taken away from him and our job was to just get the ball to him so he could go and do something and for six months of the season he did that.
“When he left it was a massive loss for us because I think he scored ten goals and created countless others in half a season.
“If you sit down and look back, that might have been the difference in us losing out in the play-offs and getting promoted automatically.”
So, do you agree with Brunt's words? Did the loss of Barnes affect their chances?
We discuss........
Louie Chandler
"I don't think he is.
"West Brom showed the same problems exhibited towards the end of the season whilst Barnes was at the club as well.
"Whilst it may have seen them push Norwich and Sheffield United more closely for a top-two spot, it would have far from guaranteed promotion."
[ad_pod ]
Alfie Burns
“Absolutely, it changed the course of their season.
“Barnes gave the side a real edge in attack and when he went, the balance of the side seemed to disappear.
“Moore’s replacements didn’t do enough and with hindsight, the club will have wished they did more to keep the Leicester man on board.”
Ben Lang
"It's hard to disagree, as West Brom clearly missed Barnes after he left.
"Their form dipped without the midfielder in their side, as they didn't really have a ready-made replacement for him.
"However, it is very easy to make this judgement in hindsight. After his departure, West Brom still had an abundance of quality players in their side who could have earned them promotion."