West Brom's new Technical Director Luke Dowling has been discussing his transfer policy this week, and he names a current Nottingham Forest player as one of the most important he's ever signed, as reported by the Express and Star.

Dowling left Forest to join West Brom this season, but it wasn't a player he signed for the Reds which had the impact. He picked up Ben Watson whilst at Watford from Wigan and he credits the midfielder with being one of the best signings he made in his role.

“One of the most unfashionable signings at Watford was when we took Ben Watson from Wigan in the January window. Wigan were bottom of the Championship at the time and Malky Mackay wouldn’t pick him."

“You know when a signing comes into a side and gives you one little thing you’re missing, he was that. We got promoted that season and from January onwards we didn’t look back. It might not be the biggest name or best technical player but recruitment is about signings making an impact."

Watson later reunited with Dowling at Forest, where he is currently hoping to push them to a Premier League promotion and as Dowling reveals, it isn't always about the money you spend on a player, but the impact they have on arrival.

“We pay money for players to hit the ground running and have an impact, Ben Watson certainly did that.”

West Brom are currently involved in a battle with Leeds and Sheffield United at the top of the Championship table, with his former club Forest poised to make a challenge in the coming weeks.

The Verdict

I like to hear people speak of good, honest players this way.

It isn't always the money you spend or what a player has achieved before. Fans can often miss the grafters or those who do not go on to score goals, but as a man close to football Dowling clearly sees the value in such players.

He'll be hoping to unearth a gem of similar quality for West Brom this January.

[ad_pod ]