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West Brom's winners and losers from pre-season Unpacking those who have profited from Albion’s pre-season under James Morrison and those who have struggled. Albion’s 2026/27 campaign is just days away with pre-season friendlies complete and competitive action to kickstart. The Baggies head to newly-relegated League Two side Rotherham for a Saturday evening first-round tie after a productive pre-season for James Morrison and his new backroom staff. Albion claimed four victories from six pre-season fixtures against opponents mostly from League One and League Two, as well as Tuesday’s draw against Premier League Coventry. Here, we assess some of the winners and losers from the summer of 2026. Winners Jimmy-Jay Morgan The summer recruit from Chelsea has been particularly sharp in front of goal in the friendlies, with five goals in five games - a range of ice-cool and poacher finishes. But the 20-year-old has also caught the eye with his ability to link play with colleagues with a passing range and vision. He has stood out in training, too, with a top level of finishing and eyes will be on whether the form can translate to the Championship. Harry Whitwell Whitwell has been the most prominent of Albion’s academy graduates during the warm-up fixtures. He has been a regular starter for Morrison and perhaps benefited from a lack of natural wide options, operating on the right side of Albion’s midfield four when previously used more centrally. Whitwell has shown progress in his game and encouraged Morrison, who has been impressed. He has shown enough to be a squad member for next term, but may another loan opportunity suit best? Possibly. Aune Heggebo Quietly and efficiently the striker has gone about his business in the goals for the Baggies. He netted against Bromley, Shrewsbury and Peterborough with relatively similar finishes, predatory efforts from inside the six-yard box. There are exactly the goals Heggebo has to score this season - and did in his purple patch last winter. There are signs the break has served the Norwegian very well. Losers Alfie Gilchrist The defender moved from Chelsea 12 months ago but his first season at The Hawthorns was a disappointment. There is a desire for Gilchrist, 22, to show his qualities as a central defender - where he played coming through the ranks at Stamford Bridge - rather than continued right-back struggles. He is likely to leave on loan for regular central defensive game time, after minutes have been harder to come by during pre-season, certainly in his preferred position. Chris Mepham It is difficult to see where Mepham stands in terms of regular first-team opportunity in the Black Country. The Wales international struggled to make his mark last season after a bright start following his heralded transfer from Bournemouth. Morrison opted for George Campbell and Nat Phillips as centre-back partners against Peterborough last weekend and they appear the first-choice pairing, as in the spring run to safety. It is likely the Baggies would listen to interest in the experienced Mepham, who is 29 in November. Tammer Bany The forgotten man in the Baggies ranks who still conjures up excitement among sections of the support who long to see his qualities in action. The attacking midfielder has mustered just eight substitute appearances since his £3.3million move from Randers in Denmark in January 2025. The adjustment period has just not worked out and injuries have proven extremely difficult to return from. Bany picked up an injury from the bench on the final day of last season which scuppered Jordan World Cup hopes, and while he has been back in some parts of full training, the 22-year-old has only managed 45 minutes of friendly action.