Our guest on Episode #67 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Genius Sports, is Andrew Nestor.
Andrew is the Sporting Director of West Brom, working under new owner Shilen Patel. When the duo arrived in February 2024, the club's finances were in a "perilous" position.
Since then, they have focused on rejuvenating the squad, while being mindful of profit and sustainability rules.
Speaking the morning after West Brom's last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Bristol City, Nestor told us about his role as Sporting Director, his strategy at the Championship club and how he cut his teeth in football as owner, CEO and General Manager of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the US.
SHOW NOTES =>
03:35: Andrew's thoughts on Baggies manager Tony Mowbray and the squad.
04:35: How he has found his role so far.
06:02: First impressions of West Brom on arriving at the club.
07:23: The Baggies were known as being innovative before Andrew's arrival - was that the situation he found?
08:16: How he worked on changing the squad, which was the oldest, based on minutes played, and fifth highest-paid in Championship.
10:00: The part the club's Academy plays in Andrew's strategy and extending the stays of younger players.
11:40: His thoughts on West Brom's style of play and how to adapt it.
15:16: Bringing in a data team to support the club's scouting process.
18:40: Planning for life in either the Championship or the Premier League at the same time.
19:25: Why Tony Mowbray was appointed as head coach.
23:57: Keeping a long-term vision for the club despite external pressure.
25:08: Carlos Corberan's departure.
26:52: Andrew's first off-the-field job in football with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
29:05: His career outside the game before that.
29:41: Success at Tampa Bay and working with Paul Mariner and Paul Dalglish.
31:39: Meeting WBA chairman Shilen Patel for the first time.
32:23: Leaving Tampa Bay to go to Bologna.
34:44: How Andrew and Shilen ended up joining West Brom.
35:42: Shilen's involvement with the club.
36:32: Andrew's first experience of being a Sporting Director.
37:33: His wide remit at The Hawthorns.
39:06: Working closely with Ian Pearce.
39:54: The club's financial situation, largely affected by the loss of parachute payments.
41:52: What are the Baggies' short and medium-term prospects?
43:56: Reflections on the January transfer window.
46:07: Where Andrew bases himself.
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