Eric Ramsay’s Quick Exit from West Bromwich Albion
Eric Ramsay’s move to the West Midlands arrived barely in time. After leaving Minnesota United during this MLS offseason, his stint with West Bromwich Albion lasted only 44 days, during which the Baggies played nine matches without securing a single victory. With the club precariously positioned just one point above the relegation zone in the Championship, Ramsay was dismissed on Tuesday.
Frequent Managerial Changes in the Championship
This event is representative of the ongoing trend within the English second tier. Ramsay became the 11th coach to be either sacked or to resign since the beginning of the 2025-26 season, marking the league’s 12th midseason change when including Rob Edwards’s transition to Wolves. Below in League One, there have been nine managerial changes, while League Two has seen seven. As Ramsay noted a year earlier: “getting managers sacked is a bit of a national sport.”
Criticism of American Coaches in the UK
Ramsay’s departure reignited a specific debate, prominently articulated by Charlie Austin, a veteran striker previously with West Brom. When questioned about the trend of hiring “MLS American coaches,” Austin candidly remarked, “I think people have watched Ted Lasso and got carried away if I’m honest.”
Comparing Coaching Tenures
Ramsay and Wilfried Nancy, recently appointed by Celtic, are tied together in public perception as MLS managers who fell short in Europe. Both coaches had minimal pro playing careers; Ramsay was born in Wales, moving through youth coaching in Swansea City and Chelsea before joining Manchester United. Nancy, having started his career in France and later achieving success in MLS, also faced an early exit after only two wins from eight games at Celtic.
Immediate Expectations and Tactical Challenges
The swift dismissals of Ramsay and Nancy can be attributed to the immediate expectations of winning, a misalignment given their recent backgrounds in MLS. Both coaches demonstrated robust tactical methodologies within their teams. Ramsay transformed Minnesota United into an aggressive set-piece team, whereas Nancy established a compelling philosophy at Columbus Crew. West Brom’s hiring overlooked Ramsay’s preference for a five-man defense, complicating his ability to adapt to the championship level swiftly.
Structural Issues in Managerial Transitions
The transition from MLS to leagues like the Championship poses significant challenges, especially given the timing of arrivals during the season. The variations in league structures mean that both coaches lacked a preseason to embed their philosophies, making success in a relegation fight almost unattainable.
Future Implications for MLS Coaches
While the MLS allows managers more time to develop and implement their strategies without the threat of relegation, the situation could change. As the league transitions to a summer-spring calendar, coaches like Matt Wells, who recently joined Colorado Rapids, might find more opportunities to prove themselves in Europe. Wells noted the appeal of learning and growing in a different environment, indicating a shift in how American coaches are perceived. Future appointments will hope for a more supportive framework than Ramsay or Nancy encountered.
