Developing Jack looks a good Fit for first team

JACK Fitzwater is close to making a breakthrough into the first team at Albion.

That’s the view of Deon Burton, the man who assesses how the Baggies’ players out on loan are getting on.

Centre-back Fitzwater has been earning rave reviews from Walsall manager Dean Keates having impressed in a second loan stint with the Saddlers. Fitzwater, who has also had spells at Chesterfield, Hednesford and Forest Green Rovers, is due to be with Walsall for the season but that could be reviewed in January.

“His development is going as well as could be expected,” said Burton, who clocked up mor than 600 appearances as a player.

“He’s played every single minute of every game so far.

“That definitely shows he’s maturing and is a vital part of Walsall’s team.

“He’s developing with each loan so the next step is back here with the first team. He is close. This loan will be the one where he’s judged.

“Obviously he tasted it last year and now he’s ticking all the boxes.

“He’s doing something right and hopefully the management here see he has what it takes for the next step up, which is obviously a bit more difficult.”

And Burton believes the Baggies are “reaping the rewards” of Darren Moore’s tireless approach to management.

A run of seven games unbeaten has pushed West Brom into the automatic promotion places, just one point behind league leaders Sheffield United.

Burton says West Brom’s good form is a reflection of the head coach’s unswerving dedication and commitment to the cause.

“Now I’m seeing firsthand the effort and the hours he and the first-team staff put into each day and preparation for each game, you understand why they’re doing so well,” said Burton.

“The proof is in the results. The table doesn’t lie.

“I’m guessing with all the hard work him, the analysis team and his staff are doing they’re reaping the rewards and long may it continue.”

Moore picked up Championship Manager of the Month after guiding West Brom to 13 points from a possible 15 in September. It was his second such accolade after bagging Premier League Manager of the Month for April, when he halted nine straight defeats under Alan Pardew.

“The proof is out there for everyone to see,” added Burton, who overseas the club’s loans programme following his promotion in July. “He’s been a manager for four months and has two manager of the month awards. That says it all.

“It’s all about leaving no stone unturned. Making sure we’ve covered everything so there’s no fallback where we say ‘we didn’t do this right or that right’. As long as we’ve ticked all the boxes we’ve done our best.”