00:00Ryan Mason is settling into life as West Bromwich Albion head coach
00:06and early signs from the club's Austrian pre-season camp are promising.
00:10The 34-year-old taking on his first full-time managerial role
00:14has praised the intensity and togetherness shown by his squad during the week.
00:19Long stay in Badtasafschorf.
00:22We're happy with the group physically and how they're responding to our ideas, Mason said.
00:28This is a vital stage where we lay foundations, not just fitness,
00:32but tactically in terms of what we want to look like on a match day.
00:36Despite inconsistent weather, Mason says the week has been productive,
00:40with strong emphasis on team bonding and cohesion.
00:43You see the players connecting on the pitch, over meals, even playing cards together.
00:49That natural closeness is something we'll need during the season.
00:53It's low risk, isn't it? It's only a loan. You're not spending a big transfer fee.
00:56And then an attacking midfielder, a bit more creativity in there.
01:00But they might find that for a player who's already at the club.
01:03Tami Abani, who signed in the winter for £3 million,
01:06didn't really get going because of fitness problems.
01:09But with a proper pre-season under his belt, he could have a good impact
01:12and he's supposed to be a very creative player.
01:14Ryan Mason, I think, will have a little bit of money to spend this summer,
01:17a little bit more than the likes of Mowbray and Corbran had in the past.
01:21So yeah, there could be quite a few exciting additions for West Brom
01:23and the team could look very different next season.
01:27Mason's appointment represents a new direction for Albion
01:30following Tony Mowbray's departure.
01:33After years building experience at Tottenham,
01:35where he worked under Mourinho, Conte and Posta Coglu
01:39and managed two spells as interim boss,
01:41he's now ready to lead in his own right.
01:45Meanwhile, former Albion midfielder John Swift continues training
01:48with the PFA's free agent camp, having left the club in June.
01:53There's nothing worse than waiting around.
01:55It's good to get back on the pitch, said Swift,
01:58who's been linked with Stoke, Derby and Portsmouth.
02:03Mason's focus, however, is firmly on shaping a competitive side
02:07his own way, with the overall future aim
02:10to steer the baggies back to the top flight.
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