West Brom Fell in Love with Serial Winner Tony Pulis Never “Signed a Better Player Than”
West Bromwich Albion fans are no strangers to having passionate opinions about their club’s signings, but one name stands out as a fan-favorite and a testament to Tony Pulis’ eye for talent. Claudio Yacob? Darren Fletcher? No, the honor belongs to Jonny Evans, a player that Pulis himself lauded as the best signing of his managerial career.
Evans, a decorated defender with a glittering résumé from his time at Manchester United, joined West Brom in the summer of 2015 for a reported £6 million. It was a coup for the Baggies, who secured a proven winner at the peak of his career. Despite being linked to bigger clubs, Evans chose Albion, and his decision proved transformative.
Evans brought more than just defensive stability to The Hawthorns. He exuded calmness, leadership, and intelligence on the pitch. While Pulis was often criticized for his pragmatic, defense-first style, Evans provided the technical proficiency to balance the physicality of the team. His composure under pressure and ability to play out from the back made him indispensable.
During his time at West Brom, Evans was pivotal to some of the club’s most memorable campaigns, including the 2016-17 season when Albion finished 10th in the Premier League, their highest placement in recent years. Fans and pundits alike praised Evans for elevating the performances of those around him, particularly younger defenders.
Having already won three Premier League titles and two League Cups with Manchester United, Evans arrived at West Brom with a pedigree few could match. His experience in high-pressure games allowed him to seamlessly adapt to a mid-table club with lower expectations. Despite West Brom’s more modest ambitions, Evans’ professionalism never wavered.
Even Pulis, a manager known for keeping his praise measured, admitted in interviews that Evans was the best player he had ever signed. “I’ve never signed a better player than Jonny Evans,” Pulis declared, emphasizing the Northern Irishman’s blend of talent and mentality.
Evans’ spell at West Brom wasn’t just about individual accolades. He became a fan favorite, earning the admiration of supporters who appreciated his unwavering commitment and consistency. His ability to lead by example, whether as captain or a senior figure in the squad, was a significant factor in West Brom’s resilience during tough periods.
Unfortunately, Albion’s relegation at the end of the 2017-18 season meant they couldn’t hold onto their prized defender. Evans’ departure to Leicester City for a bargain £3.5 million release clause left a bittersweet taste. While fans were proud to see him continue thriving in the Premier League, they lamented the loss of a player who had become synonymous with class and reliability.
Jonny Evans’ time at West Brom serves as a reminder that even in a team without silverware ambitions, a player of his caliber can leave an indelible mark. For Pulis, Evans was the ultimate validation of his recruitment strategy: a serial winner who not only brought success but also inspired those around him to dream bigger.
To this day, West Brom fans speak of Evans with fondness and respect, a testament to a player who gave everything to the club during his tenure. For a club known for its ups and downs, Jonny Evans represents a golden era where talent, leadership, and heart converged under the Hawthorns’ lights.
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