ERIC Ramsay has been appointed West Bromwich Albion’s new men’s first team Head Coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal, arriving from Minnesota United with assistant Dennis Lawrence joining him at The Hawthorns.
The former Llanfyllin High School student has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and will work as Head Coach of Albion’s men’s first team.
Ramsay and brother Alex both attended Llanfyllin High School and members of the TNS academy before Eric enjoyed a playing stint with Welshpool Town in the Welsh Premier.
Playing career in Wales
Ramsay appeared in 14 matches for Welshpool Town in the JD Cymru Premier before embarking on a coaching career with Swansea City and Shrewsbury Town after getting a taste for coaching after studying in Loughborough.
He had coached and captained Wales' futsal team in his early 20s and his interest snowballed.
Ramsay joined Chelsea in 2019, where he coached the club's under-23s and became the youngest British coach to achieve the UEFA Pro Licence.
In 2021, Ramsay joined Manchester United as a player development coach under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and served Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Tag and helped the club win the EFL Cup in 2023.
He joins after two seasons in charge of Minnesota United, where his side set club records for wins and points and finished fourth in the Western Conference in 2025, reaching the conference semi-finals of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
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Dennis Lawrence, his assistant at Minnesota, has also been appointed on Albion’s staff, bringing significant Championship and Midlands experience from spells with Wigan, Everton and Coventry City.
The Shrewsbury-born coach previously worked in elite coaching roles at Chelsea, Manchester United and with the Wales national team before moving to MLS.
MLS record-breaker
He became the youngest permanent head coach in MLS history when appointed by Minnesota United in February 2024, and over 81 games in all competitions recorded 38 wins, 27 defeats and 16 draws.
In 2025 his Minnesota side achieved a club-record 58 points from 34 matches (16 wins, 8 draws, 10 losses), the highest points total in the club’s history.
Chairman Shilen Patel highlighted Ramsay’s intensity, organisation and adaptability as key qualities, calling them critical for short- and long-term success at West Brom.
West Brom welcome
Chairman Shilen Patel said: “Throughout our recruitment process, Eric consistently exhibited the qualities to lead and succeed in the world’s most demanding football environment.
“In his time as a Head Coach, his teams have been characterised by intensity, organisation, and adaptability – all critical for the sustained success and growth that we envision in the short and long term.
“Eric impressed us as a person, a coach, and a fit for our squad. I am pleased to welcome him to The Albion as we work with purpose to seize the opportunities and confront the challenges before us.”
Sporting Director Andrew Nestor added: "Eric's unique coaching journey has equipped him with significant experience and a deep understanding of English football.
“Eric’s leadership qualities and attention to detail are key traits that stuck out to us, and he has demonstrated an ability to adapt his playing style to get the best from players at his disposal without compromising his football philosophy.
“His recent work as Head Coach at Minnesota over the past two seasons has reinforced this, having led a squad to perform well beyond expectations against clubs with greater budgets. "
