West Bromwich Albion has 39 days until its 2025-26 season opener and for American forward Daryl Dike, he’s ready to hit the ground running under new boss Ryan Mason.
Dike has already begun preseason camp in England with the new league campaign less than six weeks away. The former Orlando City and Barnsley man recovered from surgery on his Achilles to make 11 appearances over the final three months of last season.
Dike scored in the Baggies’ season finale 5-3 victory over then-relegated Luton Town, giving the American his first club goal since January 2024. West Brom will surely have high aspirations to be part of the promotion picture this season and Dike is pleased with the positive work already this summer from the squad.
“As a player we obviously keep training when we’re away for the summer, but when you’re back out here and you’re running, it doesn’t really compare. You can definitely feel the time off,” Dike said in a club interview. “The first week back has been really good. It’s been good, first and foremost, to be back around the training ground and to see a lot of the guys we haven’t seen in a long time.
“Then of course we have a new coaching staff, so we’ve been getting to know them and their tactics,” he added. “We’ve also been getting involved in lots of sessions too so it’s been nice. I’m happy with where I’m at and how I ended last term. I’m happy I could show myself and show everyone I can still do these kinds of things.”
Dike will work under the 34-year-old Mason in what will be the former player’s first permanent managerial position. Mason, whose playing career was cut short due to multiple head injuries, is the youngest manager in the English Championship.
Unlike Dike’s former managers Steve Bruce, Carlos Corberan, and Tony Mowbray, who all have ample years of experience, Mason is stepping into a large role at a young age. Dike isn’t doubting his manager’s abilities, believing that Mason’s hiring could be crucial in the club’s quest for a successful season.
“Ryan Mason has been great, honestly,” Dike said. “I know coming into a new environment can be very difficult, but he’s been great. He’s obviously a good leader and a good person. You can tell automatically that he expects us to work hard in every single session. That’s one of his things, pushing players to develop positive and good habits.
“Tactically, he’s obviously a very good guy,” Dike added. “You can see that he always likes to be involved whether it’s meetings or during a session. No matter what, he’s very precise. I think having a gaffer like that is very, very important for us.”
West Brom will open the new season on August 9 against Blackburn Rovers.
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