NafisaWest Brom’s Rochdale Coup Turns Sour with Wolves Hijack: The Craig Dawson Saga
West Bromwich Albion have a storied history of unearthing gems in the transfer market, and their 2010 acquisition of Craig Dawson from League Two side Rochdale seemed to epitomize their knack for smart recruitment. At the time, few could have predicted the defender’s meteoric rise from the lower leagues to becoming a Premier League mainstay in the Black Country.
Dawson, a towering centre-back, quickly became a fan favourite at The Hawthorns. His no-nonsense defending, aerial dominance, and knack for scoring crucial goals saw him establish himself as one of Albion’s most reliable players. However, what started as a fairytale story has since been marred by a series of controversies, culminating in a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers—a decision that has left Albion supporters questioning his legacy.
Craig Dawson’s Rise at The Hawthorns
After signing for West Brom in 2010, Dawson returned to Rochdale on loan to continue his development. Another loan spell at Bolton Wanderers followed, allowing him to gain valuable experience in the EFL before making his first real impact at The Hawthorns.
Dawson broke into the first team during the 2013/14 season, featuring in nine of the final ten Premier League games under Pepe Mel as Albion narrowly avoided relegation. Over the next few years, he flourished under managers Alan Irvine and Tony Pulis, becoming a mainstay in the side.
During the 2014/15 season, Dawson cemented his place in the starting XI, making 29 league appearances and scoring twice. He was even more influential in the following campaigns, missing just one Premier League game across two seasons and netting a remarkable eight goals over that period, often from set pieces.
His performances earned him admiration from the Albion faithful, who saw him as a quintessential example of hard work and loyalty. However, the narrative began to shift during the club’s relegation season in 2017/18.
The Beginning of the End
Following West Brom’s drop to the Championship, Dawson’s relationship with the club soured. The defender submitted a written transfer request, making his desire to return to the Premier League clear. Burnley, Everton, and West Ham expressed interest, but Albion stood firm on their £20 million asking price, which deterred potential suitors.
Dawson refused to join the team’s pre-season tour of Portugal, a move that alienated many fans. Although he eventually stayed for another season, helping the club secure a play-off spot under interim manager Jimmy Shan, the damage to his reputation was already done. His equalizing goal against Aston Villa in the play-off semi-finals offered a brief moment of redemption, but Albion’s eventual defeat on penalties marked the end of his time at the club.
In the summer of 2019, Dawson left for Watford in a £5.5 million deal, drawing a line under his nine-year association with the Baggies.
The Wolves Controversy
After a short stint at Watford and a successful spell with West Ham, Dawson made the highly contentious move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2023. For Albion supporters, this was the ultimate betrayal. Wolves, as West Brom’s fiercest local rivals, were the last club fans wanted to see one of their former heroes join.
The transfer has since overshadowed Dawson’s achievements at The Hawthorns. Fans who once celebrated his rise from Rochdale to the Premier League now see him as a player who turned his back on the club that gave him his platform.
For Albion fans, the Craig Dawson story will always be one of two halves: a tale of loyalty, hard work, and success tarnished by ambition, controversy, and the bitter sting of a Wolves hijack.
Nafisa
