Scott Sinclair joins West Brom

With just ten days or so of the transfer window remaining City today confirmed that Scott Sinclair has joined West Brom on loan for the 2013/14 season.

Previous reports had suggested that such a deal would be the precursor to a permanent move, but whilst this has not been announced, it would be a surprise if Sinclair re-started (or more accurately actually started) his City career from this point.

Sinclair was signed on deadline day almost a year ago in what became one of the late signings City grabbed as the window was shutting. As the season progressed this of course became Roberto Mancini's bete noir; regularly railing against the indecisive approach in the transfer market from Brian Marwood that saw the likes of Robin Van Persie, Eden Hazard and Javi Martinez slip by.

The signing of Sinclair, whilst one that would see him join a stable of attacking players, was thought to be a positive one. Replacing the departed Adam Johnson, Sinclair was surely a better fit than Johnson for Mancini, less of the style of the orthodox winger but a more direct, pacy player.

A crowded front line afforded little opportunity however, with brief substitute minutes inspiring little confidence and Sinclair's play appeared without purpose, clarity of role or, and most crucially, belief.

Sinclair was not the only player to suffer from a lack of trust by Mancini, but in a surprising turn the Italian blamed himself for the lack of opportunities he received and despite making 15 appearances in total Sinclair absurdly played just 198 Premier League minutes.

At just 24 years of age Sinclair has time on his side and West Brom should be a place where he will be afforded an opportunity, which will lead to the likely scenario where both City and Sinclair can at least cut their losses and move on.