Albion boss’ call to raise roof

Albion manager Tony Mowbray today challenged fans to get Wembley rocking this afternoon by drowning out the famous Pompey Chimes.

Mowbray has called on all Baggies fans to raise the roof at this afternoon’s semi-final against Portsmouth.

And he has set them the challenge of out-singing the Pompey fans, who are renowned for their vociferous support.

“They just have to go there and support the team,” said Mowbray.

“Going to Wembley stadium is always a great occasion just because of the size of it and the number of people involved.

“It’s a challenge for our fans to try to out-perform a Portsmouth support who are known throughout the football world for their noise and intensity that they create, especially at Fratton Park.

“That is an amazing venue to play football in with the perpetual noise that creates so it is a test for our supporters to see if they can out-sing the Portsmouth support.”

And Mowbray is preaching a no-fear message to his players as they try to take Albion to their first FA Cup final for 40 years.

The Baggies will be clear underdogs at kick-off against their Premier League opponents, but Mowbray reckons Pompey manager Harry Redknapp will be concerned by Albion’s firepower.

“We’ve got nothing to fear because on our day we can retain the ball and score goals,” said Mowbray.

“I have great belief and confidence that we can get a result if we perform well. Portsmouth will be aware of that and I’m sure they have seen our goals tally this year.

“They will have watched us in the last three or four weeks and while we haven’t been rock-solid we have still managed to score goals.

“They will be aware that our threat is always there.”