Albion defender Neil Clement believes Albion have their best chance ever of cementing their place in the Premier League this season.
Clement is the Baggies’ longest serving player after five seasons at The Hawthorns, including three promotions to the top flight.
He reckons the club is now set up with their best opportunity yet to stay in the top flight.
He said: “I think this is the best team we’ve had. Overall, from the manager, to the players, to the training ground, everything is set up for us to do well.
“The way we’re set up will help. In the past, we’ve been quite direct but come straight back down.
“The style of football that the manager wants us to play will help. There will be games that we lose this year, we know that.
“We are under no illusions but we will go out there and give it a good go, attack teams and try to play football.”
Clement left Holland yesterday, with he and the whole Baggies squad recovering from a gruelling week of fitness training on the outskirts of Venlo.
After having his last two pre-seasons wrecked by knee injuries, Clement is more than happy to accept some “punishment” at the hands of fitness coach Dan Harris.
He said: “I’m really enjoying this pre-season. It’s nice to get a full pre-season under my belt. Even the running isn’t too bad. I’m looking forward to the weeks ahead.”
The former Chelsea trainee cannot help but look beyond the remainder of pre-season training to relish his latest crack at the Premier League.
He believes his best football came in the top flight when the Baggies pulled off “the great escape” and he is looking forward to recreating that form.
He said: “I can’t wait. I think I’m reaching my peak and I can’t wait for the season ahead with this manager.
“More players will come in, he’ll strengthen the team and it should be a good battle for places.
“I think the best I played was the year we stayed up. I was happy with my form throughout that season.
“I felt I was consistent throughout. If I can play like that again this year then I’ll be more than happy with that.
“My short-term is to get a good pre-season under my belt and I can’t wait.”
Clement is braced for the fact he and his fellow defenders will be busier in the season ahead than they were in the Championship
He said: “I think you need to be prepared and accept that there may be games where you won’t get as much of the ball.
“It’s about how you react to that. This manager is never too up or too down.
“We have a great group of lads and we are looking forward to getting results together. this season.”
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