Albion captain Jonathan Greening today hailed Baggies fans for keeping faith with Tony Mowbray as the Premier League ‘sacking season’ looms.

Bottom-placed Albion will head to Sunderland on Saturday with Mowbray safe from the supporter pressure that forced Roy Keane to quit the Black Cats.

And Greening says fans and directors are right give Mowbray their continued backing.

“It’s not even open to question,” said Greening. “He’s a top bloke and a top coach and any club would want his style of football and the passion that he’s got for the game.

“He’s probably a wanted man and one of the best coaches I’ve played with. It’s a pleasure to come into work and he’s made it enjoyable for us when we play.

“I’d be surprised if he comes under pressure because what he’s done here has been fantastic.

“I’ve been near the bottom of the League with Middlesbrough when Steve McClaren came under pressure and then with Bryan Robson in the year we went down here, but the gaffer is big enough and ugly enough to take it on the chin if it happens.

“That’s why he’s in the game. We all want to play for him and work hard for him. The fans have been brilliant too. I’ve been here for five years and they’ve always backed us. I’m sure they love the manager as much as we do.”

Greening opened his goalscoring account for the season yesterday against Portsmouth but the Baggies had to settle for a point as Peter Crouch struck a deflected equaliser.

However, the skipper said the squad remain positive as they begin preparing for Saturday’s trip to Sunderland.

“A second goal would have helped yesterday but it wasn’t to be,” said Greening.

“Scotty Carson didn’t have much to do other than that. At least we’re off 11 points.”