Watson’s warning for new club Albion
Friday 26th February 2010, 11:00AM GMT.
Albion new-boy Ben Watson has warned his new club to target automatic promotion at all costs after recalling his own play-off heartbreak.
The on-loan midfielder is standing by for his Baggies debut against Derby at the Hawthorns tomorrow, after moving from Premier League Wigan Athletic for the rest of the season.
A veteran of three play-off campaigns with Crystal Palace, Watson is desperate to avoid another post-season ‘lottery’ in May.
He said: “I’d like to avoid the play-offs, without a doubt. It’s a fantastic way to get promoted if you win, but if you lose it’s not nice.
“I’ve lost in the semi-finals twice and got promoted once and it’s nice if you win but horrible if you lose, so first or second would be nice and first would be very nice.”
Watson is in line for an immediate debut against the Rams after watching from the stands as the Baggies lost in the FA Cup to Reading on Wednesday.
The former QPR loanee was cup-tied for that match but is available to play tomorrow, as the Baggies look to get back to winning ways.
Head coach Roberto Di Matteo looks set to make a number of changes after resting several key players for the fifth-round replay, which left the players involved drained after it was settled in extra time.
Vice-captain Jonas Olsson and winger Chris Brunt are in line to return, after both were unused substitutes against the Royals.
Jerome Thomas seems certain to start in his first game back from a five-match ban and Marek Cech could replace Joe Mattock at left-back, after returning as a substitute on Wednesday following a three-week lay-off with a hamstring problem.
Watson has declared himself ready to start, despite playing just half an hour of first team football for Wigan since returning from QPR in December.
The 24-year-old said: “Touch wood I will be involved and I am looking forward to it.”
UK Sport
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