Big Dave backs Baggies to stay up
Thursday 29th April 2010, 11:35AM BST.
Albion old boy Darren Moore is backing the Baggies to succeed in the Premier League ahead of what could be his last visit to the Hawthorns.
The 36-year-old is now part of the Barnsley line-up that travels to his old stomping ground on Sunday in the final Championship game of the season and wants to be a party pooper.
But the defender, affectionately known as ‘Big Dave’ who won two promotions with Albion in a total of 116 appearances, reckons boss Roberto Di Matteo will buck the recent ‘yo-yo’ trend of the club and establish the Baggies in the top flight for good.
Moore said: “West Brom are back where they should be – in the Premier League. It will be great being back there for the party on Sunday.
“They’ve got closer each time to staying up and next season I fancy them to stop up and keep moving up the table over the next few years.
“I’m not just saying that because it’s Albion – I genuinely believe this team can stay up, even before they have strengthened it.
“When we beat them earlier in the season, I thought they would still go up as champions, which only Newcastle’s brilliant performances have stopped them being.
“They will excel in the Premier League and for me this will be a special occasion, even though I will be giving everything and more for Barnsley.
“I’ve got to be realistic. I’m 36 now and though I’d love to stay at Barnsley, this may well be the last time I play professionally at the Hawthorns, so I want to go out on a personal high if I can.”
Moore was happy to have the 89-point club record he helped establish in 2002 overhauled by the Class of 2010.
He said: “They have deserved it – they’re a team full of good players who won’t look out of place in the Premier League. They seem to have great spirit and ability. They’ve done brilliantly to get where they have and break our record.
“It’s brilliant for everyone so I’d like to congratulate Jeremy Peace, his directors, the manager, the coaching staff, the players and, most of all, the fans.”
UK Sport
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