An Albion inspiration for Cyrille Regis
Wednesday 30th June 2010, 10:56AM BST.
Former Albion striker Cyrille Regis believes the recent exploits of Birmingham and Wolves will help the Baggies believe they can stay in the Premier League.
Roberto Di Matteo’s side won promotion to the top flight for the fourth time in nine seasons last term, but have only managed to avoid immediate relegation one of three occasions.
But Birmingham and Wolves both managed to beat the drop in 2009/10 after coming up from the Championship and Regis feels their achievement can inspire the Baggies in their quest for survival.
He said: “It is a challenge not just for Di Matteo, but for the chairman and the players to keep Albion in the Premier League.
“If you look at Birmingham and Wolves they managed to do it last year and I’m sure that will give us a lot of confidence that we can do it.
“There will need to be a bit of tinkering with the side, bringing in a few new players to freshen it up.
“With a few more quality players in, hopefully we can stay up.”
With Villa also in the mix, the Midlands will be strongly represented in the Premier League next season and Regis is looking forward to the battles for local bragging rights.
He said: “That is what the fans what – local derbies, the interest, the banter in the factories and offices.
“It livens up the place, the local media loves it, the players love it and we want to be the best in the area.”
UK Sport
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