Jeremy Peace gives his West Brom backing to Tony Pulis

Albion chairman Jeremy Peace has thrown his backing behind head coach Tony Pulis despite admitting the season has been a 'frustrating' one.

The pair are due to meet this week but both men expect Pulis – who's got one year left on his contract – to be in charge of the Baggies next season.

Yesterday's 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool left Albion on 43 points, one shy of last season's tally. After the game Pulis described it as a 'good season'. Although Peace didn't go that far in his programme notes, he did defend the Welshman from the criticism that has been levelled at him from some supporters.

"This fixture closes an ultimately frustrating season for us at The Hawthorns," admitted the chairman.

"There have been moments when we would have all hoped for much more than what we must concede has now been a low-key finish to the campaign.

"When I recall the missed chances and strange aberrations at the penalty spot, we have been our worst enemies.

"I do feel some of the criticism that has been thrown at the team during this period has been unfair.

"Of course, we will always strive to do better but we have fallen the wrong side of those tiny margins.

"But for a kinder twist of fate in key moments, we could have reached our best ever Premier League points total."

Pulis has been linked with the vacant Villa job, but the Welshman is happy at Albion and proud to be in charge of the only West Midlands club still in the Premier League.

Not only will he honour his contract next season, he'll ask Peace for a new one this summer.

Peace is happy to have Pulis, as long as he works alongside new technical director Nick Hammond in the transfer window.

The chairman said: "Tony and I will discuss everything about the future when the dust has settled on this campaign and we will do so from a start point of knowing another critical summer awaits.

"Our performance in recruitment has not been good enough in recent years and we need to build from past mistakes. We know we still have not got the balance of the squad right."