Mowbray's 'write-off' warning
Tony Mowbray today warned Albion's play-off rivals to write off the Baggies at their peril as he ordered his players to make their experience count. Tony Mowbray today warned Albion's play-off rivals to write off the Baggies at their peril as he ordered his players to make their experience count. The Baggies' big name stars have struggled to live up to their reputations in recent weeks as they have spluttered towards the Championship finishing line. But, with Albion needing victory over Barnsley on Sunday to guarantee their top six place, coupled with three potentially nerve-wracking play-off games to follow, Mowbray expects his senior men to come to the fore. "We do have experienced players and you should never write that off," he said. "We hope the players will use that experience when the big games come along – and there is no bigger game than Sunday. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
The Baggies' big name stars have struggled to live up to their reputations in recent weeks as they have spluttered towards the Championship finishing line.
But, with Albion needing victory over Barnsley on Sunday to guarantee their top six place, coupled with three potentially nerve-wracking play-off games to follow, Mowbray expects his senior men to come to the fore.
"We do have experienced players and you should never write that off," he said. "We hope the players will use that experience when the big games come along – and there is no bigger game than Sunday.
"The next month is exciting, and, rather than getting nervous, we have to go and enjoy it and enjoy playing on the big stage.
"We have players who can play on the big stage. They're used to playing in front of big crowds in big atmospheres and we've got to use that experience to try to push ourselves over the line."
Mowbray reckons Dean Kiely will be one of Albion's key figures and hopes the keeper's attitude will impact on his teammates.
"Dean has been a big plus for us since he came," said Mowbray. "His experience and enthusiasm has been a big positive.
"He hadn't suffered the relegation last season and he has just been keeping very positive and very bright. Hopefully that attitude rubs off on one or two."
With four games between Albion and the Premiership, Mowbray believes this represents the perfect chance for his players to prove many of the Championship's bosses right and show they belong in the top flight.
"They have got to earn the right to be Premiership players and work extremely hard to get out of this division," he said. "Once we're there then they can prove they are Premiership players.
"All the stuff about us having the best squad has been clever management by other people to remove the pressure off their team."
