Jake Livermore: West Brom should win promotion for James Shan and his son
Jake Livermore says Albion's players have an extra emotional reason to give caretaker boss James Shan everything in their final few games.
Shan took over in interim charge just a few days after his third son was born, and Livermore, a father himself, says that sacrifice hasn't gone unnoticed in the dressing room.
The midfielder has been impressed with Shan, and is desperate to repay his effort on the pitch.
"He's been really good since he's taken over," said Livermore. "It's a difficult role, but he knew the boys and knew what we needed.
"Hopefully we can repay his hard work and what he's done for us with the results he deserves.
"I hope I'm not speaking out of turn but he's just had a newborn baby and he's putting his time and effort into trying and split it the best way he can.
"Credit to him and hopefully we can repay him and it's all worthwhile."
Although the midfielder insists the Baggies are determined to end this season positively by winning promotion through the play-offs, he says Shan's situation gives them an extra push.
"Subconsciously, it must do," he said. "Every time we put on the shirt we do all we can do but when you step away and realise what great people there are around the club it makes it more special and makes you strive to do something great."
Albion knew relatively early on they were destined for the play-offs, but despite the disappointment of missing out on the top two, Livermore believes it gives the team more time to mentally prepare for what's ahead.
"Hopefully it will stand us in good stead that we've secured that place relatively early and we can get our head round it and what we need to do," he said.
"We've been doing that in training and in the classroom. Our sole aim is to go up, in whatever shape or form that is.
"Hopefully it can be massive for us. That initial disappointment of not going up automatic is out of the way now and we're fully focused on that other route, the play-offs.
"It's something we're relishing as a club and a squad, the manager, and his staff that he's got involved as well.
"I'm sure the fans, with a possible day out at Wembley on the cards, will make it even more special."
