Motivation key to Darren Moore’s success at West Brom

The Baggies caretaker boss is unbeaten in his first two games in charge and masterminded a memorable 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford last Sunday.

Chris Brunt has been made skipper by Moore in Jonny Evans’ absence, and he says the former centre-back’s motivational skills are key to the recent upturn in form.

“He’s just built a bit of confidence back up,” said Brunt. “He’s positive in everything he does.

“I think he’s always on everybody, helping them and encouraging them and making them believe in themselves, that they’re better than obviously our league position shows.

“When you’re going through a rut and you can’t get results, it’s a very difficult one to break out of and confidence does drop.

“It’s hard to take the ball when your confidence is low and you’re trying to do things.

“He has just installed that and over the last couple of weeks. He’s made everybody believe that they’re good players and that they can do the things that he’s asking them to do. I think the last two games have showed that.”

One of the players Moore has got the best out of is Jay Rodriguez, who has two goals in his last two games.

Those strikes came either side of the news that an independent panel had cleared him of racial abuse following an allegation made by Brighton defender Gaetan Bong.

“Look, obviously it has been a tough few weeks for him in the situation he was in,” said Brunt. “We all backed him, we all believed what he said was what happened.

“I think when he got the news it was sort of a weight lifted off his shoulders – I am sure for anybody it’s not a nice accusation thrown at you and he’s handled it really well, to be fair to him.

“He was top draw (against United). It’s probably one of the best games he has played for us.

“I am delighted for him to get the goal. He’s a top guy and all the lads really like him.”