James Shan: West Brom belong in Premier League

Preparations for the Baggies’ huge double header against Villa in the play-offs are ramping up, and Shan says his side are determined to see off their rivals to get to Wembley.

The caretaker boss admits the fever levels are building, but says his players have remained professional.

“The goal remains the same,” he said.

“To try and gain promotion back to the Premier League. That’s where this club belongs. The players are no different. They think they belong there, believe they belong there and want to perform there. Of course there’s bags of excitement we just want to be focused, professional and make sure we do everything in our power to gain that promotion.”

Shan has steadied the ship at Albion during a turbulent couple of months following the sacking of close friend Darren Moore.

He’s not being considered for the permanent job at The Hawthorns, but confirmed this taster had left him wanting more, and he’s desperate to put a promotion on his CV.

“I’ve been asked over the past 18 months, do you want to go and be a number one?” he said.

“I’ve had opportunities at various different levels to try and build a career. If I’m honest with you I didn’t think I was ready.

“Being thrown into the spotlight, managing the media and speaking to the board, now I think I can do it. Is it something I’d consider? 100 per cent. These jobs are very difficult and hard to come by. I have a big passion for coaching and developing players. It serves me well not having an ego, I just want to work with the best players I can.

“If things didn’t work out at this club, next week, month, a year, two years, three years, four years, and it meant working with the best players, I’d go and work at under-18 level.

“Like everybody I need to earn money, pay the bills and the mortgage! I’ve got a real thirst for player development and coaching.

“Right now it’s about winning games. Hopefully I can get that promotion and put it on the CV, that’d look nice, because it means I can win games as well.”