West Brom v Portsmouth preview: Boss balances 'accelerated belief' with early expectations

The head coach, appointed this summer, has overseen two wins from his first two Championship games at the helm and admitted positive early results are important and can "accelerate" belief.

Mason said it is the challenge for him and his staff to "get everybody on board" to foster a belief Albion can compete in and around the division's top six this season.

Club captain Jed Wallace - scorer of an important goal at Wrexham last weekend - and Alex Mowatt, who on Wednesday penned a contract extension, have both spoken glowingly about the start to life under the new head coach.

But Mason has been at pains to stress how early Albion are not just in their season, but in the journey together.

The next step for the Baggies is a return to The Hawthorns and the visit of Portsmouth, who were humbled 5-1 in the Black Country in late January in Tony Mowbray's best day back at the helm. John Mousinho's Pompey have started the campaign with a win and defeat.

"It's massively positive," Mason said. "We had a really good week. Our performance last Tuesday (penalty EFL Cup defeat to Derby) was probably the best performance of the week and we didn't win the game, which is football and that happens.

"But most importantly at Wrexham, I think we went with the right mindset, the togetherness and the willingness to work for each other to earn a victory because that's what we have to do. I'm so happy we've done that."

Mason continued: "Early results are important because we are seven weeks into this new journey that we're going on together.

"When you win games, it definitely accelerates the belief. That's my challenge and all the staff's challenge to get everyone on board, to keep working, to keep progressing because we've got so much work to do. It's such early days, not just in the league, but also for our journey as well."

Albion cleared a hurdle in north Wales last time out as Mason's squad came up trumps in helping the visitors to three points with most of the world watching and hoping for Wrexham joy.

Attackers Wallace and Mikey Johnston - who has been on the fringes but caught the eye since his failed move to Brazil - emerged from the bench to win the game for the Baggies.

Mason does not have the biggest squad to play with, though the additions of Krystian Bielik and Toby Collyer late last week strengthened his options. Experienced defender Bielik, 27, is useful and versatile cover and competition, who brings with him much-needed leadership. He will play a role this term.

Manchester United loan prospect Collyer, 21, has come to play and develop. He is pushing for a start.

Albion are keen to bolster forward areas but Mason conceded he has options in that department.

"To be fair, there's a few options in the wide areas for me," the head coach said. "It's important, there's competition, but competition in the right way. We've used all four of them. They've all impacted us getting a result on the pitch.

"There's players that didn't get on that also helped us. We're going to need everyone. We're going to need everyone because there's so many games and this league is so tough and so difficult."