By Jemma Tappenden
February 25 2008

One point out of the last three league games is certainly not the kind of form West Bromwich Albion can afford to maintain for too long if they are to realise their Premiership dream at the end of this season. That point came against Bryan Robson’s Sheffield United at the Hawthorns, sandwiched in between a 2-1 defeat at Barnsley and at home to Hull this weekend.

Yet Tony Mowbray has rallied his troops today and insisted to fans that no one is in panic mode yet.  The Baggies have 13 games left to play in the league this season, but with a an already successful FA Cup run under their belts, and the more than likely possibility of seeing an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley if they sweep aside League One opposition Bristol Rovers, Albion face a huge league fixture pile up towards the end of the season.  Mowbray knows that these games in hand will be crucial, especially if the sides around Albion capitalise on the chance to get the points. 

As many a football fan will tell you, it is better to have points than games in hand.  But Mowbray has reassured fans today that his side will approach the last 13 games with the right frame of mind, and that the league is still their top priority.  Speaking to the Express and Star about his sides fixture crisis he commented: 

“It’s a different challenge and it might benefit us, we’ll wait and see.  Coming from behind sometimes gives you a different focus and we’ll see how we react to it, starting next week against Plymouth.”* 

The postponement of fixtures has already left Albion six points adrift of the top, despite leading the pack for large proportions of this season.  But it is not likely to get any easier either, with rearranged fixtures likely to see Albion playing five out of their last seven league fixtures away from home.  Away fixtures have already been somewhat of a stumbling block for the Baggies this season.  But the gaffer has insisted that not playing at the Hawthorns should have no bearing on his teams results: 

“I think when it comes towards the end of the season it doesn’t matter if you’re playing home and away because the intensity of the games.” 

Speaking about the weekends defeat to Hull City, Mowbray insisted that he remains pleased with Albion’s performances, but was critical of how long it took them to really get going. 

“We were disappointing in the first half-hour and finally got our game going in the last 15 minutes of the first half and could have more than the one goal in that period. The game petered out a little bit for us and that was disappointing.” 

So, the jury is out and only time will tell, but the message from West Bromwich Albion Football Club this afternoon is very clear.  We are not panicking and neither should you.    

*All Quotes taken from Express and Star.

Mowbray insists there is no need for panic

Discussion started by West Brom (IP Logged), 25/02/2008 18:48

West Brom
25/02/2008 18:48

Mowbray insists there is no need for panic

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Lifes Little Jem
25/02/2008 23:30

SOMEBODY READ MY LITERATURE DAMN IT!!!!!!!

www.wbabaggies.co.uk

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Lifes Little Jem
25/02/2008 23:50

Or don't. Like I'm bothered lol.

www.wbabaggies.co.uk

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Lifes Little Jem
25/02/2008 23:51

This is my thread. I'm starting early for the running for Postwhore 2008!

www.wbabaggies.co.uk

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The little RED post box
26/02/2008 00:12

good article Jem. They aint panicking, i should think so its only 3 games try being a wolves fan and thats when to panic lol


I'm Wolves till i die!

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Lifes Little Jem
26/02/2008 00:18

Start to panic before the season has even started!

www.wbabaggies.co.uk

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