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Mowbray acclaims players on verge of promotion

29/04/2008

Tony Mowbray has hailed the ability of West Bromwich Albion's players in handling the pressure that came with being tagged as favourites for promotion this season.

Speaking after seeing his side virtually secure Premier League status with a 1-1 draw against Southampton at the Hawthorns last night, Mowbray was full of praise for his squad.

The point puts the Baggies three points clear of third-placed Hull City with a 12-goal advantage on goal difference - meaning only an unheard of set of results on the final day of the Championship season will see the Black Country outfit overhauled.

And Mowbray says the fact that his players have dealt with the pressure of being the bookies' main candidates for promotion is testament to their confidence and abilities as a team.

"We had the preseason expectation of people saying we were the best team in the division to deal with," he is quoted as saying by the BBC.

"That could have been a burden but full credit to the players for overcoming that."

Mowbray did not appear outwardly overjoyed at the end of the game, prompting questions over whether he was still concerned that promotion was not mathematically guaranteed.

However, while fans invaded the home pitch, he put his calm demeanour down to his personal management style rather than any lingering worries.

"It will take a strange set of results at the weekend to deny us promotion," he continued.

"I enjoy winning any match. I am not outwardly emotional but inwardly I enjoy things as much as anyone else.

"I will enjoy the moment when I get home with the family. Then I will feel the warmth of getting into the Premier League."