20th March 2007: The international break provides a time for reflection for all those connected with West Bromwich Albion, and while the overriding feeling amongst staff, players and fans alike will be one of disappointment at the recent run of results, the ultimate goal of promotion back to the Premiership remains firmly within the club's grasp.

On 24th February, a hard-fought point won on Albion's first visit to the Walkers Stadium meant that for the first time this season, the Baggies were on top of the Championship. It was always likely to be a brief spell in front given the fact that both Derby and Birmingham had games in hand, but it surely warranted a small celebration coming after a run of 11 games without defeat in all competitions, with the debacle at Southend being the only defeat in 18 since the end of November.

Perhaps the slightly lack-lustre performance at Leicester was a sign that Albion's form was starting to drop slightly, although the performance in the "heroic" defeat on penalties against Middlesbrough the following Tuesday seemed to dispel such fears as Mogga's men more than matched their Premiership opponents.

But one small sign from the Cup defeat that was perhaps an indication of what was to come is that Albion had 18 attempts at goal that day, 10 of which were on target, but scored only twice. They had more of the ball than 'Boro (52% to 48%), more attempts (18 to 12), more on target (10 to 6), but ended up on the losing side, albeit on penalties.

It is a pattern that has been repeated in the four games since that Cup replay. In each of those games, Albion have had more attempts on goal than their opponents but they have emerged with just a single point from the twelve available, dropping from top to sixth and all but ending their hopes of automatic promotion.

But despite the recent results, it is important to realise that Albion have never really looked like a struggling side in any of those games. They dominated the game against Wolves, were excellent with ten men in the second half against Palace and were certainly the better side against Blues. Perhaps only Sunderland deserved their victory, but even that was against a side that were undoubtedly drained after the marathon effort against Middlesbrough.

Of course, it is easy to criticise players that aren't performing as we know they can. Kamara hasn't found the net since that game at Leicester, Koumas isn't having the same influence on games that he has done in the past, and the likes of Chaplow and Gera will also be disappointed with their recent performances. But the fact remains that had Albion taken a few more of their chances in recent games, we could easily be sitting on 72 or 73 points, perhaps even top of the table. That is how thin the line is between success and failure.

When Albion were winning games, it was easy to overlook the deficiencies in the team, but they were there. Every team has problems, but they aren't truly apparent until the team starts losing. As an example, there was a consensus at the end of last year that the team needed a "midfield general", but that didn't seem to be a problem as Albion went on their 12-match unbeaten run. Was it that Richard Chaplow had suddenly become the answer, or could it be that in a winning team, players feel less under pressure and consequently play better? With things not going well, Chaplow has struggled - I suspect that the problem is more to do with psychology than footballing talent, and what Albion lack in the centre of midfield is a player with the right combination of ability and strength, both physical and mental.

I am not suggesting that Chaplow is the sole reason Albion's results have faltered, far from it. I am merely using him as an example of how players can react to being under pressure, and I think it has affected most of the players in the squad to one extent or another.

In Robinson and McShane, Albion have two players who are willing to give their all irrespective of the situation. The rest of the squad would do well to replicate their attitude to the game.

In truth, though, is it really that much of a surprise to learn that this squad lacks a little mental strength. Did last season's surrender not demonstrate that effectively enough? Tony Mowbray has been able to get the team playing attractive winning football, but has he been able to instil that fighting spirit and self belief? Recent results would suggest otherwise, but the wins against Luton and Colchester, and the vast majority of the second half against Palace are indicators that he's moving in the right direction.

This two week break could not have come at a better time for the Baggies in my opinion. Mowbray and his staff have time to rebuild confidence, if required, by getting the team playing well on the training field, and working on those defensive areas that have let the side down in recent weeks. The loss of Kamara, Gera, McShane, Koren and Koumas to international duty will obviously hinder that process, but the majority of the squad will be available.

When Albion's league programme resumes at Loftus Road on 31st March, they will have seven games left - a possible 21 points available. And Albion are capable of winning every one of those games - the team is not suddenly a poor one.

Of course, even if Albion were to achieve their maximum of 85 points, it may not be enough for automatic promotion. But if their destiny is to be the play-offs, they need to go into them as the form side.

All Baggies fans need to remember that in, spite of recent results, Albion are still very much in the promotion mix and they need all our support.

Now is not the time to lose all hope. Now is not the time to start questioning whether Tony Mowbray is the right man for the job. Now is not the time to start getting on the backs of players that may not be performing as well as they can.

Now is the time to get behind the team. The top two may now be a bridge too far, but let's make sure that, as supporters, we do everything we can to help the team and get our day at Wembley.

Unite and Support. To paraphrase Lord Kitchener - Your Club Needs You!


Jon Want, 20th March 2007