DEAN Kiely believes Albion have got what it takes to bounce back and establish themselves in the Barclays Premier League after a season where he feels they have shot themselves in the foot too many times.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper fought off competition from the fit-again Scott Carson to keep his place in the Baggies' starting XI in yesterday's 2-0 defeat by Liverpool.
But he could do little about the Reds' opening goal when Shelton Martis gifted possession to Steven Gerrard - and admitted defensive mistakes like that have been symptomatic of Albion's relegation.
"In terms of 90 minutes, regardless of what was depending on it, that's the way you play against a top-four side," said Kiely.
"I thought until the error that gifted them the first goal we went toe to toe with them and we had the better of all the oohs and ahs and close shaves.
"But that first half probably summed up our whole season.
"Have we got the quality to be in this division as a team, the work ethic and gifted players? The answer is yes.
"Has our season been littered with individual errors? Yes.
"Nobody goes out to make mistakes but our season has been littered with them.
"I think we have run out of feet to shoot ourselves in because sometimes we are our own worst enemy.
"In terms of playing one of the best sides in the world at football and matching them in a lot of departments, it's credit to the manager and the players.
"But ultimately we won't be in this division next year, which is disappointing."
The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper scooped the 'Golden Gloves' award for the most clean-sheets last term to help the Baggies clinch the Championship crown.
And he believes Albion have the right ingredients to win a fourth promotion in nine seasons.
"The Championship is very difficult in terms of getting out of it and we have found that out - but in terms of quality we are good," Kiely added.
"But in terms of being genuine, honest and wholesome, and all things being equal from a footballing point of view, there is no question this football team is a good one that can compete in the Championship.
"What is going to happen, I don't know.
"I'm sure the chairman and manager will be inundated with agents telling them who will benefit their team.
"But with the gaffer at the helm there is no need to question the type of players he wants to bring to this club and what he is trying to build.
"Looking at the big picture, we've got somebody at the helm of this club who wants to do things correctly and put a lasting stamp on how things should be done at this club.
"The gaffer is doing things the correct way and I totally believe in the way he is doing things.
"If I could say one thing to the younger footballers at the club, it's the fact that the grass isn't always greener and you won't always find a manager who is genuine and honest and you can look straight in the eye and know what he is telling you is the truth."
