Club News

Reid: We will unite

Defender says players are fully focused after squad meeting

STEVEN Reid insists the players will unite behind caretaker head coach Keith Downing after Steve Clarke was relieved of his duties on Saturday night.

The Baggies defender says his team-mates are focusing on Saturday’s home clash with Hull (ko 3pm) after a squad meeting this morning.

Reid firmly believes there is enough experience and talent in 16th-placed Albion’s ranks to start moving away from the bottom three.

“Speaking personally, the decision came as a surprise but we have to look forward now,” said Reid.

“There isn’t time to think about too much.

“We’ve got a massive fixture list coming up over Christmas and New Year and we just have to get on with it as best as we can and give our full support to Keith and Deano [Kiely].

“The two of them have the full respect of the players.

“They’ve been a big part of the club for a number of years now and there is no doubt the lads will be behind them 110 per cent.”

Downing took charge of his first training session in his caretaker role this morning after holding a team meeting.

Reid added: “The message of the meeting was about sticking together.

“We’ve got a good bunch of experienced and quality players who, except for the summer additions, have been in and around it for the last couple of years.

“There is enough experience from when we’ve been in this position before.

“We had a good training session today and we just have to get on with it and look forward to Hull on Saturday.

“As footballers, these things happen, and you just have to get on with it as best you can.

“The response from the players has been good.

“There is no time to feel sorry for yourself or get down in the dumps too much.

“We’ve got the biggest few fixtures of the season around Christmas and New Year.

“With the position we’re in at the moment, we need to stick together and get ourselves out of it.

“Anyone in the bottom half of the table is in that relegation fight – and we can’t forget that.

“This is a period that could define how our season goes.

“There are a few games in which we think we can get results and hopefully start the New Year in a positive position in the table with a good amount of points.

“We’ve got a good squad. Hopefully, we can be nearer the top of the table than the bottom.”