And Sweden international prepares for 'special' day
JONAS Olsson insists his team-mates owe themselves and the supporters a performance in this afternoon’s Barclays Premier League finale with champions Manchester United at The Hawthorns (ko 4pm).
The Baggies will be looking to secure their 15th victory of the season, having already guaranteed their highest top-flight finish since 1981 – and the Sweden international is eager not to finish a memorable 2012/13 campaign with a fourth straight defeat.
Steve Clarke’s men were narrowly beaten 3-2 by Wigan in their last Hawthorns fixture, before unsuccessful trips to Manchester City and Norwich.
And the 29-year-old is adamant his Albion colleagues will be doing their upmost to upset the apple cart as Sir Alex Ferguson signs off after 1,500 games in charge of the Red Devils.
“I think we do owe it to the fans to end the season on a high - but we also owe it to ourselves,” said Olsson.
“It has been a good season.
“We’ve been up in the top six or eight since day one.
“We don’t want to let that slip in our final game.
“Over the last year we’ve given the fans some really good times.
“The ones who travel home and away are especially brilliant.
“You are never better than your last game and we don’t want to leave this season with a bitter taste in our mouths.
“It has been a really good season if you look at the whole picture.
“We don’t want to end up short.”
The Sweden international centre-half, who was only three years old when Ferguson took charge at Old Trafford, admits it will be ‘special’ to be playing in his final game.
“It’s going to be special for us to be a part of the day,” added Olsson.
“It’s a nice way for us to finish the season too.
“It’s hard to imagine him not on the bench.
“He’s been there since ‘86 when I was three.
“It’s the end of an era to say the least.
“If you ask people in Sweden to name a Premier League manager, most people say Sir Alex.
“Almost 27 years in a top job like that is unique and I doubt we will ever see it again.
“His results speak for themselves and he has respect from his team, opponents and everyone else because of what he’s done.
“It’s remarkable to be that hungry year in, year out.”