Striker says Irvine never stops encouraging him
ALAN Irvine’s hand is still stinging following a passionate Craig Gardner high-five, as the midfielder celebrated scoring the winner in last Saturday’s derby win over Villa.
And that same hand may still be in danger, with Brown Ideye stating that he would have done the same had he scored.
The Nigerian forward has endured a tricky start to life at The Hawthorns, not helped by an ankle injury sustained scoring his first goal for the club in the Capital One Cup victory over Hull City in September.
But Ideye has revealed that Albion’s Head Coach, who he regards as a father figure, never stops encouraging him.
“The manager is like a father to me - I tell him everything,” said The Baggies’ record signing.
“He is a nice person, and he is also very easy to work with.
“When Craig Gardner scored against Villa he ran over to him and gave him a high-five.
“If I’d have scored I would have done the same.
“He has always encouraged me and told me to keep working hard, even when I was injured.
“He doesn’t like to put pressure on his players because having played himself, he knows that when managers put pressure on players they are more likely to make a mistake.”
Pressure however, is something that ‘Bobby’ may be forgiven for feeling at home.
The 26-year-old frequently faces post-match interrogation from his wife who is a keen football fan, and further questions from his young son.
“My wife is like one of managers,” said Ideye.
“She is a really keen football fan, and she knew lots about the game before we met and got married.
“She is always telling me how I performed and stuff like that after a match.
“My son also asks if I have scored after every game.
“My family want me to do well every time I play.”