Club News

Mel: Fans will see a difference

New boss previews tonight's clash with Everton

PEPE Mel insists the fans will begin to see a different Albion against Everton tonight (ko 8pm).

The Hawthorns encounter will be the climax of the new Baggies head coach's first week in charge.

And he is delighted with the way the players are adapting to his ideas as they prepare to host a Toffees team looking for a victory to move up to fourth in the table.

While a home win to kick off Mel's reign would see his 14th-placed men jump up to tenth - and six points clear of the bottom three as he attempts to put his stamp on the team.

"It's still very soon, but it is something that will be noticeable," he said.

"Previously very good work has been done. It's not a case of doing a better job or worse job, it's doing a different job.

"There have been some very tough sessions so far but the players are working hard to attempt to change their playing style.

"The most important thing is that they want to compete and work at high intensity. In any sort of job the most important thing is wanting to be the best.

"The most important thing is West Brom are working and doing things to make sure we meet our objectives.

"Football is all about attitude and from what I've seen up to now, West Bromwich Albion have the players to achieve what we want to achieve.

"It's not an easy game against Everton but I'm sure the players will have the supporters leaving the stadium feeling proud of their team."

Mel went head to head with Toffees boss Roberto Martinez when his Real Betis side lost 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at Goodison Park in August.

He is an admirer of what his fellow Spaniard has achieved as a manager in England with Swansea, Wigan and the Blues, as he looks to make his own mark on the Barclays Premier League.

"This summer when we played the game against Everton we chatted," he added.

"I know him well, and he knows me well.

"We're friends, and his technical team are also friends.

"Roberto started at the bottom here in England, and it's admirable he is now with a big team."