Defender backs team-mates to go on a run
LIAM Ridgewell has set his sights on turning draws into victories as Albion look to climb the Barclays Premier League table.
The Baggies are the top flight’s draw specialists after recording their tenth of the season in Monday night’s 1-1 stalemate with Everton.
Albion have lost eight games this term – one less than at the same stage last season – but have managed just four wins.
And Ridgewell hopes Pepe Mel’s 13th-placed side, who are only two points behind tenth-placed Villa, can propel themselves upwards with a string of wins.
“We know draws are all well and good but we need to start turning them into wins,” said the 29-year-old left-back.
“That is what will take us up the league.
“It's very tight.
“If anyone sticks a run together they can soon get out of it.
“We are looking to get out of it.
“I wouldn't say it has been a season of underachievement.
“We are trying to emulate what we did last year, which is difficult.
“It would be an achievement to make sure we are in the league next year and we will make sure we do that.”
Ridgewell says Mel got his point across well during his first game in charge – but joked that some of the team, himself included, may not be the best Spanish speakers.
“We're great with Spanish,” he quipped.
“Seriously, the gaffer is working very hard at it.
“He gets his point across very well and hopefully we showed what he wants.
“Football is a universal language and it helps that we have players who also speak Spanish.
“He wants to win the ball back very quickly and hopefully we did that.
“We did well when Keith took charge, and everyone was upbeat and working hard for the club.
“Hopefully we can carry that on under the new gaffer.”