Club News

Mel hopes he has turned corner

But boss must now cope without Olsson for next two games

PEPE Mel hopes Saturday's 2-1 win over Swansea proves the turning point in his Hawthorns reign.

The Spanish boss was delighted with the togetherness his men showed to secure his first Albion victory at the eighth attempt - and move three points clear of the drop zone.

It was a result made even more impressive by the fact he was without key players Chris Brunt and Morgan Amalfitano (both knee), and Claudio Yacob and Billy Jones (both hamstring) due to injuries.

His squad will be put further to the test this weekend with defensive lynchpin Jonas Olsson beginning a two-game ban for amassing ten yellow cards this season.

“I hope the win can be the turning point because confidence is the most important thing," said Mel.

“For the players the most important thing is to win.

“Now in the changing room they are happy.

“For the players it was important because the players are together all week with me.

“The players showed a lot of trust in me and all week they encouraged me and they showed they want to win for everyone.

“At the end of the game you could see we were altogether, hugging each other.

“The technical staff and the players are all together with the fans too."