Baggies head for Aggborough in next pre-season test
TONY Pulis has praised his players' attitude as the pre-season build-up switches to home territory over the weekend.
The Baggies take a team of first team strength to Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday for a 3pm friendly which will see Aggborough attendance swollen by more than 1,000 Albion fans who have already bought tickets.
It follows the week-long fitness camp in Austria from which Pulis returned delighted with the squad's approach to the rigours of the Alpine schedule.
“It was good and the attitude of the players as a group was first class," he said.
“They all stuck to their tasks.
“It wasn't easy, it was hard work three times a day, with one session very early in the morning.
“We were up at 5.15am each morning, which has been a new experience for some of the players, and they all worked incredibly hard, with some good banter flying around to keep them going.
“Last year I think we came either second or third in the Premier League for running stats and we need to make sure the players are fit enough to do that again."
Albion fans will get a chance to welcome new boy Matt Phillips who will be involved after settling in well with his new team mates.
Pulis added: “Matty has been smashing and I’ve been impressed with how he has fitted in within the group.
“It’s good to see because that can sometimes take a bit of time. These trips are great because they get all the players together."
Albion kick off at 3pm at Kidderminster, where entrance is £10, £5 concessions and £1 for under 16s. Baggies fans should head for the Hire It! East and South Stand terraces which they have been allocated.
Meanwhile, the Baggies will send a second group of largely Under 21 players to Stafford Rangers to complete a 'double header', with that game also scheduled for a 3pm kick off.