Supporters played big role in comeback says gaffer
TONY Pulis offered the heartfelt thanks of the Albion dressing room to the Baggies’ army of travelling fans who played their part in the 2-2 draw at Burnley.
Albion ended a disappointing four-game losing run with a spirited point at Turf Moor which the home side have turned into a fortress in their own successful fight for survival.
The Baggies fell a goal behind early in the second-half and hit back through Salomon Rondon and Craig Dawson before Burnley grabbed a late equaliser from two-goal Sam Vokes.
It was all watched by a 2,500-strong travelling contingent, many of whom took advantage of the club’s free coach travel, and Pulis acknowledged their contribution to the result.
“I’ve got to say our fans were magnificent for us,” said Pulis.
“I understand that going a goal down after our recent results could have left everyone flat so it was really heartening to hear our fans still trying to lift the team and singing their hearts out.
“It really makes a difference and all the players were talking about it in the dressing room afterwards.
“They’ve played a big part in us coming back as well as we did and we’re just sorry and disappointed we couldn’t see the game out.
“People tell me that there has been criticism of the team after losing in these last few games but I don’t think our fans have been really unhappy with our performances – just the results.
“The fact is we’ve had easier chances to score in those games that we’ve lost than in this match but that’s just the way football sometimes goes.”
Albion will spend the week monitoring Jonny Evans’ fitness in the build-up to the highly-anticipated clash with Champions-elect Chelsea at The Hawthorns.
Evans limped out of Saturday’s game with an ankle injury which Pulis hopes will not prevent him featuring in Friday’s game (ko 8pm).
And it’s a Hawthorns finale he and the players are relishing.
“It’s a very different challenge to the one we faced at Burnley and we’ll have to make sure we’re set up right and thoroughly prepared for what Chelsea will throw at us,” added Pulis.
“The Hawthorns will be bouncing and we will be determined to sign-off at home in the right manner.”