GRAEME Jones, Albion’s new Assistant Head Coach, has issued a message to supporters as he continues to help Darren Moore’s pursuit of a “culture change” at The Hawthorns.
Fresh from helping Belgium record their best ever World Cup performance, the former assistant to Roberto Martinez is settling into his new challenge in the Sky Bet Championship.
Albion’s Head Coach has spoken of his desire to bring about a change of culture at the Club after eight successive campaigns in the Premier League and when Graeme sat down this week to discuss his new appointment with local media, he picked up the theme established by Darren.
Asked what message he would offer supporters about the changing times ahead for the Club, Graeme said: “Support us because there will be reasons behind everything we do and try and work out what they are.
“Culturally, I know what's gone on here for the last four or five years. In order to move forward we can't play that way any more. We're West Bromwich Albion, one of the best, if not the biggest side in the Championship.
“We need to move forward, we need a different style, different shape, in order to win football matches, because you only get promoted winning football matches.
“I ask them to be patient, because it's a new culture that's arriving at the club, and try to support that.
“Did Wolves get 100 points last year? 99. You have to score goals and win football matches. Draws are sometimes good results in the Premier League, in the Championship they're not.”
This new-look Albion team have certainly hinted they are taking in the different approach being preached from above by scoring 11 goals in the last two Championship games.
But Graeme knows only too well that Friday night’s televised collision with our old gaffer Tony Pulis at Middlesbrough will be as tough as it gets along the road of evolution.
He added: “Tony was the longest serving manager for the last three or four years.
“You have to respect he’s got a method of work and style of play because it was really successful here.
“I’ve got total respect for his teams because they’re as tough as anyone’s to play against.
“What’s had to change here is that we need 100 points. We have to play more attacking football and score more goals.
“It’s a different requirement staying in the Premier League and getting promoted from the Championship. It’s a natural thing that has to change.”