Interviews

'Believe' - Mooro's message to Albion fans

DARREN Moore has called on the Albion faithful to ‘believe’ as their side launch a critical Premier League survival mission.

The Baggies have 11 games to recover what has been a difficult season, starting with a basement battle against Huddersfield Town at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

In a powerful interview, Darren stepped in front of the WBA TV cameras to assure fans there lies a "determination" within the squad to get back on track after a "tough week" for the football club on and off the pitch.

"It's been a tough week but the response from everyone has been one of determination, to get back to the football side of things where they can affect things for the right reasons," he said. "That's what everybody wants to do; get back on the training pitch and have a good build up to the game on Saturday which we all know is a very important game for the football club.

"The reason why it's so crucial is there for all to see. We're running out of games. But there's still 11 games from now until the end of the season where every game really does matter. That's the position we're in.

"We have an inner belief that we can still do it. We believe that we're capable of putting a run together and start climbing the table."

Indeed, Albion's victory against Exeter City in January - their first in all competitions since August - was followed by a string of positive results in both league and cup. Brighton were well beaten at The Hawthorns, Everton held at Goodison Park, before a stunning 3-2 triumph came against Liverpool at Anfield.

Darren knows how crucial it can be for Alan Pardew's men to put a similar run together and is convinced that victory at the weekend can be a catalyst for climbing the Premier League table.

"We start on Saturday. A win breeds so much in terms of confidence, performances, morale. But in and around the place, within the club, there's already been a great atmosphere; one of determination. The supporters know that I speak from the heart. And, with a victory on Saturday, we know we can put a run together and get out of it."

'Mooro' has seen it all before, playing his part in the infamous 'Great Escape' campaign of 2004/05 which will forever live in the memory of all Baggies supporters. Albion became the first team to survive in the Premier League after being bottom of the table at Christmas that year, and, incredibly, find themselves in the exact same position as they did all those years ago - seven points adrift with 11 games to play.

In the spirit of that stunning recovery, our towering talisman has delivered a message from the heart to Albion fans everywhere as we look to take our first step on a long road to survival against the Terriers at the weekend.

"It's incredible that those stats have come out this week. It's there. It can be done. I'm saying this to everybody now. Don't be afraid. Just believe. Just believe. If you have that inner belief, all things can be achieved. We were exactly the same back then. I remember we had an inner belief, we trusted one another. Let's everybody just believe together. If we're in the boat, paddling in the same direction, we can achieve what would seem the impossible.

"I'm saying that from everybody inside the club. From staff, to players, to supporters, to everybody. Let's all get together and come to The Hawthorns on Saturday with belief. The supporters have been excellent this season, absolutely fantastic. I need you for the 12th man on Saturday. Put the last week behind us and let's look forward. I need you."

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