Ryan Mason says he, the coaching staff and the players are determined to deliver three points on a “historic” day for West Bromwich Albion and The Hawthorns.
The Baggies will be celebrating 125 years at their home when Derby County – the first-ever visitors on September 3 1900 – make the short trip from the East Midlands to the West (ko 3pm).
Special plans are in place to mark the occasion, but the boss insists the team want to put their own special stamp on proceedings.
Mason said: “Obviously it’s a very historic day for the football club and the stadium. It goes to show what a special football club this is, to have that type of anniversary.
“There have been so many good people associated with The Hawthorns and so many great things have been achieved at the stadium.
“Everyone being able to represent the club on Saturday feels responsibility, but also feels the privilege of being able to represent the Albion. We’re really looking forward to the match and the occasion.
“It’s so important to embrace the history of the club, not just for me, but for everyone representing Albion. I knew about the history before I came to the Albion, but the moment I walked through the door, I felt it. It grabs you. I’m so invested in the club and we want to create history.
“We’re determined to make sure the day of celebration ends with a positive result. We’ll be doing all we can to get that victory.”
Albion head into the fifth Sky Bet Championship encounter of the season unbeaten, having won three and drawn one of their opening four games.
The boss admits he’s been really pleased with the start to the campaign, but was quick to stress a “start” is all it is at this moment in time.
Ryan added: “We’re only four games in and it’s just a start. If I remember correctly, last season’s start was impressive too. There are 46 league games and we understand there are going to be good moments and bad moments.
“It’s about trying to stay level-headed and humble, while also keep on working as hard as possible and keep on pushing to win as many games as we can.
“We go into every game trying to win it, but we know every single opponent will be doing the same.
“Derby are a good side. I don’t care where they are in the league and I don’t care about their results because I’ve watched every one of their games and they’re a really good side. We have to respect that. At the same time, we have to back ourselves and believe in ourselves.
“Their team will probably look a lot different to the one we came up against at The Hawthorns in the Carabao Cup last month, but so will ours. We have to approach it with as much focus and energy as possible.
“We feel like we’re in a good place and we can progress with a solid group. We want to keep kicking on.”
