West Bromwich Albion are in a footballing Purgatory . . . between the top and second tier

Dec 16 2008 By Chris Lepkowski

yet to solve Albion’s vulnerability. A black mark there.

Mowbray was accused of lacking passion by an audience member at a recent radio forum. Incorrect. I’ve seen it for myself.

He expresses far greater enthusiam and passion than Megson or Robson when he talks about football and what he wants to achieve at Albion.

He is an inspirational speaker. Players have said the same regarding his dressing room presence.

But consider this: the Baggies are running a Premier League campaign with the lowest wage bill and players must take a pay cut if the club go down.

That encourages good housekeeping but discourages the ‘names’ from setting foot near the place.

Albion chairman Jeremy Peace will inevitably face questions in January – he already is, as I’ve requested an interview myself.

Albion seemingly remain a Premier League club run as a Championship club. They are in a footballing Purgatory between the top and second tier.

Mowbray, meanwhile, has bold ambitions for Albion. He talks about wanting to move them on yet it may mean one step back to take two forward.

If he does keep Albion up it will be a bigger achievement than last season.

If he doesn’t then he deserves the chance to try to take Albion back, should he wish to.

After all, wasn’t it he who got them there in the first place?