Di Matteo can see dangers as West Bromwich Albion bid for return to Premier League

Aug 8 2009 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

ALBION kick off this season as one of the favourites for a quick-fire return to the Premier League.

The Baggies have lost few players following their relegation and added Simon Cox and Youssouf Mulumbu, with more to follow.

Roberto Di Matteo was in relaxed mood when he spoke this week ahead of Albion’s season-opener against Newcastle United.

The Baggies’ head coach knows he will be under pressure to perform and that Albion will be among the hotly-tipped sides. But he feels there will be other challengers among the pack, including one or two surprise outfits, although he is confident there will be no hangover from his own side.

“You expect the three clubs who have come down from the Premier League to be challenging,” he said. “But there are also Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers, Ipswich, Reading, Preston and other clubs.

“There are always one or two surprises too. Bristol City always do well and they can be interesting this year.

“I think it will be an interesting season and a very open League.

“We’ll have to deal with the big disappointment of last season. We’ll have to address the psychological side of it and restore a winning mentality and belief and help the players forget about last year.

“Hopefully, that won’t be an issue with us but we have to accept that it can be difficult for any club that’s relegated.”

Di Matteo comes to the Hawthorns as a relative rookie in management.