West Brom boss expects a battle to the end

Nov 5 2009 by Chris Lepkowski

Roberto Di Matteo

ROBERTO Di Matteo believes this season's Championship battle will go to the final few games of the season.

The Baggies boss was unhappy after last weekend's 5-0 victory against Watford, citing criticism his side had received following some poor results in the previous games.

Di Matteo suggested this week that his outburst was borne out of frustration based on the Championship's tendency to throw up unpredictable results, which make it difficult for any team to build up a winning momentum.

He believes this is something which managers, players, supporters and media must accept when it comes to the Championship.

Albion's cause, Di Matteo claims, has not been helped by injuries.

He told the Birmingham Mail: "Consistency is the key word, I would agree, but if you look at the whole squad team on paper and then take away the players we've got injured then they are good and it's not the same.

"We have key important players out for us.

"Some - like James Morrison, Ishmael Miller or Neil Clement - have not kicked a ball for me, some have barely played 50 per cent of the games.