In-form West Brom plot reinforcements
Having at one stage appeared desperate for the drop, West Brom look destined to secure Premier League survival for only the second time in their history after Roy Hodgson's incredible start as Baggies boss continued with a 3-2 triumph at slumping Sunderland.
The former Fulham manager was mocked earlier this season by Liverpool fans for his supposed inability to win on the road but this was his second away victory in succession and stretched his unbeaten run in charge to six games, a remarkable feat given that they had won one in ten prior to that.
The consequence is that the Black Country club are suddenly perched in the lofty position of tenth, though with four of their final six fixtures coming against teams even higher than themselves, they are a lengthy [4.7] to hold on for a remarkable top-half finish.
West Brom supporters won't care one bit about punters' suspicions that they won't finish as high as they are at the moment, as the price that will interest them the most is that they are now [36.0] long shots to go down.
They will be well aware however that on the one previous occasion in which they stayed up - 2004-05 - they returned to the second tier a year later, which is why attention had already turned to strengthening their squad this summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
It is reported that Hodgson is tracking several of the key protagonists in the exciting Championship promotion battle, with Swansea midfielder Joe Allen and Leeds stars Robert Snodgrass and Jonny Howson believed to be on his shortlist of players to bring to the Hawthorns.
Are the trio capable of establishing the Baggies in the top-flight? Tell us below...
Published: 11 Apr 2011
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