Mowbray calls for caution

Last updated : 20 April 2008 By Wba-mad Editor

Despite being only a point away from a return to the Premiership in his first full season as Albion manager, Tony Mowbray has called for an air of caution ahead of the visit of Southampton a week on Monday (KO 19.45pm).


Mowbray knows all about the downfalls of complacency during his playing career at Middlesbrough when he suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of Leicester to finish in the play-offs when only a point was needed for promotion.


As a result the Albion chief is now insisting all members of the playing squad and coaching staff keep their focus going into Monday's crucial game against the Saints who themselves are fighting for Championship survival.

"We've got nine days until the next game against a Southampton team desperate for points," Mowbray said.

"They'll require some kind of result and they've got some good players.

"It's a game we need to prepare properly for.

"The players are going to have a few days off now because of the burden of having played six games in 18 days.

"They will rest with their families and then we will start the preparation for Southampton.

"We'll try and finish the job off at The Hawthorns in front of our fantastic supporters.

"But you're never there until you're there.

"Getting across the finishing line is often the hardest part.

"I was talking to Bruce Rioch after the game and I remember some days at Middlesbrough many, many years ago when Leicester came and spoiled the promotion party.

"Gary McAllister smashed one in the top corner and we lost.

"The fans' faces were painted ready for the top division and we got beaten and had to go through the play-offs.

"It still sits in my memory so there'll be no thinking the job is done until the job is done."

Although calling for caution, Mowbray could find his side promoted even before a ball is kicked on Monday night if Hull fail to beat Crystal Palace next Saturday; and in the unlikely event that Bristol City bridge the six-point gap and the 32-goal difference in the final two games.