Mowbray out to erase 'yo-yo' tag

Last updated : 16 May 2008 By Wba-mad Editor

Albion boss Tony Mowbray is relishing the chance to pit his wits against the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal as he sets out to establish the Baggies in England's top-flight. Despite promotions in 2002 and 2004, Albion have only managed two consecutive seasons in the Premiership, something Mowbray is looking to change in his first season amongst England's elite.

"We're looking forward to it and one of the biggest things for me in this promotion is that we're not going back into this league to play the same teams again," the Baggies boss said.

"They are new venues, new stadiums, new managers, new tactics, new players and new challenges and the freshness of it is good for the players and the team.

"There are some big clubs in the Championship but I'm sure they are all envious of where we're going, what we're going to do and the challenge ahead of us.

"We've got to try to grasp that opportunity, relish the challenge and try to make sure we stay in the Premier League for the foreseeable future.

"That's got to be the challenge ­- to try to cement ourselves as a Premier League club and lose this tag of a club who have been up and down three times in six years.

"That's the challenge and we're looking forward to it."

Despite the prospect of facing some of the best footballers and teams across Europe and the rest of the world, Mowbray is looking to take advantage of the extra time on the training field with a less hectic Premiership schedule compared to the Championship.

"Every game is going to be huge for us next year," Mowbray continued.

"Every game in the Premier League is like a major event.

"The good thing is that you're not inundated with midweek fixtures in the Premier League and chasing to get prepared.

"You generally have Saturday to Saturday or Saturday to Sunday so I'm looking forward to having the proper preparation time to get the team right for whichever opposition is coming along.

"Whether it is Manchester United or Stoke, we have to make sure we are right on the day.

"There is no guarantee of winning games and you've got to make sure you're right on the day and give yourselves the chance to win every game.

"I'm looking forward to having the time-periods between games for preparation.

"The Premier League's shear nature means every weekend is a huge fixture.

"They are all worth three points and any game you win in the Premier League is a great achievement."