WEST BROM NEWS

lovablemum · Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 4068 Location: Northants

West Bromwich Albion boss Bryan Robson has urged fans to get off Ronnie Wallwork's back after the midfielder was booed before Saturday's Premiership win over Arsenal.

Wallwork has started in all but one of the Baggies' league games this season but was held responsible by a small section of Albion fans as the club plummeted into the bottom three.

However Robson - who resurrected Wallwork's Hawthorns career by bringing him back into the team last season - insists he remains one of the most valuable members of his squad.

Robson said: "The reaction from a small set of supporters to Ronnie was very much noticed by the management, staff and all the players - and we are all very disappointed.

"The reason we pulled off the 'Great Escape' last season was because everybody connected with the club - in particular the supporters - worked together and pulled in the same direction.

"We need that same kind of unity and backing this season if we hope to achieve what we want to."

Wallwork - who had been frozen out for nine months by former Baggies boss Gary Megson - made the most of his recall last season and was voted Albion's player of the year.

But his form so far this season has been less impressive and the pressure began to mount after his club picked up just one point from a possible 18 prior to their magnificent come-from-behind win over the Gunners.

Robson added: "All supporters are entitled to their opinion and we know it was only a small minority of fans who booed Ronnie.

"But this kind of reaction doesn't help anyone - neither the player in question nor the team.

"That is why on behalf of the rest of the management staff and playing squad I would urge this small minority to join the rest of the supporters in getting right behind every member of the team.

"The thing about Ronnie is that even if he is having a poor game he never hides. He is an important member of the squad and will continue to be so."

reddevilleanne · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Posts: 13228 Location: Nottingham

Robson: We deserved a point
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 17 Dec 2005

West Brom boss Bryan Robson felt his side deserved at least a point after losing 1-0 to Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

The Baggies lost their four-game unbeaten run, and although Robson admitted his side were below their best, he was disappointed not to come away with a draw.

"I think we definitely deserved a point," Robson told Sky Sports News.

"Portsmouth were never a threat from open play. They had one chance and scored, so it is disappointing."

Robson was also concerned about his side's lack of cutting edge, as their poor away form continued.

"We have to look at ourselves. We didn't pass the ball as well as we have been recently," he acknowledged.

"We didn't create much and that is a bit of a concern. It was all huff and puff and no end product.

"Now we have to pick ourselves up and focus on our next game."