Post by sgopher on Mar 20, 2009 17:58:22 GMT
Stephen Gordon faced the press upon being announced the new manager of West Bromwich Albion;
The club have just been relegated, how are the players feeling now with a new manager?
"The players are down-hearted after such a poor season where not much went right for the club. They are disappointed that Tony Mowbray was sacked, but I think they recognise that the club needs a change of direction and fresh thinking to get them back into the top tier."
Tony Mowbray was a very popular manager for the fans as well, could there be a backlash to you replacing him?
"I think there is always a danger of that. but we start off at home against Fulham and I hope a good performance and result can get the fans behind me quickly, as I think they are already behind the players despite the relegation."
What kind of manager will you be, in all aspects of the job?
"I demand 100% from the players at all times, whether on the training field or during a match. I am not afraid to make changes if I feel the player is not pulling their weight for the team. I am looking at developing some of the youth at the club, and to this end I will be investing in the youth and training facilities from day one, leaving enough finance to hopefully bring a player or two in to improve the team."
What kind of playing style can the fans expect?
"I dont want to give too much away regarding my tactics, I do have in my head the starting eleven and then I can take things from there. I like playing enterprising football but sometimes that isnt practical so I am flexible enough to change styles to suit the opposition."
The press conference has now ended.
The club have just been relegated, how are the players feeling now with a new manager?
"The players are down-hearted after such a poor season where not much went right for the club. They are disappointed that Tony Mowbray was sacked, but I think they recognise that the club needs a change of direction and fresh thinking to get them back into the top tier."
Tony Mowbray was a very popular manager for the fans as well, could there be a backlash to you replacing him?
"I think there is always a danger of that. but we start off at home against Fulham and I hope a good performance and result can get the fans behind me quickly, as I think they are already behind the players despite the relegation."
What kind of manager will you be, in all aspects of the job?
"I demand 100% from the players at all times, whether on the training field or during a match. I am not afraid to make changes if I feel the player is not pulling their weight for the team. I am looking at developing some of the youth at the club, and to this end I will be investing in the youth and training facilities from day one, leaving enough finance to hopefully bring a player or two in to improve the team."
What kind of playing style can the fans expect?
"I dont want to give too much away regarding my tactics, I do have in my head the starting eleven and then I can take things from there. I like playing enterprising football but sometimes that isnt practical so I am flexible enough to change styles to suit the opposition."
The press conference has now ended.
I think West Brom will be in good hands!