Gregory steps up pressure

QPR manager John Gregory, pictured, has heaped the pressure on Albion by insisting: "You're selling everyone short if you don't win promotion."

QPR manager John Gregory, pictured, has heaped the pressure on Albion by insisting: "You're selling everyone short if you don't win promotion."The former Villa boss's comments are the clearest indication yet just how highly the Baggies are rated by their Championship rivals.

But, after two more points slipped through Albion's fingers in last night's thrilling 3-3 draw, they will also serve to crank up the heat on new boss Tony Mowbray.

Albion slipped to fifth in the table and seven points behind leaders Cardiff as their main promotion rivals all won.

Yet, despite the result, Gregory is adamant Albion will be the team to beat to clinch a Premiership spot come the end of the season.

"They are the best side by a long way that I have seen in this division," said Gregory.

"I've only come in after the start of the season and this was only my seventh game in charge, but I have seen a lot of games on television. And as far as I am concerned they are by far the best team in this division.

"You are almost looking at a Premiership side and they should get automatic promotion with the players they have. If they don't then they are selling everybody short."

Gregory was delighted to leave The Hawthorns with a point after seeing his side recover from 2-0 and then 3-2 down. And he admitted Albion's failure to kill the game off had ultimately proved their downfall after at one stage fearing Rangers would be in for a heavy beating.

"I thought Albion were tremendous in the first 25 minutes," said Gregory. "We couldn't get close to them and I must admit I feared the worst.I was particularly impressed with the way they moved the ball around."

By Steve Marshall