Express & Star

Ally Robertson: Darren Moore is tapping into potential of West Brom fanbase

There is nothing better than hearing the fans behind you when you’re playing well.

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Darren Moore. (AMA)

It gives you that little bit extra on the pitch, that little boost you sometimes need to help you over the line.

Don’t get me wrong, players should be giving it 100 per cent in every single game, but it’s only human nature to be invigorated by a loud and boisterous crowd.

Which is why it’s great so many supporters are heading up to Wigan today, and why it’s great Darren Moore is attempting to tap in to that potential.

Under previous regimes, the fanbase was split, but Moore has focused on more than just his team or the players in his squad. He’s focused on the club as a whole.

He recognises the important role supporters can play on match days, how a happy Hawthorns can roar a team onto a victory, or a large away following can turn a tricky trip into a pleasurable one.

Obviously, it helps when the team is scoring goals and winning games. And hopefully the fans won’t forget his messages of unity if the goals ever do dry up this season.

There is a concern that he’s made a rod for his own back in these first dozen games, because expectations have risen.

Everyone looks forward to seeing Albion score three or four goals a game now!

But Moore’s message to the fans should stand him in good stead, because it’s an inclusive one that, quite rightly, recognises the role they play.

We’ve come to the end of the international break in quite abrupt fashion, and now face five games in 15 days.

Players would rather be playing regularly than taking two weeks off before such a congested schedule, and nobody likes to take breaks when they’re playing well.

Hopefully, though, the rest gave a chance to some of the lads with niggling injuries to get themselves 100 per cent.

Although Bakary Sako is now up to speed, apart from restoring Matt Phillips to the line-up I wouldn’t change the team.

Sako is capable of playing on the wing, in midfield, and even up front, so his versatility makes him an ideal impact sub off the bench, particularly when legs are tiring.

All the best clubs have options on the bench to change it in case their starting XI are misfiring and now we’ve got one or two who can make an impact.

Not to mention the promising youngsters coming through. It’s good to be a Baggie right now.