View: West Brom would be well advised to heed Matt Le Tissier warning on ‘unbelievable’ players
West Brom must be applauded for their stance on restarting the Championship season.
The Baggies look set to vote in favour of resuming action in the second tier when the EFL put the matter to a ballot, despite the fact that they would finish in an automatic promotion spot if the season were ended now and the league decided on the basis of a points per game average.
But while Albion occupy a commanding position in the table, seven points clear of the play-off places, restarting their campaign is not without its risks.
In recent weeks, we have heard Paul Merson warn more successful clubs of the levelling effect that empty stadiums could have on results, claiming that it could lead to some “shocking” outcomes.
Similarly, Baggies U23s coach Boaz Myhill has suggested that the short preparation times being afforded to players in the build up to a potential return could be a disruptive factor for squads.
And now Matt Le Tissier has spoken out on the possibility of some players finding a new lease of life without the pressure of a baying crowd on their back.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “We’ve all played with players who looked unbelievable in training during the week, and yet when it came to a match day in a full stadium you wouldn’t quite see the same type of performance.
“I’m sure that will happen, and I’m sure there will be some players who will relish playing in front of empty stadiums, just to get rid of some of that anxiety.”
Now obviously that could work in West Brom’s favour too, but given the fact that they are on course for automatic promotion this season, you would probably be inclined to argue that Slaven Bilic’s men do just fine in front of a capacity crowd.
Instead, what we could see, if Le Tissier is correct, are opposition players who suddenly play out of the skin as soon as the pressure is taken off them.
The last thing West Brom need on the home straight are any kind of unexpected twists in the tale, and they will have to make sure that they hit the ground running if they are to remain in track for a return to the top flight this summer.
In other West Brom news, ‘Absolutely yes’ – Championship club owner issues public support to Albion restart hopes.
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