Tony Mowbray speech to West Brom squad revealed after appointment
West Brom manager Tony Mowbray gave an inspirational speech to his squad ahead of the draw against Stoke, Grady Diangana revealed.
The 61-year-old was re-appointed at The Hawthorns on 17 January replacing Carlos Corberan who departed for Valencia on Christmas Day.
He watched the 1-1 draw against Stoke City from the stands as Diangana scored the equalising goal on 18 January at The Hawthorns.
In quotes reported in the print edition of Daily Mirror Football (page 11, 20 January), the scorer shared what Mowbray said pre-match: “He gave us words of advice. He was very inspiring. He gave us a motivational speech and encouraged us just to play the game and enjoy the game.
“He said bring out the inner child and express yourself and do what you’ve done since you were little. His emphasis was on helping each player to improve as a player.
“He was very open about if you ever needed a chat or want to get something off your chest.”
Mowbray brings the feelgood factor back to West Brom
The appointment of Mowbray, who got the club promoted to the Premier League in the 2007/08 season has brought the feelgood factor back to the club.
Supporters were starting to get nervous after the search for Corberan’s replacement began to drag on and affect any possible January dealings.
Focus now turns to the play-off push, with the Baggies currently occupying the final spot for the end-of-season showdown.
However, Middlesbrough are breathing down their necks, level on points after 27 matches and the Albion need to ensure that they can hold them off.
With Mowbray in the dugout, Baggies supporters will be confident that they can do exactly that and make a push for Premier League football next season.
The former Blackburn and Sunderland boss securing promotion in his first role back after his health issues would be poetic and is very achievable.
In other West Brom news, Bristol Rovers supporters have been wowed by a Baggies loanee.
For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.