Preview: Town – WBA

By Aston
October 13 2006

STB brings you team news, manager previews, the officials and betting odds ahead of Towns game against West Brom tomorrow (KO 3:00pm).

Town are without Gavin Williams who is both suspended and recovering from a hernia operation, Alex Bruce is back from suspension and Ian Miller Martin Brittain are both included in the squad for the first time.

 

Town squad: Scott Barron, Dean Bowditch, Martin Brittain, Alex Bruce, Billy Clarke, Darren Currie, Jason De Vos, Daniel Harding, Alan Lee, Sylvain Legwinski, Jon Macken, Ian Miller, Richard Naylor, Mark Noble, Jaime Peters, Lewis Price, Matt Richards, Luis Sito Castro, Shane Supple, Simon Walton, Fabian Wilnis.

 

Town manager Jim Magilton: “It's always a slightly worrying time for players when a new manager comes in, after all, players are human beings, not machines and it's only natural that they will worry about whether a new manager will like them or not.

 

"If there is a hint of that from the West Brom players then great for us and we have to take advantage.

 

“Of course it's likely that a new manager arriving can inspire and motivate players and we know that's a possibility on Saturday and we have to be aware of that.

 

“We know it's going to be a big test for us because they have a strong squad and I see them as promotion contenders but I'm relishing the challenge and I know my players are.

 

“We have to make sure we're quick out of the blocks - and we weren't at Colchester - and look to get another decent run going. We have been reinforcing that view to the players all week.”

 

West Brom will be without Paul McShane who is suspended with Curtis Davis looking like the ideal replacement for him, striker Nathan Ellington is back after and injury but Nigel Quashie is a doubt.

 

Albion have named Tony Mowbray as their new manager but Nigel Pearson will be in charge for the game against Town tomorrow, he has said: “We've got a job to do and it's a game we want to win.

 

“I've been pleased with the response of the players throughout this period.

 

“They've come out with a lot of credit and have been very professional.

 

“The staff have been excellent as well.

 

“The most important thing at this moment in time is the mood of the players and, given the circumstances, the mood is still good.

 

“The players have looked good in training and hopefully the ones on international duty will come back fit and well.

 

“Then it's just about making sure they're ready for the game and looking forward to it.”

 

 

Betting Odds (found using Sportsnetwork Odds Checker):

Town: 31/20

Draw: 9/4

WBA: 19/10

 

Officials:

Referee: K A Woolmer

Assistants: G S Evetts and G D Horwood

Fourth Official: S P Beck

 

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