Half-Term Report: West Bromwich

Spirit alone will not keep Albion up, says their arch-realist manager, Gary Megson. Pity, that: during the first half of the season camaraderie is one of the few areas in which they have matched their opponents. Their work rate is probably unrivalled, which merely underlines how short of genuine, top-flight performers they are. The few they possess, Russell Hoult, Sean Gregan and Jason Roberts, comprise a formidable spine, and in Derek McInnes they have a tenacious captain. Where they have fallen down is in their supply to and support of Roberts up front. Perhaps, too, they need to vary their tactics, the 3-5-2 having become familiar and predictable. The opening of the transfer window will be crucial. The bottom line, ominously, is that Albion need twice as many wins in the second half of the season as they managed in the first.