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Brendon Batson: Darren Moore has the steel to succeed at West Brom

Baggies legend Brendon Batson reckons head coach Darren Moore has the ‘steely determination’ necessary to succeed.

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Darren Moore

Batson, who is the founder and president of the club’s Former Players’ Association, knows Moore well.

He expects the 44-year-old to have an ‘extended honeymoon period’ due to his affiliation with the club, but has warned him that it is a results industry.

And Batson believes the financial impact of being relegated means next season’s ambition has to be promotion.

“I’m pleased that the club appointed Darren because he certainly deserved his chance having steadied the ship at the back end of last season,” said Batson.

“It’s a big job for him, he knows it’s a big job, he doesn’t need telling that. I know he’s ambitious, but we keep our fingers crossed for him.

“He’s got to rebuild a side in a tough league. The games come thick and fast, and we hope he gets all the support he needs from the the board and the owners.

“We hope he can carry on the way he left off. Those results he had were quite incredible in those six games. We know it’s going to be difficult, but he’s got the right steely determination.”

This is Moore’s first managerial job but his appointment as head coach was well-received by the fans, and Batson reckons his connection with the supporters will stand him in good stead.

“Good support is always welcome,” said Batson. “Darren is one of the heroes of the club after what he did as a player there.

“Every appointment is a risk, and so let’s not fool ourselves this one isn’t, but he’s aware of that.

“You could say he might have an extended honeymoon period, but it’s all about securing the points.

“He’s got to get the results that will keep the fans on your side, he knows it’s a results business.

“But I think he’s got a clear idea of what the players he wants and how he wants to play.

“Because of the finances in the game, the target is to bounce straight back, the longer you stay in that division, the harder that comes.

“The finances have such a part to play now. You almost have to try and get back in that first season. I would have thought that would be very much the ambition.”

It’s set to be a busy summer in the transfer market with plenty of incomings and outgoings taking place.

“There are one or two players you’d want to see remain at the club,” said Batson. “People like Ben Foster, Chris Brunt, I’m a big fan of Craig Dawson too. There are others.

“But players have got careers to look after and if they haven’t got the club in their heart, there’s no point in being there, they have to want to be there.”