Darren Moore: West Brom's Dubai trip all about hard work

The Baggies will jet off to the Middle East immediately after tonight’s Championship clash with Norwich City.

It comes less than a year after Albion’s ill-fated mid-season trip to Barcelona under former boss Alan Pardew, when four senior players allegedly stole a taxi on that trip and were subsequently fined by the club.

But boss Moore claims the culture at the club is now very different and revealed the warm-weather camp had long been part of his plans.

He said: “When I was planning six or seven weeks into the season, I looked for an opportunity.

“The only reason it has come is because Sky have moved the game against Bolton from a Saturday to a Monday. It gives us a couple of extra days. The time is right for us to do it.

“We are going over there to focus on training and prepare for another league game.

“The week will be the same as if we were staying here on home shores. It will just be a bit warmer.

“At this moment we have hit 30 games in league and cup. For a club which for so long been used to 38 game seasons, I just thought it was was right.”

Moore also confirmed his assistant, Graeme Jones, this week turned down the chance to speak to Luton about their vacant managerial post.

Former Belgium coach Jones, who joined Moore’s staff in August, was on the League One club’s shortlist to replace Nathan Jones, following the latter’s switch to Stoke.

But he made clear his desire to remain at The Hawthorns.

Moore said: “When I heard about the approach, I never expected anything different.

“We are working well together. He is very happy here. We have a wonderful project here that we have been getting our teeth stuck into along with the rest of the staff.

“There is a lot more work to do. We have unfinished business here. Long may or work continue and long may we continue to put the club back solid foundations.

“It’s pleasing for everyone he wants to stay on and continue his work.”