New skipper and former Manchester United centre half Jonny Evans has called on West Bromwich Albion to make a ‘good start’ when we face Bournemouth this weekend.
Hosting Eddie Howe’s side at The Hawthorns this Saturday as we officially kick off the Premier League campaign of 2017/18, the Northern Ireland international called on the side to make a quick start to the year, knowing how positive last season’s victory at Selhurst Park was.
Speaking to wba.co.uk as he gave his own pre game press conference, our skipper explained that everyone was relishing the kick off but what counted was three points come the end of 90 minutes.
‘We’re all really looking forward to the season. Last season was probably a little bit of progress for our club and is something we want to improve on. The most important thing is getting off to a good start. Last year we got an opening-day win at Crystal Palace and it set us up nicely.’
Reflecting more on the 2016/17 campaign that saw us finish in the top ten of the division, whilst the end of the season itself was disappointing, he knew the campaign had been a positive one.
‘We had a lot of tough games coming at the end of the season but you have to look at the bigger picture. If you look at the season as a whole, a top-ten finish was great for this football club. We don’t have a big squad but that creates a real compact unit and a team that’s always fighting for each other.’
That of course gives hope for further improvement this season, especially with some strengthening done and head coach Tony Pulis would certainly hope is still to be done.
‘As players you always have faith in your teammates around you. But if the manager sees things that he wants to improve then that’s something he has to deal with. If new players come in then it brings a lift to the changing room. All the lads want to impress the new players. Sometimes the lads are thinking their position in the team is threatened so it always has a positive impact.’
The Birmingham Mail also have him talking about the impact of new signings coming into the club and how it effects the dressing room.
‘If new players come in then it brings a lift to the changing room. All the lads want to impress the new players. Sometimes the lads are thinking their position in the team is threatened so it always has a positive impact.’
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