Darren’s got top pedigree

JAY RODRIGUEZ believes Darren Moore can lead West Brom back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

As a player, Moore became a hero of the Baggies faithful after twice helping them reach the top flight – either side of promotions with Bradford and Derby County

After his seamless transition to manager, his side sit on top of the Championship, their thrilling win at Preston a fifth in six league games.

Rodriguez, right, revealed Moore’s experience and manmanagement skills have been the secret to their early season success.

“It is brilliant to watch him grow into the management role,” said Rodriguez. “Darren Moore is the gaffer now and everyone respects him both as a person and as a manager.

“He is well respected and the lads have taken to him because he is honest.

“He wants what we all want and that is to

PRESTON WEST BROM

win games and improve. As a player that is what you want.

“We all know the history of what he has done and that comes through in all the little things that he says and where he is coming from. He is very honest and it is a really good relationship between him and the players – and that is a positive thing.” That positivity was clear to see after the break as his half-time words inspired West Brom, the highest scorers in the division, to take an early lead through Rodriguez against the Championship’s leakiest defence.

The home side equalised through an Andrew Hughes free-kick on 71 minutes. But an own-goal from Ben Davies just two minutes later and a stunning free-kick from man-of-the-match Dwight Gayle sealed the win before Alan Browne’s late consolation.