We’re doing it for Darren
JAY RODRIGUEZ believes West Brom’s flying start to the season is all a result of the dressing-room respect Darren Moore receives due to his albion playing days.
Rodriguez was delighted to leave Preston on Saturday with three points after a topsyturvy encounter that saw West Brom go top of the Championship.
West Brom have scored 25 league goals this season — five more than any other side — and are looking good value for an immediate return to the Premier League.
as a player at the heart of the Baggies’ defence, Moore won two promotions — in 2002 and 2004 — earning him club-legend status. But his achievements on the pitch will take second place to his managerial legacy if he does take them back into the top flight at the earliest opportunity.
‘It is brilliant to watch him grow into the management role,’ said Rodriguez, the scorer of the 48th-minute opening goal.
‘Darren Moore is the gaffer now and everyone respects him both as a person and as a manager.
‘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.’
Basement side Preston had pushed West Brom all the way. Rodriguez nipped in to head West Brom in front straight after the break before andrew hughes equalised with a fine free-kick.
In a frantic last 20 minutes, a Ben Davies own goal gave West Brom the lead once more before Dwight Gayle fired home a wonderful free-kick to settle it, although alan Browne’s late header made the final 90 seconds of injury time drag for the visitors.
‘I believe there is more to come from the side because you speak to anyone in the changing room and they know we keep improving,’ Rodriguez said.
‘It is really healthy for us as players and for the team to keep on improving.’
For manager Moore, an away win was very welcome. ‘I always felt that we were in control of the game but just needed more urgency in possession of the ball to move them around a bit more,’ he said. ‘I have no complaints — the boys found the way to win the game.’
Preston probably deserved a point but they have had a disastrous start to the season, even if hughes refused to accept they are already fighting for their Championship lives. ‘It’s a bit early to call it a relegation battle,’ he said.
‘everybody is together and right behind the manager. We’ve just been really unlucky not to get results.’