BAGGIES FLY AFTER A PAT ON THE BACK

WEST BROM skipper Jed Wallace has revealed a pep talk from new owner Shilen Patel has given them a promotion lift.

The Florida businessman, who took over from Guochuan Lai last month, joined the Albion players for a pre-match meal before the clash at QPR two weeks ago.

The Baggies have responded with seven points from their three games since, including this straightforward victory.

They are now eight points clear of seventh-placed Hull.

Wallace, who netted his first goal of the year, said: “The new chairman spoke to us before the QPR game and came to introduce himself to the lads.

“To be honest, it was very motivational what he said to us.

“He said we have an opportunity to make the fans really proud this season – and we shouldn’t take that opportunity for granted.

“It was great to see him, he had a pre-match meal with us. Things like that go a long way – being around a group of players.

“And I know he’s keen to come and watch a lot of our games, and that’s the way it should be.”

It is now six games unbeaten for West Brom.

But this win was hardly a classic with Tom Fellows netting on the stroke of half-time prior to a tap-in from Wallace (celebrating, above) five minutes after the break.

Albion will be feared should they make the play-offs – not least thanks to master tactician Carlos Corberan, who helped Huddersfield to the top six before losing to Nottingham Forest in the final two years ago.

Wallace added: “For me, he’s a top manager and I don’t think anyone deserves the chance to manage in the league above more than he does.”

Bristol City are now 14th and were booed off at full-time.

But boss Liam Manning said: “We have to have a bit of realism. The club finished 14th last season and we are still in a position where we can show progression. We want the fans with us.”