By Tim Hodges from the Amex Press Briefing
Gus Poyet suggested this morning that the Albion could beat Coventry on Saturday if the Seagulls played like they did against Reading.
But he did add, however, not if the perfromance was like the one against Forest, even though the Seagulls won 1-0.
In relation to Albion’s growing list of injuries and suspensions, Poyet hinted that Anton Rodgers and Jake Caskey-Forster could be added to the match-day squad for the upcoming games along with Grant Hall.
He also mentioned that Alan Navarro was a natural replacement for the suspended Liam Bridcutt.
Poyet ruled out a big money signing in January, adding that there were few players he really liked but could not afford. And a few more affordable ones he could have a chance with. But he conceded that the club did need a couple of new players.
I asked Poyet now the Albion had played every team in the Champoinship who apart from the top two impressed him most. He considered that the well-organised Hull City and Cardiff had caught his eye and he was impressed by the way Middlesbrough ground out 1-0 wins.
He thought that there were about ten teams which were very close. When probed further about Albion’s play-off chances, he seemed to think that this was realistic possibility.
Will Hoskins appears to be no nearer fitness and Steve Cook looks likely to be joining Bournemouth if, as Poyet said, the player and both clubs were happy with the deal.
When asked about Billy Paynter, Poyet was a little guarded saying that he had not yet had a chance to speak to the player whose loan deal expires next week.
Poyet said that his new year resolution for the Albion was that the team continue to improve.
When I asked how the new year celebrations might affect the next day’s training, Poyet told me that the players preferred not to change their normal rountine and would probably be at the training ground for 10.30am.
He also revealed that the club had tried to change and bring forward both new year fixtures.
