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16th Apr 2018

‘We actually know what we’re doing’ – James McClean backs new West Brom caretaker following Alan Pardew departure

Jack O'Toole

McClean Derby

Republic of Ireland international James McClean has backed new West Bromwich Albion caretaker manager Darren Moore following the Baggies 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday.

Moore replaced former manager Alan Pardew earlier this month and has made an immediate impact on the club after gaining four points (one win and one draw) from his first two games in charge.

The 1-1 draw with Swansea earlier this month put an end to nine consecutive defeats for the West Midlands club and McClean attributes their turnaround under Moore to the players ‘actually knowing what they’re doing’.

“It obviously helps when you go out on the pitch knowing what you’re doing – as individuals and as a team,” McClean told BBC Radio 5 live.

“Since the big man’s come in, we’ve worked in training on what we’re doing defensively and what we’re doing attackingly.

“In the past two games, we’ve shown we actually know what we’re doing when we go out on the pitch, which obviously always helps.”

Moore said that his side asked a lot of questions of Manchester United on Sunday and that he thought West Brom used the ball effectively whenever they were in possession.

“We’re delighted with today, really pleased,” said Moore. “The boys put in a great performance against a very, very good team.

“They did what was asked of them this week; the planning, the preparation, the hard work on the training ground.

“We knew we’d have to do a lot of hard work off the ball and we knew we’d have to use it well when we did have it. I thought we did that.

“There were times where we could have used it better but we passed the ball well and created opportunities from open play. Credit to the players.

“I’m delighted that we’ve got the three points for everybody connected with the Football Club. Everybody can share in this result.”

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