Albion PL2 boss Richard Beale is confident playing at The Hawthorns will “bring the best” out of his side against Reading on Monday night (ko 7pm).
A convincing 4-1 win against Arsenal during their last game in the Premier League Cup saw the young Baggies extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight matches.
But despite sitting second place in Premier League 2 Division 2, the Under-23s will be eager to return to winning ways in the league having drawn their last three matches.
And with an opportunity to register their seventh PL2 win of the campaign against the Royals, Beale is focused on ensuring the club’s young stars continue “developing a desire to succeed” as they look to extend their unbeaten home run.
Beale said: “We call the PDP phase learning to win, and it’s a big part of what we do because first-team football is all about winning.
“We’re all here to create first-team players and when they get called up, it means the world to the players and staff. It gives everyone a boost when they take a keen interest in what’s going on with us and it’s important for any club wanting to attract or retain young players to see a clear route through to the senior side.
“What I love about this group of players is their humility. They work every single day like they’re the underdogs and they graft in each game which is a basic requirement if they want to become a professional football player.
“There’s obviously a lot of quality in the group and each has their own specific attributes both technically, tactically and linked to that is going out and leaving everything on the pitch which is partly why they’ve produced some really good performances, and that in-turn has helped them pick up some really good results.
“We’ve played a number of games in front of people at stadiums this season and to play at The Hawthorns allows us to educate the boys about the proud history of West Bromwich Albion, some of the names who’ve graced that changing room, and how fortunate they are to be able to do that.
“Reading will be a tough test, they always are but we’ll be going out there to try and impress. But we relish these challenges and want the players to take on the biggest tests because win, lose or draw, they’ll improve as a result.
“The fact it’s at The Hawthorns will get extra out of everyone and it gives the game a closer feel to a first-team match, which we’re always trying to recreate. I’ve no doubt the boys will turn up, perform and put in another good performance on Monday night.”
How to follow the game
Tickets will be available for Albion’s PL2 clash with Reading at The Hawthorns.
Season ticket holders can watch the match for free, while the prices stand at £5 for adults, and just £1 for juniors.
Season ticket holders and members can enjoy a live stream of the match. Click here and log in with your My Albion account linked to your season ticket or membership.
If you haven’t yet set up your account click here for instructions.
If you have any issues logging in please contact myalbion@wbafc.co.uk
