Reid targets win for survival

19 April 2011 10:30

Steven Reid believes one more win will guarantee West Brom's safety in the Barclays Premier League this season.

Albion suffered their first defeat under new manager Roy Hodgson on Saturday when they lost 3-1 to Chelsea at The Hawthorns. The Baggies had previously taken 12 points from a possible 18 since Hodgson arrived to lift themselves clear of the relegation zone.

But the setback at the weekend still leaves all at the club looking at the gap to the bottom three which has closed to six points. Reid said: "We know it's not job done yet. We still need an extra few points. "We don't really know what the target is, but I think one more win, 42 points or around that, should be enough."

He added: "It's easy to say a number, but you just never know because it's easy to go on a bad run. Just look at Sunderland who are on a difficult run at the moment, so the sooner we can pick up three more points the better. I'm still confident we will be fine."

Albion face a difficult run-in, with trips to Tottenham, local rivals Wolves and Newcastle to come, along with home matches against Aston Villa and Everton. Reid, though, is convinced Albion can raise themselves and push on to ensure they avoid any late dramas.

"We're still a decent side and we will go again at the weekend," added Reid. "Saturday was an off day, but we've still been on a great run and hopefully we can go on another before the end of the season."

After previously struggling to break into the first team earlier this season, Reid has now started the last six matches at right-back. Reid started 10 matches at the end of last season after joining the Baggies on loan prior to being signed permanently by former manager Roberto di Matteo last summer.

It has taken Hodgson's appointment to give him the run of matches he had previously expected.

"When I signed I was pretty confident I would be in the first XI from the word go," said Reid.

"I'm disappointed I've not started more games this season given the runs we've been on at times. But since the manager has come in I've had a decent run of games and I am getting up to match tempo now."

Source: PA