This section is no longer in use, please click on the links below to view news and sport from:
Megson settles on new tactics
Sep 22 2003
By Chris Lepkowksi, Evening Mail
Gary Megson has thrown down the gauntlet to his players by revealing he is striving for an Albion team that "picks itself".
The Baggies manager has changed his line-up from match to match to try and counter the strengths of the opposition.
But Megson admitted the tactic did not go to plan in last week's defeat at Wigan and is now looking to settle his side down in an attempt to improve results.
Albion take on Hartlepool tomorrow with Megson awaiting fitness checks on injured trio Artim Sakiri, Joost Volmer and Larus Sigurdsson.
But he is hoping to have an established XI in place starting from Saturday's game against Stoke.
"People keep saying we've got a bigger squad but we let eight players go and got eight in," he said.
"We have got as many players now as last season but we have players who, if we have a problem with injuries or suspension, can step in.
"We can change it as and when we want but I am looking for a team that picks itself because it is playing well and is winning games.
"That's what it's all about. I tried settling it down but I changed it at Wigan because I thought we would cause them one or two problems which we didn't do.
"I am making too many substitutions too early at the moment because I am putting people in and thinking this will happen or that will happen but I am not seeing it.
"We have got to get back to basics."
Megson praised new-boy Alassane N'dour for his performance in Saturday's draw at Crystal Palace.
The Senegal international provided Rob Hulse's opener and settled down quickly.
"I thought he did well defensively and made the first goal," said Megson.
"He actually came over to me during the game and said 'I'm making the runs and they are not giving me the ball'."
