Yesterday was meant to be the most depressing day of the year according to the statisticians and life-style gurus. A combination of failed New Year resolutions, impending tax returns and icy temperatures apparently spelt gloom for much of the populace. However there was hardly a frown or grimace in sight among the players and staff of West Bromwich Albion at their training ground near Walsall. The buoyant atmosphere had nothing to do with Bryan Robson's decision to scrap Gary Megson's edict forbidding the players from wearing hats, gloves and other warm items during training either. The feelgood factor at the club emanates from the team's much-improved form, which has finally yielded Albion's first Premiership victory under Robson. The 2-0 win at home over Manchester City last Saturday was thoroughly deserved and, allied to a run of three draws in four league games, relegation is no longer a certainty. Albion still remain bottom - five points off safety - but they look a completely different team to the side which capitulated against Birmingham City and Liverpool just a month ago. "We are just delighted from our own point of view," said Albion's assistant manager Nigel Pearson yesterday. "The win was certainly nice and I think it is just reward for the players. They have worked so hard and the spirit has been excellent. Since the turn of the year things have gone pretty well performance wise but the results haven't gone for us. "It is great to get that elusive win though and we now have to put another run together. The next month or so we are playing the teams around us so it is going to be very important." With Albion facing relegation rivals Crystal Palace, Norwich City and Southampton in their next three league games, Robson's men have hit form at the right time. Their next match is at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on Saturday and Albion plan to field their strongest side. Pearson added: "It is an opportunity for us to put another good performance in and hopefully get a win because we want to build up some sort of momentum." Albion's revival can be attributed to several things, but Pearson highlights the players' mental resolve and the team's improved defensive record as vital factors. "The back four have tighten up and defensively as a team we have looked better," said Pearson. "You can do as much work as you can on the training field but it is performing on match days that matters. "I'm sure a lot of it is down to belief and confidence, they are very important. But having seen the players in training, they have been upbeat and positive and we need to keep that going - I think we have got the mental toughness to stay up." Aside from getting more out of the players they inherited, Robson and Pearson should also be commended for signing Kevin Campbell. Albion snapped up the 34-year-old on a free transfer from Everton and the experienced striker led the line superbly against City, weighing in with his first goal for the club. Pearson said: "I think Kevin Campbell has been a shot in the arm for the team - not just on the technical aspects of it but his personality too. "Kevin is the right sort character wise, that is important these days when you are trying to get people in. "His performances have been excellent as well, especially if you consider he has only played two games all season. "One or two would question his age but I don't think that is particularly a barrier to being able to perform. Kevin is going to be very important for us but it is the collective that is going to keep us up." Another player to excel in recent weeks is Neil Clement, who has moved to centre-back and struck up a formidable partnership with captain Darren Purse. Clement is out of contract in the summer but Pearson confirmed the club have offered the 26-year-old a new deal on the back of his recent form. He added: "I think Neil has played in three or four positions for the club this season and done really well for us - we have offered him a new contract. "Neil has played his part and he has proved his versatility and done very well for us. He is prepared to play wherever you want him to. "He has shown real commitment and I am delighted because he is a good lad and a good professional who works hard at his game." * Bernt Haas has joined French League One club Bastia on a six-month contract after being handed a free transfer by Albion. Striker Rob Hulse has rejected a move to Champion-ship side Stoke City. Albion accepted a £1.2 million offer for the ex-Crewe Alexandra player from the Potters last Friday. But, after holding talks with Stoke, Hulse has opted not to join Tony Pulis' side. | 
