Premier League: Rob Kelly credits Alan Irvine legacy for 1-1 draw at West Ham
Thursday 1 January 2015 19:56, UK
West Brom caretaker boss Rob Kelly insisted tactics devised by Alan Irvine before his sacking contributed largely to their 1-1 draw with West Ham.
New manager Tony Pulis was in the stands at Upton Park as he prepares to take charge ahead of Saturday's FA Cup clash with Gateshead, and Kelly revealed the former Stoke and Crystal Palace manager spoke to the players before the game and again at half-time.
His assistant David Kemp joined Kelly in the dug-out during the second half as Albion ended a run of three straight defeats after Saido Berahino had cancelled out Diafra Sakho's 11th-minute opener.
When asked about the appearance of Pulis, who becomes West Brom's fourth boss in just over a year after signing a two-and-a-half year deal, Kelly said: "I'm sure it had an effect.
Tony Pulis and David Kemp let us get on with it. He came up with one or two suggestions and that was it
"He introduced himself this morning to the players, popped in at half-time and said one or two things and came in at the end of the game. He let myself, Keith (Downing) and Dean (Kiely) get on with the organisation and preparation but anyone who knows Alan Irvine knows how planned he is.
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"We had spoken about the group of games as a whole and had gone through it with Alan and done most of the work there with the team we were thinking of playing.
"Tony and David Kemp let us get on with it. He came up with one or two suggestions and that was it. It was brief. Me and the staff were told this morning. He introduced himself to the players and we got on with it. They are very professional.
"The preparation was done beforehand. I saw what I see every week – a group of focused professionals determined to do their job well.
"Anyone who knows Alan knows how well-structured and organised he is and on a football front, we planned it as best we could.
"I thought it was one of those games where we could have pinched it in the finish.
"We got into a lot of good situations, we made some good chances but it's testament to the character and fitness of the players that we kept going."
Kemp was seen in discussion with Pulis before heading to the bench, but Kelly would not reveal what advice had been offered, saying only they were "football suggestions".
