West Brom expecting 'tense' encounter with high-flying Preston

Oct 2 2009 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Post

Depending on who you believe Roberto Di Matteo may, or may not have been, West Bromwich Albion’s first choice as Tony Mowbray’s successor.

The Baggies take on Preston North End in tomorrow’s lunchtime kick-off with Alan Irvine, the man who could have been Albion boss, taking on the man who finally got the nod from the Hawthorns boardroom.

In the Preston corner, you’ll hear Irvine telling all and sundry that he turned the vacancy down for all manner of reasons, including having no wish to be known as a ‘head coach’.

But, closer to home, Albion insist that, despite his impressive credentials, the Scot was never offered the job and that Di Matteo clinched the role because he ticked more of the boxes on Jeremy Peace’s list of requirements.

The Italian was far too diplomatic to comment about the close season’s race for the Hawthorns’ job, but he has nothing but praise for his counterpart and the team he’s assembled in Lancashire.

“Preston are a very good team, especially at home,” said Di Matteo.

“They put you under pressure and have some good players.

“Mellor, Wallace and Brown can hurt you and be a threat.