Deano reveals professionalism behind promotion success

Albion No. 1 Dean Kiely has put the Club's return to top-flight football down to the professionalism of the Baggies squad after their defeat at Wembley spearheaded an unbeaten run of form. Since the disappointment of losing in the FA Cup semi-final Blackpool, Wolves and Norwich have all fallen under the Baggies' sword as all quarters pulled together and aimed for automatic promotion.

Although favourites with both the bookies and opposing managers throughout the season Albion have flattered to deceive at times with Kiely believing a combination of frustration and disappointment behind Albion not securing promotion before Monday night.

"For a time we were quite frustrated we weren't ten points clear because we thought we should be," the former Eire international admitted.

"But then we looked around and thought Stoke, Watford and Charlton could all make similar cases.

"Once we stopped being frustrated and focussed on what we needed to do, re-evaluated everything and kicked-on we got where we need to be."

"There was a professional way to react to the semi-final defeat and an unprofessional way.

"I think we reacted very, very professionally and I don't think that was in any doubt.

"Teams are cast in managers' images.

"The way the gaffer does things is very pragmatic and thoughtful and that's the way he wants his team to be.

"I think we have been pragmatic and we've got to where we want in the way he wanted.

"I've played in many sides where managers tell you they want you to play but when there is a sniff of it going wrong they abandon it and start getting you to lump it 90 yards.

"For him to stay strong and stick to his beliefs over how he wants the game played, and for us to carry it out to the letter is job satisfaction - it's a big deal."

Deano is one of a number of Albion players to have pitted their wits amongst England's elite during his time with Charlton and Portsmouth and believes the Baggies are more than equipped to compete, as he successfully did during his time at The Valley.

"I played in a Charlton side that were never in a relegation battle or had six-pointers," he said.

"They finished between seventh and 14^th in the six-and-a-half years I was there.

"This team has all those ingredients and a little bit more.

"There are things we can work on and we can turn the screw even harder.

"I can't imagine the gaffer bringing in many big egos or superstars.

"I think the right players and right people will come in and we all trust the manager implicitly with the choices he's already made and the ones he makes in the future."