West Brom today set 50 points as their next major Premier League target – but the Baggies' players were given the all-clear to aim for Europe.
Steve Clarke's players set their sights publicly on Europa League football after reaching their pre-season target of 40 points with 11 matches to spare.
And assistant boss Keith Downing backed the team's quest to reach Europe but urged them to approach the challenge step by step.
"There are 11 games to go and there are 33 points available. Steve (Clarke) has been very careful in terms of not setting too many specific targets and the general consensus is that 40 points is enough to keep you up.
"For a club of our size it is really important to secure Premier League status first and then you can redraw the lines. With 33 points to play for, Europe could be there if you can finish in the top five or six.
A top-six finish would give Clarke's men a chance of reaching Europe, although they would need to finish fifth if a club from outside the top five reached the FA Cup Final.
Seventh spot could theoretically be enough, but only if both FA Cup finalists finish in the top five and Swansea, who have already qualified for Europe through the Capital One Cup, end up sixth.
Albion have claimed back-to-back victories after an eight-match winless run, and Downing admitted the squad face a new challenge.
West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster is considering a return to the England squad after a fresh plea from former Baggies boss Roy Hodgson.
West Brom today set 50 points as their next major Premier League target – but the Baggies' players were given the all-clear to aim for Europe.
West Brom coach Keith Downing today hinted the Baggies will knock back any fresh attempt by Blackburn to sign winger Jerome Thomas on loan.
look at that dingles!!! 50 points in the prem! european challenge good luck in your relegation battle with those fantastic sides such as
50 points is a realistic aim but still a great achievement considering what we have spent and gone through. I'm sure 4 more wins minimum will happen though!
I say aim at the big one and if we miss we will still achieve the wanted fifty points to make our season even more successful than the last two and they were great. Thank you Steve Clarke, Keith Downing and all the ALBION squad for making this chat possible.
By the way, tell Franksy (WM) that besides us fans, even the Staff and players want Europe if possible. I bet he will be dead chuffed for West Bromwich Albion Football Club, L☺Ls. Onward and upward with the BAGGIES.
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