News

Read Graham Potter's pre-Palace programme notes

Make sure you download your copy of tonight's programme.

By BHAFC • 22 February 2021

By Paul Hazlewood
Graham Potter praised the job Roy Hodgson has done as Crystal Palace boss.

Season-ticket holders and Albion+ members are reminded that they can view a digital version of tonight's programme against Crystal Palace absolutely free, while Graham Potter's full programme notes are available to read below.

Click here to download your copy now.

In the latest issue, cover star Robert Sanchez talks about his elevation to first-choice goalkeeper and the steps he is putting in place to ensure he maintains his position in the side.

We also catch up with Dan Burn who talks about Albion's excellent form since the turn of the year and his own role within the side.

Please note, this programme will only be available to view until 36 hours after the final whistle.

You can still purchase a printed version of the programme after the game by clicking here.

Graham Potter

Tonight we face Crystal Palace in what is the most eagerly anticipated match for both sets of fans. We know the relevance of the game, and the added significance for the fans.

Even without supporters in the stadium, seeing people in and around the city, it is the one thing which always gets mentioned in the build-up to the match, and I am sure it will be no different for Roy Hodgson and the Palace players and staff.

However, the priority is getting points on the board, and in spite of our recent good form, we still have plenty of work to do to achieve our aims for the season. The priority for us is to build on that form, grow our points total and keep moving away from the lower end of the table.

By Paul Hazlewood
Emi Martinez denied Danny Welbeck from close range in the goalless draw with Aston Villa.

We go into the game off the back of another encouraging performance against Aston Villa; yes we were frustrated not to win the game, but there was lots to like about the way we played against one of the in-form teams in the Premier League. I said before the game how impressed I have been with Villa this season, and the work Dean Smith has done there. While he felt his team were not at their best on the night, I felt much of that was down to how we set up, the way the players put our tactical plan into practice, and the overall performance put in.

We also came up against a goalkeeping masterclass from Emiliano Martinez, who made a number of top-class saves to keep us out, but in general I was really pleased with the way we played.

Once again we looked very solid at the back, and we kept their creative players very quiet. I have been really pleased with the level of consistency the team is now showing. We still have areas we wish to improve, and we will be working hard to do that.

By Paul Hazlewood
Albion celebrate their late equaliser at Crystal Palace.

We know from our match against Crystal Palace earlier this season we will have to produce a similar level of performance tonight. The job Roy and Ray Lewington do there year in, year out, is nothing short of remarkable. They have established Palace at this level, and are a team capable of beating anyone in the Premier League. We performed well at Selhurst Park and were worthy of our point there, but that did come courtesy of a very late Alexis Mac Allister goal.

Finally, I would like to congratulate our women's head coach, Hope Powell, on her League Managers' Association award – making it a double for the club on the back of the Liverpool performance. Hope became the first female coach to win the award, being recognised for the excellent 2-1 win over Chelsea in the Women's Super League. A genuine trailblazer for women's football and sport, it is really fitting when you look at what she has achieved in her career. Well done Hope and well done to the team.

By Paul Hazlewood
Hope Powell stands with her entire backroom staff, after Albion won the LMA Performance of the Week award.