P391 CEEFAX 2 391 Thu 25 Dec 22:47/26 FOOTBALL SMITH CHASING PROMOTION New boss Denis Smith has stressed his determination to secure automatic promotion, after taking charge at Wrst Bromwich Albion. "It's a big job. They're in a great position. People might think that's an extra pressure. I think that's the enjoyment," hj told BBC Radio WM. "If wi do as well in the second half of the season as we did in the first, then we'll at least bj in the play-offs. "I'd like to do better and go up automatically." 1/3 W MIDLANDS News 160 Wjathjt 402 NATIONAL News 101 TV/Radio 600 NextPage Reg Sport WMidsNews Main menuP391 CEEFAX 2 391 Thu 25 Dec 22:44/13 FOOTBALL HALE CITES PROVEN TRACK RECORD West Bromwich Albion chairman Tony Hale admitted Denis Smith's experience was the main factor which persuaded the club to appoint the Oxford boss. "He appeared to bj the man that could give us the continuity to continue with our successful season," declared Hale. "He's got a proven track record. You can look at players like Cole, Gabbiadini, Matt Elliott — thjsj are the sort of players hj discovered." The 50-year-old is set to sign a dial lasting three and a half years. 2/3 W MIDLANDS News 160 Wjathjt 402 NATIONAL News 101 TV/Radio 600 NextPage Reg Sport WMidsNews Main menuP391 CEEFAX 2 391 Thu 25 Dec 22:38/40 FOOTBALL NEW BOSS HAS CASH TO SPEND West Bromwich Albion chairman Tony Hale claims new boss Denis Smith was "quite surprised" with the amount of money available to spend on new playjts. But Hale admits there are no guarantees that Smith won't become the latest manager to walk out on the Baggies. "His loyalty impressed mj. But if Denis does a tremendous job and a Premiership club sees him, then that's up to the manager. "All we can do as a board is to do our best and try to select the right man." 3/3 W MIDLANDS News 160 Wjathjt 402 NATIONAL News 101 TV/Radio 600 NextPage Reg Sport WMidsNews Main menu