Tuesday 13 September 2016 15:46, UK
West Brom manager Tony Pulis admits the club face a struggle to get to January in a reasonable Premier League position.
The Baggies have won just one of their opening four top-flight games this season and have the joint-lowest number of goals so far in the campaign, having scored just twice.
Pulis has often been criticised for overseeing a defensive approach at West Brom, and after the Baggies suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday the Welshman called for supporters to stick with the club despite facing a tough period ahead.
"I think, as a club, we are going to be in for a tough few months," Pulis told the Express and Star.
"I'm being as honest as I can. We all need to get together. We are the highest ranked team in the west Midlands and let's stay that way. We need the supporters.
"Let's get together and push the club on, it's a great club, and we've got to work to make sure we maintain the position we are in."
West Brom were acquired by Chinese owner Guochuan Lai in August, leaving little time to bring in many new players before the end of the summer transfer window.
The club brought in the likes of Nacer Chadli, Hal Robson-Kanu and Matt Phillips, while also retaining the services of wantaway striker Saido Berahino, but Pulis admitted the next few months are about getting to the January transfer window in a reasonable position in order to bring in new additions.
"The most important thing at the moment is concentrating on what we've got and getting those players to play to a level that will get us results," Pulis added.
"Then once the window opens in January, having a better run at it."
Berahino has not scored a Premier League goal since February this year, and after failing to move away from The Hawthorns this summer, Pulis wants the 23-year-old to prove what he is capable of over the next few months.
"The important thing for Saido is for him to get himself fit, playing well and scoring goals," Pulis added. "That's important for him personally, never mind the football club. He's got a point to prove and he's got to do it with us over the next three or four months."
