Just one more...

Roberto Di Matteo will have the dubious honour of joining legendary boss Vic Buckingham and the not-so-legendary Brian Little in Albion's hall-of-fame if he avoids defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Albion sides managed by Buckingham (1953-54) and Little (99-2000) went unbeaten in their opening nine League games of the season.

Buckingham's side - featuring players like Ronnie Allen, Ray Barlow and Len Millard - were to finish the season as FA Cup winners and League runners-up, after winning seven and drawing two of those nine matches

Little's men - including Micky Evans, Jason van Blerk and James Quinn - drew seven times and won twice. They stayed up with a final day win against Charlton thanks to chairman Paul Thompson's springtime decision to sack the ex-Villa boss and replace him with Gary Megson when all seemed lost.

That's some contrast.

Di Matteo could equal those records if Albion avoid defeat to Palace. Surely Neil Warnock won't ruin it...?