Cheer up Roberto

When can you not enjoy a five nil win?

Roberto Di Matteo wasn't happy after the victory against Watford.

He spat out his answers in the post-match press conference when explaining why he was so seemingly unhappy.

Albion's head coach was upset by the 'critics' who tore into his side following the 0-0 at Coventry City last weekend and in recent weeks when his side have taken just one win in seven games.

Whether he meant the press, the fans or the post-match phone-ins he never explained.

Di Matteo argues, somewhat correctly, that Albion are minus Morrison, Miller, Clement, with Bednar and Brunt both absent against Coventry and in previous games. Fair point.

And, let's be honest, third spot in a tough division was a considerable achievement for any new boss. The fact his side are now top after their second five goal win of the season is even more impressive. For this he deserves credit. And credit he has had.

However, part of Di Matteo's development as a manager must include learning to take criticism - because any poor result for a club of Albion's size in the Championship will be scrutinised, whether it's by fans, the written press, the more unforgiving radio media and their frenzied phone-in culture, or those sat at home listening via the Internet or watching Soccer Saturday.

One victory in seven games will always prompt debate.

Saturated coverage of footbal and the relentless need for results has contributed to a changing landscape when it comes to the analysis of matches, performances and team selections. Everyone, of all ages and backgrounds, will offer opinions.

Albion have won promotion with two different managers on three occasions during the last eight seasons - so expectation is something Di Matteo will need to deal with, not least as he has aspirations to manage at the highest level. He will have been conditioned to that as a player with Lazio, Chelsea and, more so, Italy. It's something he will not have experienced as a manager, until now.

It goes with the job.

Di Matteo has had a lot of praise already this season, whether through the written press, the radio coverage or from fans. He impressed those who attended a supporters' forum some weeks ago and he's produced some good results on the pitch. He sees football in a more pragmatic, sensible manner than his predecessor Tony Mowbray.

He is missing two of his best players through injury and was without key personnel for recent games. Dips in form are always likely yet scrutiny remains a part of the job.

It's a shame Di Matteo was unable to enjoy Saturday's victory against a Watford side who have done well in recent times. In some ways he is right not to get carried away. And he's spot on about five 1-0s being better than a couple of 5-0s.

But, equally, if you can't enjoy your second five nil win before the end of October then when can you?

He needs to enjoy the good times no matter how hard the fall-out is from the bad times.

PS. These rumours about David Healy... completely wide of the mark.