Peter Gilbert On The Season Ahead

Peter Gilbert assesses Hull, Stoke and West Brom's chances in the Premiership and reveals why the Owls aren't setting any targets for the coming season.

'In terms of what we want to achieve this season we're not setting any goals for ourselves. We did that last year and I think it backfired. After a great year the season-before-last we set ourselves the target of the play-offs and it put a lot of pressure on us. There'll be 20 other teams who'll say: 'Our goal is to get into the play-offs,' so I don't think we need to spell it out. The players know what's expected of them so it's best just to let them get on with it.

'Three of the sides we faced last year will be battling it out in the Premier League this season and it will be interesting to see how they get on. West Brom were by far the most attractive team in the Championship last season and they deserved to win the title. They play the game the right way and I wish them all the best but if I'm honest I think all three teams will struggle. The Premier League is a big step up from the Championship these days and the most important thing is how well you start.'

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