Alex Neil wants happier Hawthorns memories for Preston North End

Last April’s Gentry Day trip developed into something of a circus, Neil having been linked in the build-up to the Baggies’ head coach vacancy.

PNE were beaten 4-1 and it was only the following day that rumours of his exit were quashed by his signing a new contract at Deepdale.

Neil admitted the events still ‘stick in my throat’ and he hopes things can go better this evening (8pm).

“It was just the whole day in general, going there and getting beaten like we did,” said Neil ahead of the visit to the Midlands.

“What happened still sticks in my throat a little bit and I want us to do a lot better. The players looked like they were resigned to the fact I was leavin,g which was disappointing and the fans probably thought the same.

“ I wanted to go there and win the game but it wasn’t a great day.

“What happened wasn’t within my control, that was the biggest problem.

“It wasn’t anything I did or didn’t do, it became something I didn’t want it to become.”

The Baggies eventually went for Slaven Bilic as their head coach, appointing him in the summer.

Bilic has guided them to the top of the Championship and they look good for a return to the Premier League after a two-season absence.

PNE have fared well against the sides jostling for position in the promotion pack.

Albion are the only side in the top eight to beat Neil’s men this season and it needed a controversial penalty to do so at Deepdale in December.

Neil said: “We have done well against the top teams and we were really unfortunate to lose here against Albion.

“This will be a tough game, they are a good side and at the top of the league.

“We will have to play really well to get something from the game and it will be a good challenge for us.

“Mentally we have to be very strong, we have to go into the game believing we have got a good chance.

“If there is any trepidation about the occasion or the place you are going, things will get tough.”

PNE are likely to be without Daniel Johnson, a knee injury denying him the chance to face his good friend Callum Robinson who is on loan at WBA from Sheffield United.

The midfielder has been getting discomfort in the same knee which he injured against Albion in December.

Said Neil: “I’m not sure DJ is going to make it.

“It’s his knee again but it’s not something I’m thinking is going to keep him out for a long period.”