A disappointing result, to say the least

The defeat against Newcastle United on Saturday was a really hard one to take.

To say the result was a disappointing one is an understatement and it's understandable that the majority felt deflated.

Newcastle had only won once at home, they were in poor form and they were there for the taking.

With that in mind, it's frustrating that you have to say the team selection was a little surprising – one up front against a side like Newcastle at home, was a bit of a surprise.

I'm not one to knock the manager Tony Mowbray but I couldn't understand that, especially as he had put three up top against Burnley in midweek.

I know Jay Simpson was injured – and his pace was missed – but I would have thought Roman Bednar was worth a start – he is a presence at least.

I can understand one up front when you are away to Arsenal or Chelsea but we needed three points on Saturday and a win over Newcastle would have been massive.

I think that kind of set the tone before kick off and then the defence seemed to have lost their confidence as well as we gave away a poor goal in the first couple of minutes.

We were a total shambles at the back on the day, it was comedy capers.

You simply can't defend like that in the Premiership and expect to get results.

The only one who came out of the game with any credit in the end was Marc Antoine Fortune – he was terrific. It wasn't just his goals but he worked his socks off as well and produced some great touches.

Obviously the lads are without a game for a week and you can look at it two ways.

It's good in that it gives the manager time to get the walking wounded back up and running – and Albion certainly have some injuries.

But, at the same time, after a poor loss, you want to get straight back out on the pitch to rectify things.

The players have gone off for a break to warmer climes now though and that will be good for them.

It means they can get out of the media spotlight and regroup and focus again.

They will do some training in good weather, do a bit of bonding and talk about where the season is at.

Sure, they might reflect on disappointments but the important thing for them to do is focus on the positives of the season so far as well.

It's important for them to magnify the positives at the end of the day.