Bobby Zamora has told his Albion team-mates why he is backing them for promotion next season.

The veteran striker believes the club he is leaving for a second time will be all the better for their experiences this term.

And he reckons the fact they ran two sides who will be in next term’s Premier League so close – and finished ahead of another – bodes well for a Championship which will include Aston Villa, Newcastle and Norwich City.

Zamora said: “I know the squad inside-out and have no doubt that they will use the narrow miss this season to drive them on next year.

“We weren’t fancied to be near the top but the lads showed what they are capable of.

“Now they are a year down the line and more together than ever, they will be even more determined to do well next season.

“They have everything you need in the squad and the right manager to get into that top two, and we were only two goals shy of that this time, so I cannot see why they cannot achieve promotion next year.”

Zamora, who is not being offered a new contract, knows how tough Championship life can be for relegated sides.

He said: “People will talk about the other teams that are coming down from the Premier League but this wasn’t a side that lost in the play-offs after finishing sixth.

“This was a team that finished third and almost second, so for me, the only way is up for these boys.”