Nicky Forster has admitted that the Albion squad do discuss the dreaded ‘R’ word.

And he warned that relegation to League Two will become a reality if there are any repeats of Tuesday night at Walsall in their remaining ten games.

“Relegation? It is mentioned,” admitted the Albion captain. “We are running out of time and we’re in a relegation battle. By no means have we consigned ourselves to it, we’ve got 30 points to play for so we’re not giving up by any means but we have to improve.”

What must have frustrated Forster, his team-mates and boss Russell Slade is that for long spells they made a Walsall side who have spent most of the season marooned in mid-table and came into the game on the back of a 5-0 home hammering by Bristol Rovers look better than they actually are.

Forster added: “Tuesday’s performance was a blow. We didn’t look like winning the game at any stage whatsoever.

“Walsall responded from their 5-0 drubbing last weekend but they are a mid-table side and have been so for most of the season.

“But we made them look like a top side because of our inadequacies rather than the quality of their football.”

Slade had his troops in for training yesterday and skipper Forster insists the squad remain determined to clamber to safety.

“We have some tough games coming up and Tuesday was a blow but the unit is still tight and is going to have to stay like that,” he added.