Megson method right out of Clough book

Albion also needed a helping hand from ex-Wolves keeper Paul Jones, who allowed man-ofthematch Sean Gregan's speculative 35-yard shot to bobble over him.

But the Premier League table does not lie and Albion are currently in dreamland, a point ahead of Manchester United. For that, they have their canny manager to thank as much as anyone.

Megson said: 'It's part of my job to try and get more effort out of them, to push them along in whatever way I can. I'll do everything in the rules to get us a win.

'It was hard for us this week, we didn't get back from West Ham until 2.30am on Thursday. But what we tried to get over to the players was that Southampton had travelled on Friday after playing in midweek. We didn't seem to be getting through.

'I sensed it on Friday in training. We weren't at the races. Even today the whole demeanour and mood wasn't right.

'You have got to try and find ways to win, so I said they could have two days off for a victory, one for a draw and none for a defeat. But it's not just about psychology.

'For instance, it became clear to me at half-time that unless we made changes, we wouldn't win the game. I know the goal was fortunate, but a victory is a victory.

'And you'll try anything when you feel it's not going right. We needed to find a way to get the best out of the players. That's my job. Sometimes it needs to be a reward, sometimes it has to be a threat. Whatever it is, it's got to be fair and across the board. That's my job. That's what I see as the art of management.'

Saints' boss Gordon Strachan said he thought Gregan's shot was so hopeful that he had turned away before Jones' fumble. Now the Wales international may find Antti Niemi, Southmapton's £1.5million signing from Hearts, taking his place ahead of next week's game against Charlton.

Southampton played by far the prettier football, but pretty football does not necessarily breed victories.

'It's hard to take,' said Strachan. 'I didn't even count the goal as a chance. But this is not bad luck, it's a lack of ability. Ironically, Marian had one of his best games for us and then cannot finish. I knew it was going to be tough here but you know what to expect.

'As for Jones, I didn't see the goal. I had turned to my assistant and was talking about the next substitution we were going to make, but they tell me it's not a classic.'