While a mid-season trip to sunnier climes could still be on the agenda for Albion's squad, their reward for losing against Sunderland is ten days of hard labour at sub-zero temperatures in Walsall.

Bryan Robson isn't a man given to knee-jerk reactions. However, concerns over lethargy within his squad have only been accentuated by Saturday's limp performance and he is taking immediate action to remedy the situation.

Defeat against Reading last week ended any FA Cup interest this season, but if Robson's squad had any notions about a quiet weekend, they were given a rude awakening at training yesterday.

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An icy blast of Arctic weather is due to arrive in Britain later this week and Robson has informed his squad that they will need to warp up warm for an elongated stint at their Walsall training base.

"We are having a mini pre-season over the next ten days, to tone the players up for what we need for the remainder of the season," explained Robson.

"It will take place at the training ground and will ensure they are well prepared for the rest of the season and that there are no excuses or interruptions.

"The only good thing about being out of the FA Cup is that we know exactly what we have ahead of us.

"There are quite a few play-ers who have come back from niggling injuries and now we need to tone up.

"Unfortunately Zoltan is still not ready for first-team action, but we are hoping players such as him and Neil Clement will benefit from this mini pre-season,

"Neil was on the bench at the weekend, but is still short of fitness as he hasn't been able to do too much training because of his head injury."

Robson cited the second half debacle against Sunder-land as proof that energy levels have declined amongst his threadbare squad.

Injuries and international absences can be used as mitigating circumstances for Albion's recent home form in the Premiership, two consecutive defeats, but Robson has recognised the need for a major shake-up.

And with his transfer actively likely to be limited to bringing in Artmedia Bratislava midfielder Jan Kozak this week, then it is apparent he will have to shuffle his current deck of cards.

"I tried to reflect on why our lads looked so jaded and perhaps the FA Cup tie at Reading took more out of us than I first thought. In the second half there were quite a few of my players who looked short [of fitness].

"We didn't get to bouncing balls, we didn't get to tackles and we didn't pass the ball.

"We looked jaded. Whether the Christmas period caught up with a few of them, or all the niggling injuries we have, I don't know."

However, not only does Robson want a more energetic approach from his team, but he also craves a united front amongst players and supporters.

Darren Carter was subjected to sustained criticism from a minority of supporters during the defeat against Sunderland.

Ronnie Wallwork was also singled out for criticism earlier in the campaign, but rode out the storm and is now revered by the Birmingham Road End.

And Robson is convinced Carter deserves nothing but praise for his efforts in an Albion shirt thus far.

"It was a small section of fans who booed Darren and a lot of supporters tried to over-ride that by cheering him," added Robson. "I said it before with Ronnie Wallwork. You support your team. I can't believe that they would boo their own players.

"It was only a one-off thing and, for me, Darren has been doing well.

"That is twice now that a small minority of fans have booed good, honest players, so they have got to have a look at themselves.

"If you want success within the club then everyone has to pull together."