Albion chairman Tony Bloom is happy with the club’s progress on and off the pitch in their first season at The Amex.

Gus Poyet’s side are four points outside the Championship play-offs, they have taken 15 points from the last 18 at their new stadium and will entertain Newcastle in the fourth round of the FA Cup later this month if they negotiate tonight’s rearranged replay at Wrexham.

Bloom told The Argus: “The key this season is to at least consolidate and get used to playing in a very tough division.

“It is very tough, there is no respite. All the teams are strong and, with all the injuries we’ve had and other stuff, we have done very well to keep in there and fight it out.

“We will have more players back from injury soon, which will give Gus more choices. We have all learnt a lot and we are four points off the play-offs.

“It’s going to be very difficult to finish sixth but you never know. Crowds have been magnificent, the atmosphere is great and we have settled in. Some of the teething problems, such as transport and catering, are getting better, so I am happy with the way things are going in all areas.”

Bloom believes Albion have a competitive wage bill for their first season back in the Championship after a five-year absence.

He said: “We are paying significantly more in wages than last season but we have just come up from League One and we are competing with some clubs that have come down from the Premier League.

“Obviously, there is a difference with these teams and there are also a number of big clubs that have been trying to get up for several seasons. What ever club you are at there will always be times when bigger clubs are after your best players.”

Albion rejected a £400,000 bid from Cardiff earlier this month for Craig Noone, while Lewis Dunk and Liam Bridcutt have both been linked with moves to the Premier League.