West Brom coach Gerry Francis says staying up is always the club's first target.

Francis believes the Baggies have made progress this season, but says the financial disparity between the big teams and the rest of the league means the majority of Premier League clubs start each season trying to avoid relegation first and foremost.

“I think it will always be the starting point," he said.

“I'd say you've got the top seven who don't have to look over their shoulder, but the rest of us want to get 40 points as quickly as possible."