Mulumbu: Tougher test to come

Published May. 17, 2011 9:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Baggies preserved their Premier League status over the weekend with a 1-0 victory over Everton. Roy Hodgson and his squad can now relax ahead of the summer, safe in the knowledge that they will remain among English football's elite in 2011/12. They are, however, aware of the need to build on the foundations they have laid over the summer, with continuous improvement required if they are to remain competitive. Mulumbu, the club's Player of the Year, insists everyone at The Hawthorns is aware of the need to kick on again, with second season syndrome having inflicted numerous ambitious outfits in the past. The Congolese midfielder told the Express and Star: "We will have our holidays, have a long rest and then come back ready for next season. "It will be a hard season, maybe even harder than this season. But this season was hard and the target was achieved. "Now, with the way we play, we can finish in the top half of the table." Mulumbu joined West Brom from Paris Saint-Germain in 2009 and admits he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in England. He added: "When I came here I didn't know much about Albion, but then I saw the fans and the stadium and I have really enjoyed playing for the Baggies. "Also the welcome from the fans and my team-mates was very important for me because I didn't know about England and the intensity or the way we're going to play. "So I have to say thanks to my team-mates."