BRYAN ROBSON became one of the first managers in this country to use foreign players en masse rather than in ones and twos during his days at Middlesbrough.

So it was quite fitting that a Dutchman, Bolo Zenden, was the man to grab the winning goal at The Hawthorns and ensure Robson's return to Premiership management with West Brom ended with his successor on Teesside, Steve McClaren, enjoying the last laugh.

The period of Fabrizio Ravanelli, Juninho and Emerson turning out in a Middlesbrough shirt may have gone but the era of Zenden, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka are only just starting it would seem.

During Robson's seven years at the helm, Boro reached three cup finals and claimed two promotions but he could never guide the club into the top six of the English league.

And, having already earned Boro their first major trophy courtesy of February's Carling Cup success, McClaren will now be hoping to achieve something else his predecessor never managed - a European spot via the Premiership.

Zenden's second half header, his fourth goal in five games, proved enough to secure the victory that pushed Middlesbrough up to an unprecedented fourth in the top-flight with Christmas fast approaching.

Had Nwankwo Kanu not contrived to miss a late, late chance from inches out when it looked easier to score then it would have been different.

But Middlesbrough, despite never hitting the heights of recent games, have now won their last three matches on their travels and are showing plenty of resolve. Resolve Robson would have been proud of.

Twenty-three years after leaving, Robson's return to the club where he learnt his trade as a keen 13-year-old sparked a hero's reception by both sets of supporters.

But the Chester-le-Street man knows that welcome could soon turn against him during the coming months if West Brom's plight does not improve.

There will be little money available, unlike the cash he was able to throw at the big names to attract them to Middlesbrough from the first day he walked through the gates at Ayresome Park in 1994.

And, initially, exciting runs to cup finals will certainly not be on the agenda with Premiership survival the name of the game over the coming months.

For his first game in charge Robson kept changes to a minimum, as McClaren introduced six first teamers back into the fold after being rested for the midweek Carling Cup exit at Liverpool.

As well as Hasselbaink, Ray Parlour, George Boateng and Gareth Southgate all making a return, Viduka kept his place instead of Joseph Job and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was recalled at the expense of Carlo Nash.

Schwarzer, in the midst of a contract dispute with the club, was the only player to start who is a leftover from Middlesbrough's Robson era.

Any doubts about his commitment to the club disappeared yesterday with a number of exceptional saves that influenced the scoreline.

In a predictably keenly contested opening half chances fell to both sides on a regular basis, the only surprise was that it took over half an hour for someone to find the back of the net - albeit in fortunate, or in West Brom's case unfortunate, circumstances.

But prior to that, after Stewart Downing had shot just wide with a powerful strike from the edge of the area and Zenden's quick free-kick from distance was turned behind by Russell Hoult, the home side had a glut of opportunities.

Schwarzer did well to deny striker Nwankwo Kanu, who had beaten Chris Riggott after picking up Zoltan Gera's flick, as the Nigerian closed in on goal.

And Middlesbrough's Australian shot-stopper made a first class stop to halt a stinging drive from Cosmin Contra, after he had picked up the ball from a fine lay-off from Robert Earnshaw.

A penalty appeal from each side - when Viduka appeared to pull down Earnshaw before the Middlesbrough man looked to have been pushed to the floor by Riccardo Scimeca - were both waved away by referee Steve Dunn; while Hasselbaink had a bullet header rocket off the crossbar.

The pace of the game had everyone gripped and Scimeca's 30-yard shot pulled another superb save from the flying Schwarzer, who was then on hand to thwart Earnshaw as he tried to convert the rebound.

From there Middlesbrough counter-attacked through Downing and broke the deadlock.

The England Under-21 international fed Hasselbaink on the left, who took on Scimeca before his low drive into the penalty area was turned beyond Hoult by West Brom defender Purse's outstretched leg.

But in true Captain Marvel spirit, the home side responded in exactly the right manner. Earnshaw was denied once again by Schwarzer but the Welsh striker made sure when he side-footed in the equaliser just six minutes after Middlesbrough had taken the lead.

The task was made simple for Earnshaw by left-midfielder Contra, who teased and turned Franck Queudrue four times before playing a perfect cross to his teammate standing just yards from the frame of the goal.

Going in at half-time behind would have been harsh on West Brom, who had shown plenty of desire and determination in an attempt to try to pick up only their second victory of the campaign.

But their failure to convert chances into goals and ultimately points proved costly again yesterday and therein lies the main problem Robson must find a solution to during his time in charge.

For Middlesbrough, that is something that has not been lacking this season, with ith midfielders chipping in with goals almost as often as the forwards.

And, just seven minutes after half-time, Dutch midfielder Zenden proved the point once again when he was in the right place at the right time to deliver a fine dipping header beyond Hoult after meeting Downing's near post cross.

From that moment on Middlesbrough rarely looked like allowing another away day success slip from their grasp.

The occasional glimpse of skill from the eccentric Kanu won a free-kick for the hosts.

But whenever McClaren's men attacked they looked the more likely to add to the scoreline.

And it was Viduka, without a goal since September 16, who went closest when he shot over after meeting Ray Parlour's centre.

West Brom had a few great chances before the final whistle. Rob Hulse and Neil Clement both failed to beat Schwarzer and then, with the keeper stranded, Kanu somehow turned the ball over the bar from inches out after Horsfield's centre.

Despite West Brom's best efforts, Middlesbrough stood firm to lift themselves further up the Premiership table and hammer the enormity of the job Robson faces home.

* Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric last night insisted he will bring a director of football to the club despite manager Harry Redknapp threatening: ''If I'm not in control, I'm not here''.

Mandaric attempted to appease Redknapp, who has guided Portsmouth from relegation contenders in division one to an established Premiership side, by insisting the manager would retain as much authority and control as he enjoys today.

But ultimately, Mandaric is actively seeking the right man from a shortlist of ''two or three really good candidates'', some of whom are English.

''It is a conversation that is quite active,'' he said. ''Bringing a director of football and a director on the board responsible for football activities is no change, it is just a great addition to our club. I am going to do what is the best for this club, not what is the best for Harry Redknapp or Milan Mandaric.''

Result: WBA 1 Middlesbrough 2.

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