West Bromwich Albion head coach Alan Irvine has revealed that he spoke with predecessors Roy Hodgson and Steve Clarke following Albion's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
The discussion between Irvine, England manager Hodgson and Clarke took place at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
Irvine says that he found the talks with the former Albion coaches useful, following a run of three successive defeats for his side.
"They were both great, they are people I know and respect and they understand the difficulties you face," Irvine told the Daily Mail.
"We had a conversation about how important it was for a team to work together. The strength in our squad is what we do as a team rather than relying on some individuals.
"You have your own problems and you have to find the best way of getting the results with your group of players. We have a great bunch. Steve's seen the last couple of games and feels the players are working exceptionally hard."
Irvine was appointed Albion boss during the summer.
Steven Toplis
