1

Announcements, Feedback & Questions / Site playing up

« on: November 26, 2023, 05:10:11 AM »

Twice I've written posts in the after match debate and twice the site has chucked me out before I could post them.

Sort it out Admin please.

2

West Bromwich Albion FC / What's with all these injuries?

« on: April 07, 2023, 06:16:08 PM »

It's past a joke now. Arguably the worst injury crisis in 40 years.

Bad luck?
Bad management?
Bad science?

3

West Bromwich Albion FC / The summer / next season

« on: April 02, 2023, 12:53:17 PM »

Keep:

Palmer
Griffiths
O'Shea
Molumby
Yokuslu
Gardner-Hickman
Dike
Thomas-Asante

AT ALL COSTS!

Build around them.

Obviously we have other good players but be it age, wages, all of the others should have a value we should be happy to sell at or in some cases we should be actively looking to get off the books. Of course we can't let all go and I'd certainly be happy to keep a number of them but a number have to go.

The above list, unless offered insane money, we absolutely should not let go.

4

West Bromwich Albion FC / I'm depressed this morning

« on: August 18, 2022, 12:32:44 PM »

I don't think it's solely because of last night's performance more the realisation / concern that its likely to be more of the same going forward.

It's the lack of goals, a problem we've had for such a long time. The last time we had quality strikers at this level were the days of Gayle / Rodriguez. That seems a very long time ago now.

I'm fed up of us not scoring the first goal and not scoring in the first half of games, then the game Peters out.

I'm fed up of the same old players who have been here for years that still get picked and don't perform.

I'm fed up of having a bench where we bring on the likes of Phillips when you just know its a waste of time.

I'm fed up of kids coming in, doing well then getting completely bombed out.

I'm fed up of us never really having any money.

I'm fed up of this club never having any investment / ambition.

I'm fed up of having an ownership that takes money out of the club, gives nothing back and worse still is not likely to go away for years.

And to top all that, they've stopped doing steak and kidney pies inside the ground.

Is anyone else feeling like me?

5

West Bromwich Albion FC / Baggies Broadcast

« on: April 28, 2022, 08:32:17 AM »

If any of you haven't listened to the latest edition of this podcast with Jonny Drury and Joe Masi I strongly advise you to.

It was very insightful and what Masi said explains a lot of the thinking going on behind the scenes and why it's seen as so important to keep Steve Bruce for now.

It certainly makes you think.

Added to that it explains the role of Ian Pearce, the match day experience and other things.

Reading between the lines I don't think the club are too worried about the drop in ST sales next season, I think there is an acceptance that's things have had to get worse before they get better.

Well worth a listen.

6

West Bromwich Albion FC / If you were appointed head coach tomorrow what would you do?

« on: January 15, 2022, 06:01:42 PM »

This isn't a topic to hammer Val, nor support him for that matter.

Given the resources we have at our disposal how would you go about changing our fortunes on the pitch. Do you have a philosophy you'd install, would you adopt a more flexible approach? What sort of players would you target in this and future transfer windows and who would you seek to move on?

Also how would you go about keeping us in the PL should you get us there?

I would prefer sensible, thoughtful replies rather than cheap digs or clever comments.

7

West Bromwich Albion FC / Lucky, lucky Albion

« on: July 18, 2020, 02:31:21 PM »

And we don't deserve it to be perfectly honest.

But, we've been given an extraordinary lifeline, that I'd usually associate with the Seals down the road.

Don't mess it up now Bilic.

8

West Bromwich Albion FC / Season Tickets

« on: February 17, 2020, 10:52:33 AM »

Prices frozen for next season. On official site.

Got mine already 

9

General Football & Sports / Dara O'Shea joins Burnley

« on: January 13, 2020, 09:05:25 AM »

https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2020/01/13/west-brom-offer-new-deal-to-dara-oshea/

Good news IMO. Let's hope he accepts it.

10

West Bromwich Albion FC / This time last season .............

« on: August 09, 2019, 05:27:14 PM »

Just made a bigger post on this but somehow deleted it and can't be bothered again but I predicted top six for certain then circumstances dictate where after that. I was right (for a change).

This season top two. I'd be disappointed if there are two better squads in this league this season than ours.

Just putting it out there.

11

Announcements, Feedback & Questions / At last, we're back!

« on: July 16, 2019, 02:45:58 PM »

How long has that been? I've lost count, a least fifty odd hours. Absolutely ridiculous in 2019.

BUT, welcome back everyone. 


PS! No, we STILL haven't signed anyone. 

12

General Football & Sports / Wimbledon

« on: July 04, 2019, 02:29:04 PM »

That ugly chipmunk looking seal fan Dan Evans, can't wait for him to get knocked out.

Djokovic will win the men's. Women's, wide open.

13

West Bromwich Albion FC / Louie Barry

« on: June 21, 2019, 10:43:56 AM »

https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2019/06/21/west-brom-offer-three-year-deal-to-england-youth-striker-louie-barry/


Albion doing their best to keep him.

14

West Bromwich Albion FC / When we sold Robson to Man Ure

« on: January 06, 2019, 07:29:13 PM »

........... At the time did we realise just how good he was? Arguably the best player we've ever produced.

15

West Bromwich Albion FC / Since changing to 4-3-3

« on: December 30, 2018, 02:17:07 PM »

I have stolen this from another site but we're all Albion so I'm sure no one will mind. 


Everybody has played 9 games.
We have won 6 and drawn 3.

The league table based on those 9 games is -

1-Albion 21 points GD+12
2-Leeds 21 points GD+3
3-Norwich 18 points GD+7
4-Hull 18 points GD+5
5-Villa 16 points GD+8
6-Blues 15 points GD+7

In terms of goals conceded we have the best record, conceding 8.
In terms of goals scored we have 20, third highest behind Villa and Norwich.

16

West Bromwich Albion FC / The team v Leeds and the similarities to 1980 - 81

« on: November 18, 2018, 06:32:22 AM »

I am probably the only person to notice the similarities in our 4-3-3 line up against Leeds to the make up of that superb 1980 - 81 team that finished forth in the old First Division. I say I am probably the only person to notice because I doubt anyone else is quite as weird as I am with regards to my memory of things Albion historic dating back to the late seventies / early eighties. Not just those times though. For example - Albion played Everton in an FA Cup third round tie in January 1989. Anyone know the attendance that day? 31,186. There you go weird. I don't know why I remember that but I do.

Anyway, apologies for my digression, back to the subject.

Allow me to list the two teams. (80 - 81 most played eleven). Leeds team on top 80 -81 team below:

       
                                           Johnstone
                                           Godden

Adarabioyo             Dawson                       Hegazi                    Gibbs
Batson                   Wile                            Robertson                Statham

                         Phillips         Livermore            Morrison
                         Robson        Moses                  Owen

Robson - Kanu                       Rodriguez                                   Barnes
                         A Brown       Regis                                          Barnes


Now, allow me to expand. In goal we have two goalkeepers who are good shot stoppers with good reflexes but maybe have a weakness with aerial balls and decision making.

At right back we have two players who are more defensively minded, though Batson would get forward more than Adarabioyo did against Leeds.

At left back we have two players that go forward at will in Gibbs and Statham.

At centre back Dawson and Hegazi reverted back to proper centre halves the type Wile / Robertson were.

The midfield three. We have the workhorses Livermore and Moses. We have the ball players who can pass a ball and dictate the pace in Morrison and Gary Owen. Now admittedly Phillips and Robson are different, there was only one Robson, but both could get forward and score goals. Phillips tackle for his goal was Robson-esque.

The front three is different I admit. Ally Brown would play more narrow than Robson Kanu did and JRod is not Big Cyrille although he did carry the ball forward for a couple of our goals. Cyrille would've done that.

Then of course we have a Barnes wide left now and we have a Barnes wide left then. Harvey and Peter both of whom can / could swap wings or play more infield and both have goals in them.

How weird is all that? I'm probably the only one who thinks so and no-one else probably gives a damn but as it's Sunday and there's nothing else going on I thought I'd share my weirdness with you. 

17

West Bromwich Albion FC / "Reserves" / Youths

« on: November 13, 2018, 09:02:38 PM »

Because of work commitments I haven't seen any of these games for years. There is a game coming up though at the Hawthorns vs Man United on Friday 23 November. I might just be able to make that and wouldn't mind going to have a look at one or two of the kids.

Can anyone tell me what stand(s) are likely to be open and what the admission charge is please? Also (this is probably an extremely stupid question) you just turn up at the gate, yes?

18

West Bromwich Albion FC / Tyrone Mears

« on: August 28, 2018, 11:04:01 AM »

https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2018/august/mears-joins-albion/

19

General Football & Sports / Radio football phone in's

« on: April 25, 2018, 01:46:31 PM »

I've not really listened to phone in's for a few years now, used to listen mainly to Tom Ross who has now retired. I'm a bit out of touch with "the scene".

What do you lot listen to? Which phone in's are the best and worst?

20

West Bromwich Albion FC / The Kids next season

« on: April 15, 2018, 10:24:00 AM »

With us being in the Championship next season it should be slightly easier to bring a youngster or two into the first team fold. I've been looking at our squad and there are a number of them that are on the fringes:

Sam Field: Should've been a regular this season let alone next. Given that we're likely to be a footballing team next season and at a lower level than we're currently playing at I would expect Sam to hold down a place. He turns 20 in May, now is the time.

Alex Palmer: Ben Foster says he wants to stay at the club which is excellent news. Alex isn't likely to dislodge Ben but could he be our genuine second choice next season? 21 is very young for a goalkeeper. Would we trust him in Foster's absence? I'm not so sure.

Kane Wilson: Has been on loan at Exeter. Only 18 years old but gaining first team experience. Right back isn't a position we are particularly strong in. Nyom is no world beater and Dawson is arguably a more natural central defender (Dawson may go anyway). Could Wilson make the step up next season?

Jack Fitzwater: On loan at Walsall, seemingly doing well. 20 years old centre back. Hegazi, Gabr (given that he's reportedly learning English), are likely to be here next season. McAuley at his age may not be, Dawson may or may not be, Evans won't be, there is an opening at centre back. I expect we'll add to the back line in the summer.

Oliver Burke: Has been on the fringes this season. Has had Championship experience before. I expect him to figure regularly next season.

Jonathan Leko: Soon turns 19. Has been out at Bristol City this season, didn't really make too much of an impact. I've never been too sure about Leko I'm not sure his technique is good enough and I'm not sure about his footballing intelligence. Will he be good enough to earn a place next season when he never cemented a place at Bristol? I'm not sure but I think next season is huge for Leko. If he doesn't step up to that next level I can see him going down the leagues even at his age.

Rekeem Harper: Hard to know what to make of Harper. Only 18 had a short loan spell at Blackburn, featured only once. Made the bench for us against Swansea. Our midfield is slow, defensive and poor, will surely be totally different next season. Gareth Barry should be moved on, Krychowiak won't be here for sure. Chadli won't be. Morrison?


How many of these kids will be regulars for us next season? I'd say Field and Burke, unsure of the rest.


Thoughts?

21

General Football & Sports / Commonwealth games

« on: April 05, 2018, 11:09:54 AM »

Aimee Willmott just won a gold medal in some swimming event. At the medal ceremony Jerusalem was played as the English national anthem.

I felt quite proud. Always thought that should be England's anthem rather than God Save The Queen which should be used for Great Britain / United Kingdom.

I'd love the England football to adopt Jerusalem as well.

22

General Football & Sports / Darren Moore

« on: April 02, 2018, 12:27:06 PM »

Good luck Big Dave.

Don't think you get an easy ride though. I want to see youngsters like Sam Field and Oli Burke given starts and some of the old dead wood resigned to where they should be, bench at best.

I'm certainly not expecting Big Dave to pull up any trees with this lot but I want to see reasoning behind the decisions he makes and the youngsters being helped in their progression.

Everyone loves Big Dave so at least a small cloud has been lifted from over the place.

23

West Bromwich Albion FC / Lack of fitness?

« on: March 17, 2018, 06:10:24 PM »

Given that we keep losing games from winning positions I'm wondering if a lack of core fitness plays it's part here?

I'll name four players that from what I've seen of them (home games) seem to struggle to last 90 minutes to my eye, I don't know if anyone else agrees.

Matt Phillips - Always seems to be blowing out of his backside after an hour.
Jay Rodriguez, Grzegorz Krychowiak - Both seem to work hard but look knackered as the game goes on.
Chris Brunt - Has a more languid style but is another one I'm not convinced can play 90 minutes.

Am I talking rubbish here?

24

West Bromwich Albion FC / How things used to be

« on: March 04, 2018, 02:47:50 PM »

Just seen this on Youtube. Watch the assault by Ally Robertson on (I think) Robert Hopkins. Once Ally Rob hit you you didn't come back again. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wixYKdwhvMU

25

West Bromwich Albion FC / Oh great, something else in this misery of a season

« on: February 16, 2018, 02:27:18 PM »

https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2018/february/club-statement-albion-to-investigate-incident/


What the hell else?