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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: WBA away support

« on: December 19, 2014, 05:54:46 PM »

Interesting survey, not sure how reliable or fair it is but no denying our support away isn't what it was. When I was a kid, late 90's early 00's, I'd be stood on my chair away! I remember 1998 port vale away, hughsie hat-trick 3-0, we stood and sung from the first to the last, now everybody sits apart from about 20 at the back.

When I first started at WM I remember arguing with someone who said our away support was the 'least passionate' in the midlands, and then I started covering sport and sadly it's true. Maybe it's the 50 odd pound tickets or maybe it's the general demographic of our support, villa and blues is on average 'lads day out/here for a good away day type' ours is ver family orientated lets sit and watch type.

This isn't a dig by the way at the brilliant, loyal Albion fans who pay their money week in, week out and travel round the country to watch us, I salute you. I only do 2 or 3 away now because anybody who knows me knows I'm a back-of-the-smethwick-ender love to stand and sing, and I'm like a big kid with ADHD and I can't sit still for 90 minutes lol! I went to Cardiff away last years I'd say 98% of our fans sat in silence for most the game and literally as soon as the game the guy behind me asked me to sit and I just thought is this really an away day now.

I don't wish to turn this into a sit/stand debate, just saying the survey doesn't overly shock but tbf I went to Leicester away that was class and should be the benchmark of our support. Finally sorry about the grammar, I'm just getting used to my iPad lol.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: George Thorne

« on: June 02, 2014, 03:19:09 PM »

End of the day, he's barely played for us and when he does he's never set the world alight, if Derby are offering decent money let him go and let bring somebody else in.

He's hardly going to force Mulumbu or Yabob out the team

3

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: November 26, 2013, 12:19:30 PM »

Fair result in the end. Sess would have put the game to bed if he's have taken his chance at 2-0, but that's just ifs and buts.

Clarke should have reacted to the Villa subs sooner, at 2-1 at the very latest, but he didn't.

Our fans were superb, completely and utterly outsung them for 75 minutes, then after they got back to 2-2 felt like a kick in the goolies.

All in all, it was there night, but we remain unbeaten in 6 against them (when they last beat us One Direction weren't even a band to put it into context) and we look forward to doing it all again in January.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Your favourite/greatest Albion X1

« on: November 20, 2013, 06:14:11 PM »

My first Albion game was in 1996, so I'm going to go for the players who've brought me some of my favourite Albion moments

Hoult

Balis
Olsson
Moore
Clement

Thomas
Mulumbu
McInnes
Gera

Taylor
Odemingie

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Steve Clarke Sacked by Albion

« on: May 13, 2013, 01:37:58 PM »

I think Clarke has come in for flack at the end of what has been our most successful season in recent history. Unfair in my opinion.

Fair enough we've been poor form and results wise in the second half of the season I'm not one of these with the blinkers on either but I think the second half of the season is more to us not having a squad to sustain a 38 game season and being a bit streched as opposed to Clarke being out of his depth etc...

We've done a classic Charlton really got to 40 odd points and then 'off to the beach' In our Great Escape season under Robson with about 5 games to go we went to The Valley (when we were scrapping for our lives) and whacked them 4-1, they finished 7th that season I think and the next season had another top half finish despite finishing both season very poorly. I'm not saying I agree with it but the players have given us a great season and been safe for a very long time and teams like that getting poor results at the end of the season against teams scrapping for their lives isnt uncommon. When we finished bottom under Morbray we whacked a lackustre, mid-table Sunderland 3-0, Wigan 3-1, held Bolton to a 1-1 draw in the final few weeks when they werw on the beach.

It's amazing how down the road Lamberts had a few good wins and their fans hail him like Mourinho and we're having a pop at Clarke over here.

In Clarke we Trust! we'll be fine !

6

General Football & Sports / Re: Dingle watch - Anything Wolves

« on: May 07, 2013, 12:00:09 AM »

If it wasn't Wolves I'd actual feel sorry for them lol!

I've seen a lot of Wolves over the fast 15 months and in particular in the past couple of months (covering them for work, not through choice) but in order for a club the size of Wolves to end up in League One needs failings at every level.

Morgan and Moxey, have made bad decision after bad decision, a lot of Wolves fans say they should never have sacked McCarthy, fact is McCarthy should have gone the day they lost to Blackburn on the final day and stayed up at the expense of Blues. He built a squad of one demensional workhorses who would run through brick walls but have no really quality and 17th at very best is all they could really ever expect under him. They stuck with him and didn't really back in financially and then sacked him at a stupid time (what a day that was  ) with no back up plan. Then Solbakken tried to change too much with players who were stuck in their ways and that went tits up... and Saunders, well at this rate he's going to become an Albion legend which says it all.

So they have manager out his depth managing a squad of players riddled with bad eggs such as Johnson, O'Hara etc... it's unbelievable how much hate there is between the fans and some of the players, I know we have problems with Pete (through his doing) but I'd hate to think we'd ever have that releationship with our squad. In a lot of the games I've seen of them and I've seen the last four Huddeserfield, Charlton, Burnley and Brighton not only do they have a poor side, they have a side who put in next to no effort, in all three of those games they've been cowards performances and players who really couldn't give two shits if they lose and they've been set out to hoof the ball.

It's just been a mess for them. I expect them to bounce straight back because along with Sheffield United they're a lot bigger than a lot of their League One counterparts, but make no mistake about it they are where they are on merit, they been awful this season and 23rd isn't harsh on them in any way shape or form.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Jason Koumas

« on: April 10, 2013, 04:33:43 PM »

Robbie Savage says in his book if Koumas had the right attitude he would have been a top 4 player

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Albion Matchday Forum / Our Support

« on: March 18, 2013, 07:00:39 PM »

Well I should say YOUR support, I was sat in with the Stoke fans Saturday and can I just say the Albion fans were first class, most stood up, very loud all throughout the game, really outsung Stoke I was very proud!

We sounded and looked like a top ten Premier league fan base Saturday so pats on the back all round !!

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Pre Match Chat

« on: January 15, 2013, 01:03:16 PM »

You will win, quite comfortably. If you score early it could be 3 or 4 and I will get ripped to pieces!

We have the worst midfield in the league bar none. Delph and Bannan are terrible, no steel or creativity what so ever.

Our defence lacks leadership and experience. Bennett and Stevens are two of the worst left backs I've ever seen.

The few chances we have been creating we've been missing with Benteke guilty of missing at least five sitters against Bradford and Southampton.

Add all those things together and it's not a good combination. This is easily the worst Villa team I've known in my lifetime, we have a Championship standard squad.

Tbf I've seen a lot of Villa this season working for BBC WM, I've seen you recently against Wigan and Southampton and you make some valid points, but like most Villa fans you seem to ignore the fact your manager seems a bit out of his depth.

Last year you were on here saying you won't go to Villa Park for as long as McLeish is there, he's gone and in my opinion you are worse than last season and a lot of that is down to him. It was hjis choice to put faith in kids, fair enough Randy isn't opening his check book like he did for O'Neill etc... but teams like us and Swansea have proved with a bit of know how you can bring people in on the cheap.

You're very long ball (belt it up to Benteke) if McLeish did that they'd be uproar, the way he sets you up doesn't work, the footballs poor, you can't defend.... sorry I feel like I'm having one of my radio rants lol

Just wondered why you guys are settling for this, because through gritted teeth you're a massive club and from what I've seen your're awful under this bloke and nobody wants to blame him...saying that you'll hammer us now lol

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Former Players returning to the Hawthorns.

« on: May 12, 2012, 12:55:50 AM »

Players from the 2002 promotion season always get decent receptions, Darren Moore Barnsley, Andy Johnson Leicester, Sir Gary Megson with Bolton

Worst ones Curtis Davis with Villa, Pesch always got a tough time bless him lol, Hughesy got booed with Coventry tbf

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Come join me in the Desi

« on: May 01, 2012, 02:01:32 PM »

I'll only be in the Desi now 4pm till 4.15pm because I'm meeting Geoff Thomas at 5 (top bloke) please try and pop in at 4pm if you can Baggies fans really want to hear from you

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Come join me in the Desi

« on: May 01, 2012, 01:43:08 PM »

For obvious reason I wont be able to mention the clowns/wolves wear but i can certainly mention the England wear for Albions last home game lol

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Come join me in the Desi

« on: May 01, 2012, 01:03:07 PM »

I will if somebody from the board pops in mate ! lol

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Come join me in the Desi

« on: May 01, 2012, 01:00:24 PM »

Hello fellow Baggies fans,

I'm going to be live in the Desi Junction pub in West Brom town centre at 4pm and 5pm watching and commenting on Roy Hodgson's press conference which we'll be watching live in the pub... I'll be live on BBC WM and if any Albion fans are free at 4pm or 5pm and in the area I'd love to meet you in the Desi and hear your views live on BBC WM about losing Roy

If you can pop along can you PM me your name and mobile... or comment on here

Up the Baggies !!!

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Next Manager

« on: April 30, 2012, 01:07:04 PM »

My five in order would be

1. Chris Hughton
2. Roberto Martinez
3. Alan Curbishley
4. Sam Alladyce
5. Steve McLaren

That's why I dont work for any boards lol

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General Football & Sports / Re: Seals watch - Anything Villa

« on: April 24, 2012, 04:47:22 PM »

Let's not forget this belter from celebrity Villa fan Niki Evans of X Factor fame.... with this terrace belter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMogWN7BLjU

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General Football & Sports / Re: Seals watch - Anything Villa

« on: April 24, 2012, 12:47:07 PM »

I wouldnt go and watch Villa if you payed me!!!

Well they pay me and i have to go lol

Do you go up Villa often mate? I've been up a few times this season (free tickets) and going again tonight and fully expect Bolton to put in a performance. Villa were lucky not to lose the game Saturday as the Sunderland goal should have stood.

Villa are the kings of jam and as always they will wriggle their way out of trouble.

In a strange kind of way I hope they stop up so that they keep McLeish and have a similar season next season.





On second thoughts, they need to go down!

Yes I've seen them as much as us because of work.

They have been lucky in a lot of the games I've seen, Shay Given has been the difference between them getting points they havent deserved and getting beat, He's a world class keeper and if you can get behind Villa you;ve still got to get behind him.

I think they are worse at home than away which is why I'm not taking them lightly on Saturday. At home they are one-diemensional and have to battle with their own crowd. Away in the Premiership its a bit more acceptable to go and soak up pressure and play of the break (we do it) and so do they and that suits them better.

They are very resilient away from home as well, but we have the gravey to beat them !

As for tonight I think as poor as Villa are they'll have too much for Bolton who are a spineless side.... hope I'm wrong though lol

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General Football & Sports / Re: Seals watch - Anything Villa

« on: April 24, 2012, 09:39:10 AM »

If Villa lose to Bolton they are up pooh creak to be honest, I've seen Bolton play us, Villa away and Wolves at home this season and other than Wolves they are hands down the worst side in this league who play tippy tappy sideways football, they have no bite in the midfield (especially now Mumamba is out) and they can't defend set pieces or crosses into the box.

If they go to Villa Park tonight and beat them that will be hilarious because they are useless and to be honest I think that could mean Villa go into the final game needing to win to stay up haha.

I think Villa will win tonight comfortably because Bolton are poor, but saying that they'll be no atmosphere there tonight as it is because the Holte's been a joke this season, so if Bolton can stay in the game and frustrate Villa for as long as possible the crowd will turn. On Saturday the Holte end chanted 'Alex, Alex you're a t*at' that's the '12th man' for you.

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Albion Matchday Forum / Having seen a lot of Villa this season....

« on: April 24, 2012, 12:20:22 AM »

With my job covering footy at WM I've sadly had the displeasure of seeing Villa as much as Albion this season and make no mistake about it, they are negative, long ball, inexperienced (they have a lot of kids in the starting 11 at the moment) and there to be shot at but..... this will be a tough game on Saturday !

In a strange kind of way Villa have (sometimes) impressed me on the road this season. Away from home they come in two forms; wave the white flag and show the home side too much respect and get their bellys tickled, they tend to do this against the bigger clubs as you probably saw at White Hart Lane and Old Trafford. Or they are very hard working, difficult to break down and very dangerous on the break which is why they haven't been beaten by many of the sides in the bottom half.

My main concern for this game is the way they play on the break, McLeish sets them out to soak up pressure but when they win it back they have a lot of fast players going forward who can catch you on the break. I've also been impressed with their kids, Weimann, Lichaj, Baker, Herd who actually carry some of their senior pros. We're really going to have to get behind the lads Saturday and not just think it's going to be a stroll. I have every confidence that if we take our chances and can get ourselves ahead in the game we'll win it. If we go 1-0 up they'll have to start trying to play which is comical. I think the battles in the middle we'll win, we'll have chances and we'll play the prettyer football, but thats a given against Villa these days. Shay Given is also a major factor, he's pulled some absolute worldies out the bag this season, If I could pick any of their lot to trick and graze his knee in training and miss the game it would be him hands down. Fingers crossed, but lets do out bit in the stands !!!!! 

20

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Odemwingies attitude

« on: April 02, 2012, 01:43:31 PM »

I liked how you managed to hide the fact you were laughing when the dingles were kicking off - i could hear it in your voice 

mate it was carnage, one fan floored another and literally at the same time another grabbed the bloke with the moxey out flag round the throat which started a big free for all, it had to be seen to be believed.....to be fair no matter how bad our lot can be, you can always trust them to drag it down to new lows...your right was funny though lol

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Odemwingies attitude

« on: April 02, 2012, 12:18:17 PM »

To be fair mate if fans didn't moan about players you wouldn't have a job!

lol fair point

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Odemwingies attitude

« on: April 02, 2012, 11:53:07 AM »

Be funny when everybodies kissing Pete's backside again next week when he bangs the winner against blackburn, the attitude of some of our fans is disgusting sometimes.

The Odemwingie and Foster thing was unfortunate, it happens day in day out on training grounds across the country, it doesn't always mean people have bad attitude etc... it means they care, it was a frustating afternoon at goodison i'd rather see that than them laughing and joking tbh.... (ideally it would be sorted in the dressing room i know) but to question pete's attitude is out of order in my opinion and some of the comments on this post just sums up how fickle our supporters can be....... who shall we hammer next, Mulumbu, Scharner, Ollsson

23

West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Morrison questions the club's ambition

« on: January 30, 2012, 07:24:20 PM »

I wonder if the manager has given Morrison a nudge ? Get the players to fire your bullets and all that ?

It's no secret that Hodgson has become more and more agitated over the past few weeks...

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Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Our fans at Blackburn

« on: December 19, 2011, 06:24:40 PM »

150 at very most

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Albion Matchday Forum / Our fans at Blackburn

« on: December 19, 2011, 06:18:32 PM »

Now I'm usually very critical of the 'sit down, shut up' culture that's crept into our away support in the past few season but....

I was sat in the press box right on the half way line at Ewood and the Albion fans were excellent, very loud, sang throughout, really supportive and without sounding like a geek gave me a real sense of pride the way you got behind the lads, and I also think that fact you were all stood for 90 minutes made that difference.

But for alln the credit the lads on the pitch are getting I have to say our away support was a credit to the club, it's hard ton tell from the away end, but looking at it it looked great. And I think both Roy and Odemwingie have already praised the fans.

Well done guys and girls !