1

West Bromwich Albion FC / 24 Years ago today

« on: March 09, 2024, 05:45:44 PM »

Sir Gary Megson walked into our club and changed the course of history. Made us all so proud to be a Baggie.The manner in which we won our first promotion can never be bettered . Would not change that for winning the Champions League. Happy days - God bless ya Gary.

2

West Bromwich Albion FC / Wasn't it fantastic last night

« on: September 15, 2022, 04:07:08 PM »

For the three minutes preceeding the kick-off. Proud to be a Baggie.
What followed , less so

3

West Bromwich Albion FC / Maximum 3 substitutes next season

« on: July 20, 2021, 02:37:25 PM »

The EFL have confirmed that teams may introduce a maximum of 3 substitutes from 7 Listed in league games in the coming season.

4

West Bromwich Albion FC / Away Season Tickets

« on: July 14, 2021, 05:55:21 PM »

Just renewed. Having said that, there are no "away season tickets" any more, just 500 away memberships. I had thought that the AST's had always been unofficially limited to 500, but if everyone renews there will be none left for new applicants. AST holders from 2019-20 are being contacted and invited to renew, after which new applicants will be invited to apply.
The club is obviously concerned about the number of tickets being offered / available.
The very good news is the membership price of £50.

5

West Bromwich Albion FC / One for all you Stato's

« on: March 08, 2021, 01:06:42 PM »

Not a single booking in yesterdays game, which I think says a lot about both teams approach to this "most important game" . Even Conor G day get one! We day really get up em did we?

6

West Bromwich Albion FC / RIP Mickey Lewis

« on: March 06, 2021, 06:25:00 AM »

R.I.P Mickey Lewis , sadly passed aged only 56. Played for us in midfield early 80's moved on via Derby , and played over 300 games for Oxford Utd. Little tenacious player. Condolences to Mickey's family.

7

West Bromwich Albion FC / Can someone at the club open some dialogue with this man please?

« on: February 10, 2021, 01:31:22 PM »

Enzo Maresca, who is the Manager of Manchester City's ELITE DEVELOPMENT SQUAD. (Under 23's)
I am sure that if we asked him nicely, when he is assessing who needs a spell on loan at a Championship club, that he would be receptive to pointing someone in our direction.
I loved Enzo as a player, and I know he enjoyed his time with us, and it might open up access to some of this country's finest.
IT AY EXACTLY ROCKET SCIENCE IS IT?

8

West Bromwich Albion FC / The Board

« on: December 17, 2020, 12:46:58 PM »

There are lots of references on here to the Board.
Do people realise that the Board is made up of the following:

CHAIRMAN: Li Piyue  (In China)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Xu Ke   (Otherwise known as Ken)

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR: Mark Miles (non-exec)


I imagine the only other member of the Management Team involved in any "real" decisions is Luke Dowling.
Not a great deal of scope for any fresh football ideas there then, is there?
Not like the old days when we had as many as 10 people on the Board who would vote on major decisions.
I wonder if anyone else is involved in an advisory capacity?

9

West Bromwich Albion FC / Tony Brown

« on: April 03, 2020, 08:52:16 PM »

Younger supporters who were not privileged to see Tony Brown play will enjoy the tribute "Legend Days - Tony "Bomber" Brown" on the official site . Bomber was for me the greatest , in my lifetime, although I have never forgotten my first impression.
I saw him make his debut and score in a 2-1 away win at Ipswich. When I got home my dad asked me "how did young Brown play?" my reply " I don't think he'll be any good , just a goal-hanger" . I never lived that down especially some years later when dad and I saw him score all four goals in a 4-1 away win at Notts Forest.
Bomber has a record that will never be beaten at Albion. I often smile to myself at excessive usage of the word "legend" to describe players, but Tony Brown carries that title comfortably.

10

West Bromwich Albion FC / Message to Captain Fantastico

« on: March 31, 2020, 11:48:58 AM »

Dear Jake, You have been a great leader for our team this season, and if there is any justice you will lead us back into the Premier League.
You are privileged to be Captain of this great club. I have supported this club home and away for over 60 years, and however we have fared in terms of performances on the pitch, no-one is prouder of the club than I .
It would make me even more proud if we could  look after our own during this time of great adversity.
I am appealing with great respect for the players to support the rest of the team in order that they can retain their jobs. Some of the most wealthy clubs in the Premier League, are going to use the newly announced payments from the Government to protect peoples jobs. This despite continue paying vast salaries to players.
This a chance for players to show that we are indeed "The Family" ,and lead the way for our wealthier neighbours.
Best wishes to you and yours , and all the players.
Can't wait to see the lads in action again.

11

Announcements, Feedback & Questions / Guests

« on: March 16, 2020, 04:04:47 PM »

There are currently approx 250 "guests" viewing the forums. Can some of you register as members, we could do with some "new blood " on here. Relatively few regular posters, come on don't be shy

12

West Bromwich Albion FC / Jamie Soule

« on: October 09, 2019, 10:20:14 AM »

Jamie has signed a new 3 Year contract. A very important signing for the club. Looking at our current strikers, there is no reason why Jamie should not be pushing for a bench place before this season ends.
Good luck lad, here's to a successful career at the Albion.

13

West Bromwich Albion FC / Neil Lennon in the East Stand tonight

« on: May 14, 2019, 11:49:33 PM »

Neil Lennon was in the East Stand tonight with a former Villa and Forest winger whose name escapes me . I shook hands with Neil and asked him if he had brought Oliver Burke back with him, he replied " no but you can have him back, he is F@@@@@@ rubbish"

14

West Bromwich Albion FC / Letter to Li Piyue

« on: April 09, 2019, 11:58:56 AM »

It is my intention to write to our Chairman Mr Li Piyue to tell him how after a lifetime of supporting the club, I have become disenchanted with the amateurish way, that West Bromwich Albion F.C is being managed.
Since Mr Lai acquired the club we have been in a downward spiral due to some very poor appointments.
The appointment of Mark Jenkins has accelerated our decline, and that is why I will address my comments to Li Piyue, in the hope that my feelings will be forwarded to Guochuan Lai.
I am not naive enough to think that my letter will carry any weight with the owner, who makes no attempt to communicate with us, save to buy us a scarf and a couple of beers, but if a sufficient number expressed our feelings who knows?
Just wondered if anyone had made any attempt to converse with our owners.
No offence intended , but spare me the Albion Assembly, which is largely run by the club and excludes the most important topics in the minds of supporters.

15

West Bromwich Albion FC / Chris Brunt admits West Brom struggled with Darren Moore's tactics

« on: March 13, 2019, 05:23:27 AM »

www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2019/03/12/chris-brunt-admits-underperforming-west-brom-struggled-with-darren-moores-tactics/.
Whilst I never wanted Darren as manager, and fully expected the sad outcome of his appointment, I really am getting fed up of these responses from our players, time after time.
BLOODY MAN UP!

16

West Bromwich Albion FC / Who'd have thought it?

« on: February 21, 2019, 12:36:30 PM »

2 away games without Dwight, 6 points, 5 goals, and 5 different goalscorers.

17

West Bromwich Albion FC / Taking out a loan against next seasons Parachute Payment

« on: January 17, 2019, 09:09:06 AM »

E & S reporting that we are taking out a bank loan against next seasons Parachute payments to do some LOAN business.
We still have a wage bill of £38 million. Some people getting money under false pretences me thinks.

18

West Bromwich Albion FC / Graeme Jones in tonight's Express & Star

« on: November 20, 2018, 06:57:40 PM »

I do not know how to set up a link, but read that and despair. No doubt that he is running team affairs and Darren is giving way to him in my opinion, and he wants us to know it.
I am going to Ipswich, largely based on new optimism after the Leeds game, but now I am fully expecting three at the back and Brunt back in the team.   

https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2018/11/20/graeme-jones-west-broms-approach-to-leeds-wont-work-against-every-team/

The Baggies switched to a 4-3-3 and a direct style of play against Marcelo Bielsa’s team last time out, and it delivered their most complete performance of the season and a 4-1 win.

Albion’s assistant head coach is pleased that system is now in the team’s locker, but has played down suggestions they will continue with it against every opposition.

The Baggies hit Leeds fiercely on the counter-attack, but Jones believes Albion need to be capable of breaking down teams if they are going to win promotion.

“We played differently against Leeds,” he told talkSport. “I’d been to watch Leeds six days earlier against Wigan, and came away thinking they are the best side in the Championship.

“We decided to go with a different tactic and it paid off. We’ve now got that in the locker any time we want to use it.

“It paid off – sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t. Obviously we got it right.”

“The Leeds game was a one-off if I’m being honest,” added Jones. “We changed our style at the beginning of the season.

“West Brom had a playing style in the Premier League for three or four years which was massively successful and kept them in the Premier League"

“In order to get promotion, you have to take the game to the opposition, break them down and score goals. That’s the requirement, we’re still in transition.

“We’re quite happy to wear different faces if it means winning the game, but still with the priority of scoring goals, which we’ve done in abundance this season.”

Jones, who joined from Belgium in the summer, admitted the tactical challenge of the second tier had changed during his decade away.

“It’s a great league,” said Jones. “I last worked in the Championship 10 years ago with Swansea.

“That Championship, if I’m being honest, was about 4-4-2, direct football and set pieces. That was my last impression.

“Coming back into it there are very few that still play like that. The tactical challenge is immense.

“There’s an honesty about the league, and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

“I’ve gone from 10 days a season to 10 games a month!” he added. “That’s Championship life.

“Luckily with (Belgium boss) Roberto (Martinez) and Darren, I’ve got real history and friendship with them both. I can say things others can’t get away with.

“I do the on-the-ball stuff, he (Moore) does the off-the-ball stuff, that’s what was agreed with when I came in.

“I ask him to take one or two risks. and being a former defender it’s not that easy for him, but he goes along with me.”

Jones was full of praise for the performances against Leeds, and highlighted Hal Robson-Kanu’s influence.

“The Leeds game and performance was really satisfying,” he said. “It’s credit to the players.

“We set up a system to win the game. Hal’s understanding of his role that night was fantastic.

"We had a midfield three of Matty (Phillips), Jake (Livermore) and James (Morrison). You implement tactics but the players have to carry them out.”

But he is pleased to have top scorer Dwight Gayle back available this weekend after the striker returned from injury against Leeds.

“He’s another cheeky chappy full of energy,” said Jones. “He’s infectious, we’re delighted to have him back.

“He’s been injured along with Gareth Barry, results suffered a little bit.

“We’re playing catch up a little bit, maybe gave the boys too much time off in the last international break.”

19

West Bromwich Albion FC / Rekeem Harper Joins Ipswich Town

« on: August 29, 2018, 12:23:09 AM »

For me Rekeem Harper, is the best of our current crop of young prospects. I have watched him in the two league cup games, and I think he is ready to make a claim for a start in the first team. He is comfortable on the ball, passes it well, looks to get forward, and is quite strong in the challenge.
Tonight alongside Gareth Barry I thought he was excellent, and if he continues to be overlooked for at least a place on the bench, for the likes of Morrison and Brunt and Barry then we may just as well abandon the academy.Sam Field, Kyle Edwards, Olly Burke and Jonathan Leko, are other young players who are being held back by the persistence of playing the old guard. I am concerned that because our start to the season has so far been a somewhat stuttering one, that Darren Moore will not risk our youngsters.
I am convinced that there is no risk in giving Rekeem Harper, Chris Brunt's place in the team, because he will do a better job partnering Livermore.

20

West Bromwich Albion FC / The divisions amongst our supporters

« on: April 27, 2018, 12:17:44 PM »

Over the last few seasons there have been real divisions amongst our supporters over managers, playing styles, and players.Everyone seems to have become entrenched in their views. Every player is either rubbish, or of legendary status (not many of those mind), and we have even had a "world class" player. My worry going forward is that immediately a new Manager is announced, and whoever it is, a substantial amount of supporters will be against him from day one.
Similarly incoming players, and there may be quite a few of those, will be judged on a handful of performances.
Despite an upturn of form in the last few games, I am not optimistic of a speedy solution to our problems, but I do hope that as supporters we give ALL    newcomers to our club proper support.
After all said and done, that TRULY is the Albion way.

21

West Bromwich Albion FC / New Manager

« on: April 02, 2018, 11:54:30 AM »

They would not have done that without someone in the wings in my opinion,
Probably Pearson

22

West Bromwich Albion FC / Message to WBA FC Players

« on: April 01, 2018, 03:01:03 PM »

I have supported this club for over sixty years, and next season will be my 50th as a season ticket holder. I have seen very many individual players pass through the club who could be described as anything between very poor, and brilliant, in their performance for my club, West Bromwich Albion.
In all of those years I have never in a single season seen a squad of players who have continually shown that they are unable to play with any passion, commitment, work ethic, pride, and actually skill.
You have disgraced this club, all of you, on the pitch, and some of you off the pitch also.
Those of you involved in the "Barcelona" incident should never have been allowed to wear our shirt again.
Some of our supporters were excited by our new signings this season, and suggested that you were the best squad of players that we had seen in our Premier League history. After securing wins in our first two games of the season, rather luckily I hasten to add, I think that you yourselves started to believe the hype. Well let me tell you something, you are ALL extremely average in respect of your personal performances this season.
A couple of you have, at times,  during the season, performed admirably, but you have not had the courage of your convictions to continue, preferring to join the rest in the "down tools"
Now as a lifelong supporter of the club, I find it very difficult to stay away, but I shall make a big effort for the remaining three home games of this season, in the hope that I do not have to witness you playing for this great club again.
I sincerely hope that the next club you join is more deserving of your urine poor effort.     

23

West Bromwich Albion FC / The Plot thickens

« on: January 05, 2018, 06:17:32 PM »

Dave Kemp, TP's right-hand man has done an about-turn and joined him  at Middlesborough. Goalkeeping coach Jonathan Gould has left Albion to join TP also. I really do wonder if Kemp had stayed with Pulis whether or not we would be in this mess now?
Why did he really leave ?

24

West Bromwich Albion FC / Merry Christmas fellow Baggies

« on: December 24, 2017, 02:26:54 PM »

Merry Christmas to all, have a great day tomorrow, and lets try to forget the Circus that is West Bromwich Albion, just for 24 hours. Then back to business.........Come on you Baggies

25

West Bromwich Albion FC / Christmas Fixtures disparity - What is the Chairman playing at?

« on: December 18, 2017, 06:05:02 PM »

We are faced with being at a major disadvantage when playing one of our key games over the Christmas period.
West Ham do not have a match on the weekend of 30th/31st of December, so after the Boxing Day fixtures they do not have another match until they play us on 2nd Jan. We are playing Arsenal on 31st December, and West Ham away 2 days later. West Ham however,have FIVE days extra break. West Ham then play Spurs on 4th Jan and for that match no-one is disadvantaged.
How the bloody hell did we allow that to happen. What the bloody hell is the Chairman, and his team of suits thinking about ?
If the reverse had been happening Sullivan & Gold and the London media, would be having a field day.
HOW CAN THIS BE FAIR?
EFFECTIVELY THREE POINTS CONCEDED TO THE OPPOSITION WITHOUT EVEN TRYING