1

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: March 01, 2025, 05:57:52 PM »

Glad almost everyone thought we had a good game and deserved a point.The minority would say that Leeds were quicker and more incisive moving the ball around, much quicker to close us down (which is probably why we were forced into so many rushed, inaccurate passes) and had they not spurned so many good chances would have won easily. 
Did the ref forget to pack his yellow card?

2

West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: What do we really want out of this season?

« on: February 17, 2025, 10:10:59 PM »

I want us to bed in the young promising talent that we have purchased and brought in through the ranks, faze out the dead wood, I don’t think many still expect to go up this season, so we may as well start prepping the squad, and tactics for next season. I’d also use the loanees more from the bench. It may seem extreme and we may have a few more losses. However we will hopefully learn where we need to strengthen before the new campaign next season

Totally agree.  No point playing the old guard and it also makes sense to keep the loanees on trhe bench and call on them as needed.  By the end of the season we should then know how good the new signings and the cream of the acadamy really are and where we have to prioritise any new signings.
This will probably mean we won't make the playoffs, not as that makes any difference as we have absolutely no chance of beating both the teams finishing third and fourth.
So chill out, and enjoy the rest of the season without any pressure.

3

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: February 13, 2025, 11:58:49 AM »

Temper temper sweetheart  .

thtop it, thtop it - people will talk

4

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: February 13, 2025, 11:15:18 AM »

Certainly thought it could have been a red from my squint point. Not so sure about the ten men bit though on the evidence of last night.

That's why I said "might"

5

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: February 13, 2025, 10:55:27 AM »

Funny old game is football.  If the ref sees Gueye's deliberate elbow on Heggam after 5 minutes we might have been better against 10 men

6

General Football & Sports / Re: La Liga

« on: February 09, 2025, 05:25:52 PM »

Full-time. 2-0 to Valencia.

If you take out the two games against Barca and the one against Real Madrid where they really shouldn't have a chance, since Corberan has been there they've won 5 and drawn 1.

They should be out of the relegation zone very soon if they keep that form up.

See how they get on in the next 2 games - Villarael and Atlético Madrid

7

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Pre Match Chat

« on: February 09, 2025, 03:09:02 PM »

Against Wolves in the cup today there were only 3 names who started the QER game last Tuesday- so expect a well-rested line-up on Wednesday.  Good job Fellows and Johnson had an easy day yesterday.

8

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: February 08, 2025, 04:23:05 PM »

Deserved the win, and I think we will improve as the new boys bed in.   Price not great today - but Styles was woeful - pity we don't have any  "suitable" left backs, and Heggan is kinda needed in the middle....

9

West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Adam Armstrong signs on loan

« on: February 06, 2025, 10:04:51 PM »

I think the point of loaning him is i believe he can easily be the difference between us getting in the play offs or not.

Yes, I agree, which is why we loaned him

if we can get into the play offs it becomes a lottery and i think with our forward players we will be feared by other teams. The thought of Maja playing just behind Armstrong with Fellows and Johnston either side is exciting, especially being managed by TM.

Better teams have better ways of stopping all-out attacking and exploiting weaknesses in defences. It is not just me who thinks our chances are about one in 10 - Betfair are offering 10/1 against us being promoted.
I might be pessimistic and grumpy, but I am a lot more realistic than most.

10

West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Adam Armstrong signs on loan

« on: February 05, 2025, 01:14:08 PM »

Ok, so I haven't read all the posts in this thread, but am I the only person on the forum who is not enthused by this signing?

His strike rate is asbout one goal in three games, we have 16 games left, which means we can expect 5 goals, maybe 6.  However  Lanksheer or Zimmerframe he replaces would probably have chipped in a couple of goals, maybe 3.  So we are 3 goals to the good. 

An extra goal per game would have netted us an extra 33 points (28 for the 14 draws and 5 for the games we lost by one goal), so that is near enough one point per extra goal. 

The 3 extra goals from Armstrong could then give us another 3 points.  Maybe enough to keep us into the top six - but no way enough for automatic promotion - unless 3 of the top teams all have a total meltdown.

So we are in the playoffs.  One chance in four of promotion?  Not really, such is the superiority of the teams ifinishing 3rd and 4th it is more like one chance in ten.

So what is the point of an expensive loan, suppressing the development of our younger players for the possible financial reward of half a million from our home first-leg playoff tie?

Hope I'm wrong but sorry, not convinced.

11

West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Under 23's / Academy Thread

« on: February 04, 2025, 02:44:50 PM »

Given the incoming loans and signings it is criminal that Harry Whitwell and Ollie Bostock are not going out on loan.

12

West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Tammer Bany Joins Albion

« on: February 04, 2025, 11:58:49 AM »

Guy who broke the story reckons we are paying him 50k per week 😂

That is a lot of money to give to an informant

13

West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: RIP Mark Townsend

« on: January 27, 2025, 10:17:05 PM »

The inquest started on 14th January - be a while yet until we hear anything

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2025/01/15/inquest-opens-for-west-bromwich-albion-fan-who-collapsed-during-sheffield-wednesday-match/

It’s beyond a paywall so god knows what it says.

It is not behind a paywall, you just need to create a free account and then log in to read it.

For those who can't be bothered to do that there is nothing new in the article, as quoted below

Inquest opens for West Bromwich Albion fan who collapsed during Sheffield Wednesday match

The inquest for a West Bromwich Albion fan who collapsed at Hillsborough has been opened.
Plus
By Deborah Hardiman
Published Jan 15
Last updated Jan 15


Mark Townsend,  aged 57, from Farm Road, in Oldbury, passed away after taking ill at the away game against Sheffield Wednesday on September 28 last year.

At the short hearing held in Sheffield on Tuesday, South Yorkshire Senior Coroner Mrs Tanyka Rawden said the matter was subject to a case management review.

No cause of death was given.

Following the incident Mr Townsend's family raised concerns about the length of time it took the emergency services to respond amid claims that it took 15 minutes for medical help to arrive after distressed fans who were near him raised the alarm. 

A post by his devastated his brother Steve on social media network 'X' was viewed by more than 400,000 people.

"My heart is truly broken, my son had to watch my brother pass away and lose an uncle and is left with those memories.

"I have had to break the news to my parents and his wife. My brother loved the Baggies. He was my best mate and going to a game will never be the same," he posted.

Tributes were also paid by both Championship clubs.

The inquest was adjourned until July.

14

West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Reyes Cleary

« on: January 25, 2025, 09:28:52 PM »

Came on as substitute after an hour

"But Luke Charman had other ideas, levelling with 23 minutes left with a header from a Nicky Featherstone free-kick.

Reyes Clearly then hit the bar for Pools"

15

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: In Game Chat

« on: January 25, 2025, 04:05:39 PM »

Re my pre game comments, what do I know!!
A big piece of humble pie with my halftime pint!

...and two pieces for me!

16

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Pre Match Chat

« on: January 25, 2025, 02:54:34 PM »

Just seen the line-up - and predict we will be losing 2-0 at half-time

17

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Pre Match Chat

« on: January 25, 2025, 01:08:19 PM »

We don't have a fit Championship grade striker, so the obvious thing seems to be don't shoehorn anyone into that role.
Play 4-3-3
Front 3 of Johnson Grant and Fellows with all of them being given the freedom to roam from wing to central as needed - so if we are attacking on the lft winf the other two should be heading for the box.
Midfield 3 Mowatt, Molumby and Diakete to control the midfield and break forward when there id an apportunity.
Back 4 I would play Taylor instead of Holgate.

18

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: January 21, 2025, 09:47:45 PM »

Oh dear, Carlos's substitutions were puzzling, but Mowbray's were disastrous.  We were in with a real chance of an equaluser until he brought on the dynamic duo.
And then, and then, he takes off the only player who looked like he could make things happen for a third rate striker - who he sticks out on the left wing!

At least he can only do better next time.

19

West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Josh Griffiths

« on: January 20, 2025, 05:05:21 PM »

I'm so torn with the Palmer vs Griff situation.

Palmer has proven himself to be the best first team keeper since Foster.
Griff could be our keeper for another ten years and seems to be incredibly highly rated.

Fortunately it must be easier to assess the reletive qualities of a goalkeeper than any outfield player.  We have until the end of the season to make the comparison. 

If Palmer is adjudged significantly better than Griffiths then we keep him and either sell Griffiths, keep his as out No 2 or loan him out next season.   

If Palmer is not adjudged significantly better than Griffiths then we cash in for the best price we can get.

Unless of course by some Mo Brayner miracle we get promoted......

20

General Football & Sports / Re: Transfer Window Watch (Non Albion)

« on: January 20, 2025, 04:12:44 PM »

I would even swap Cole + Racic for Asante.

I would even swap Cole + Racic + Wallace + Swift for Asante.

21

West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Next Head Coach Thread

« on: January 13, 2025, 04:07:18 PM »

Perhaps someone ought to nip down to the Poundland Bescot Stadium and have a word with Mat Sadler, even if it means we have to send Cleary out on loan again...

22

General Football & Sports / Re: La Liga

« on: January 11, 2025, 10:23:49 PM »

at 90 minutes plus 3
Goal! Sevilla 1, Valencia 1. Adrià Pedrosa (Sevilla) left footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner. Assisted by Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Plus ca change!!!

23

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: After Match Debate

« on: January 11, 2025, 05:25:03 PM »

Thought their first goal looked offside though.

Wildsmith touched the ball to him.  Doesn't that play him onside or am I out of date?

24

Albion Matchday Forum / Re: Pre Match Chat

« on: January 11, 2025, 10:55:19 AM »

The present management team have nothing to lose - and much to gain - by selecting a strong team this afternoon. They could play Wildsmith instead of Palmer and Caleb for Barclay.  Possibly Frabotta or Nelson in place of Styles, who is NOT a left back and we really need to know if anyone else except Heggan  is up to the job so that we can recruit if need be.  Put kids on the bench by all means but start with the rest of our usual strongest team.
I would definitely play Maja and Fellows - if they play well against Premier opposition their value will rise should we decide to cash in - if thye play badly potential suitors are more likely to be put off and we get to keep them for the season.

25

General Football & Sports / Re: FA Cup

« on: January 10, 2025, 02:42:55 PM »

I remember that too.  There were a lot of scoucers nearby, but no aggro, they gloomily agreed the best team won.  Gutted about the semi-final though, queued for hours foe a ticket, only for them to be sold out when only 5 yards from the turnstiles.