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General Football & Sports / Taking the knee

« on: July 29, 2022, 12:49:01 PM »

I see that Swansea City have taken the decision to stop taking the knee before matches. The gesture has been well received throughout football but is now the time for all clubs to follow Swansea’s decision?

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General Football & Sports / Transfer deadline show

« on: August 31, 2021, 10:32:06 PM »

Isn’t it wonderful not having Jim White on Sky’s transfer deadline programme tonight. Big Sam is talking a lot of sense on it giving a managerial slant on signings. I wish however that they had brought Natalie Sawyer back😜

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General Football & Sports / Glen Roeder

« on: February 28, 2021, 07:15:23 PM »

Sad news this evening that Glen Roeder has died aged 65. He had a successful playing career before going on to manage several clubs and serve on Glen Hoddle’s coaching staff when he was  England boss. R.I.P.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / First fixture

« on: August 17, 2020, 08:10:14 AM »

According to a ‘leaked’ report in the Sun our opening fixture back in the Premier League is home to Burnley

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West Bromwich Albion FC / How many times have we fallen behind?

« on: February 12, 2020, 08:46:30 PM »

Tonight’s match at Reading is our 32nd in the league. Without checking back on the previous 31 does anyone know off hand how many times we have conceded the first goal?

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General Football & Sports / Martin Peters

« on: December 21, 2019, 05:25:52 PM »

Sad news this evening that World Cup legend Martin Peters has passed away. He was a superb creative player who always had a goal in his locker, including of course in the World Cup final. R.I.P.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Kerslake leaves

« on: September 27, 2019, 08:20:43 PM »

David Kerslake has left his job as Head of Academy Coaching only two months after taking up his role. He has gone to Lincoln as Michael Appleton’s No. 2. Jimmy Shan where are you!!!

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Saul Shotton

« on: September 21, 2019, 08:47:44 AM »

I was delighted to read this morning that we have signed highly rated teenage defender Saul Shotton on a two year deal with a year’s option. Saul, a victim of the Bury collapse, was also courted by other clubs including Leeds.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Long term deal for Josh

« on: September 12, 2019, 07:52:28 PM »

Apologies if this has been posted elsewhere. I must have missed it. If it has mods please delete

Albion have confirmed that young England goalkeeper Josh Griffiths has signed a four-year deal with the Club.
The 18-year-old from Hereford put pen to paper on an extended contract which ties him to The Hawthorns until 2023.
Griffiths, who is just back from training with the Young Lions’ Under-20 squad, has previously represented his country at Under-18 level.
He trained throughout pre-season alongside first-team keepers Sam Johnstone and Jonathan Bond and has made a big impact within the ranks.
Senior goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh said: “It’s great for the Club and it’s great for Josh. Apart from his potential, he’s a terrific lad who is really grounded and that’s a big credit to him, the Club and everyone who has worked with him.
“He’s working alongside the three senior keepers now and he is like a sponge listening to all their advice. They want to help him because he is such a genuine young man
“The biggest compliment I can pay him is that I keep forgetting he’s 18. His potential is there for us all to see – but now he has got to keep working and I am sure he will do.”
Sporting and Technical Director Luke Dowling added that he first noted Josh’s potential and progress a year ago when reports from first-team training sessions began to filter through.
Luke said: “When you hear Dwight Gayle complaining he can never beat him and Jake Livermore checking on whether we have got him tied down on a contract, you know you’ve got a talent on your hands.
“It’s been important for us to get Josh settled on a long deal because we know of at least one Premier League club who were trying to lure him away.
“I’m delighted he has committed to us and looking forward to see him progress still further.”
And Josh himself, who is already pushing 6ft 6in, spoke of his excitement at agreeing a new deal with the Baggies.
“I’ve been at the Club since I was 10 so this is pretty special for me. I’m delighted,” he said.
“It’s been a fantastic learning curve for me working with the senior keepers.
"Training alongside Sam, Bondy and now Ali is tremendous and they are always willing to help me progress."

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Charlie Austin loaned to QPR

« on: August 08, 2019, 08:26:41 AM »

We are in talks with Charlie Austin, Sky Is reporting.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Keeping supporters informed

« on: May 21, 2019, 06:28:50 PM »

We all know how our club operates - keeping any information about new managerial searches close to their chest (sometimes,but not always justified). But I have just read a refreshing statement from the chairman of another Championship Club looking for a new manager, Swansea City, that keeps supporters fully informed about their recruitment process. It is worth a read...
https://www.swanseacity.com/news/update-chairman?fbclid=IwAR0dlipNK3J53VvbjmYw8rq_5yfN5edVs6vXgrHc9CcQTPYQmQiXVU7Tmsw

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Promotion - or redundancy

« on: March 22, 2019, 08:28:08 AM »

The seriousness of clubs being relegated from the Premier League and failing to win back promotion straight away is highlighted at Swansea where all non first team staff have been told that jobs could go as Premier League relegation continues to hit. Could we soon be in the same position? Both clubs have overseas owners with no interest at all in the football side.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/swansea-city-tell-non-first-16010872

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Luke Moore

« on: March 07, 2019, 04:33:57 PM »

An interesting article in today's Welsh press about Luke Moore
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/how-life-turned-out-luke-15919033

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Dave Stewart

« on: November 13, 2018, 04:44:00 PM »

Sad news today that former Albion keeper Dave Stewart has passed away at the age of 71. Glasgow born Stewart won one Scottish cap and also played for Swansea and Leeds for whom he played in the European Cup Final in 1975. RIP

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General Football & Sports / Sky Sports Transfer Deadline programme

« on: August 09, 2018, 03:51:56 PM »

I recall that a few years ago Sky’s Transfer Deadline programme was must viewing. Not any more. It’s like the rest of Sky TV - repeats, repeats and more repeats. I would rather watch paint dry. It’s time to consign this programme and painful Jim White to the bin - unless, of course, they bring back the gorgeous Natalie Sawyer.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / How many loan players can we have?

« on: August 03, 2018, 08:20:13 PM »

Do we now have our full complement of loan players or am I right in thinking we can sign another from an overseas club?

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General Football & Sports / Paul Madeley

« on: July 23, 2018, 10:18:22 PM »

Sad news coming out this evening that former Leeds United utility player Paul Madeley has died. The former England international was only 73.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Spiralling transfer fees

« on: July 20, 2018, 10:06:11 AM »

Transfer fees generally increase every year. This year, however, they have exploded. Some crazy, astronomical fees are being quoted/paid for average players. What worries me is whether we will be able live in this market if we manage to climb back to the Premier League next season. I have my doubts.

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General Football & Sports / Rooney's crossing the big pond

« on: June 28, 2018, 07:52:18 AM »

Sky Sports is reporting this morning on their website: We understand Wayne Rooney will arrive in Washington tonight to sign a three-and-a-half year deal with DC United.
He is expected to speak at a news conference on Monday.

I assume that the delay is because they are looking for an interpreter to translate Rooney's comments into something everyone will understand

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General Football & Sports / R.I.P Eric Bristow

« on: April 05, 2018, 10:03:05 PM »

Sad news tonight that darts superstar Eric Bristow has died at the age of 60. The Crafty Cockney won five world titles

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General Football & Sports / Best managers outside the Premiership

« on: February 26, 2018, 02:44:30 PM »

I realise that we are not allowed to speculate on future Albion managers while we have an incumbent, but who are the best managers to impress you outside the Premiership? It doesn't have to be someone from the fizzy pop league or from a British club.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Sky snub

« on: December 13, 2016, 02:41:44 PM »

Sky Sports list of live televised matches in February, released today, shows that we are not being shown at all. Another snub for us at a time when we are playing some decent football.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Match of the Day running order

« on: August 13, 2016, 10:07:14 PM »

A new season but nothing much changes at the BBC. Despite our superb win this afternoon we are still back in fifth place out of seven in tonight's Match of the Day running order.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / New Kit/ Sponsors

« on: May 04, 2016, 04:28:44 PM »

WEST Bromwich Albion have announced UK-K8.com (凯发娱乐) as the Club's new shirt sponsor from 2016/17 - as the Baggies prepare to take the wraps off next season's new kit.
The agreement with the online casino operator will be for an initial two-year period in a record commercial deal for the Club.
The partnership enables K8 Group to launch their European brand UK-K8.com in the United Kingdom, working with the Baggies to reach and engage with new customers of their product.
Albion will also work with the K8 group in the Asian market, where their K8.com brand is particularly strong.
The partnership provides a strategic opportunity for Albion to increase their following and engage with fans in new markets overseas.
UK-K8.com will also work with the Club in developing video content - a partnership which promises to engage sponsors and supporters.
On the new partnership, Vincent Huang, COO of K8 Group, said: “K8 Group has had a long standing interest in working with a Premier League club and finally we are here with one of the most respected clubs in the Premier League."
The Premier League's standing in Chinese football and its media has grown as a result of the new broadcasting deal signed with CCTV, the most viewed free to air television station in that region.
Vincent added: "This partnership is delivered as a true partnership for both parties. We are working on a joint marketing plan that will focus on raising awareness of UK-K8.com in the UK whilst also ensuring the development of the West Bromwich Albion brand in Asia.
"We will be working with the Club on several key projects to create a platform for the Club to grow awareness and engagement in this region.
"In keeping with various government strategies in the Asian region, we will also be working with the Club on coaching exchanges and other football related initiatives, hopefully replicating some elements of the highly successful Pass It Forward project in India.
"And, of course, Albion fans across the world can look forward to some exciting opportunities to better connect with the Baggies through UK-K8.com.”
Speaking of the record agreement, Adrian Wright, Sales and Marketing Director for the Albion added: “We welcome K8 Group to our well established partnership programme.
“Once again we have selected to work alongside a challenger brand that will align with the club’s on-going aspirations for global brand recognition.
"It was clear from our talks that the joint promotional approach in Asia will add immense amount of value to the Club and will enable us to continue to grow our supporter bases in emerging parts of the world."
For more information on UK-K8 you can visit www.uk-k8.com. The website is currently in development ahead of their full UK launch in the coming months.
ead more at http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/albion-announce-uk-k8.com-as-new-shirt-sponsor-3095675.aspx#ujKf87ikfbax4HVW.99

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General Football & Sports / Swansea take-over

« on: April 09, 2016, 07:32:20 PM »

Two rich American businessmen are in the final stages of buying a controlling interest in Swansea City. The £100m plus deal will also involve them buying the ground and expanding it as well as investing in the team. Current chairman Huw Jenkins will remain at the helm and the Supporters Club will retain its shares in the club and seat on the Board. Isn't this the sort of deal that we have wanted! It makes me so jealous.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/swansea-city-taken-over-american-11161130