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General Football & Sports / Re: Jeremy Sarmiento signs on loan - official.

« on: July 26, 2023, 12:14:51 AM »

May have been said before, but any call back option. I can see another Harvey Barnes situation where our season turns to  guff?!

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Guochuan Lai

« on: May 09, 2023, 06:59:53 PM »

Where does a “tax write-off” come into play?  Only profits get taxed and there aren’t and won’t be any of those!

Doesn’t he have multiple companies to kick the can down the road? There are multiple ways asset decreases can be factored in.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Guochuan Lai

« on: May 09, 2023, 06:44:27 PM »

So am i right in thinking if we sell any players for a fee, (example Dara for £5m) then those funds raised will go straight towards running costs, ie - minimal amounts or none  to spend on players?

I had assumed that was the case anyway and any players we sign will be from the
Wages saved from those who leave the club? I have no issue with that, there are plenty of bargains out there and we have to start using the loan market like those around us and stop giving big paydays to players in their late 20's.

Completely agree. Lai has done 75% of his money so will ‘duck and dive’ in hope of promotion over the next couple of seasons. I agree any player sale monies will not be directly reinvested and will only ease the pain of operating costs. I’d imagine (sadly) that the next 2 years will be tax write-off to minimise loss and risk so it’s definitely an awful situation to be in.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Marc Albrighton joins on loan

« on: February 01, 2023, 01:39:47 AM »

A very valuable addition. My LCFC supporting mate thinks he’s still a key squad player in the Prem and needs games.
His experience will be valuable, and was part of arguably the greatest achievement in football over the last half a century. All the best Marcus.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Kyle Bartley

« on: November 05, 2022, 10:24:12 PM »

KB showed great desire to get on the end of that cross today so fair play. He’s had a rough ride and rightfully had criticism, but he has now been in a back four with 2 consecutive clean sheets and rolled his sleeves up.
People focus on strikers more when it comes to lack of confidence, however this rings true in every position.

With Ajayi coming back soon, and Bryan eager to impress I’m sure this added competition will continue to push our defence to improve all round.

Also, despite what’s been said about risking Dike to early….I believe he’s been held back much longer to ensure he’s strong enough to hit the ground running. I may be proven wrong but I think his return will really give us a boost and he could have a vital impact.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Guochuan Lai

« on: October 18, 2022, 10:37:45 PM »

The simple fact is Lai’s lack of association and connection with WBA has now bared it’s fruits. The restrictions and tightened regulations of China’s policies have certainly dictated any possibility of progressing under Lai’s tenure but regardless his lack of appetite is all too obvious.

Looking at this situation pragmatically, and with the recognition of not only China’s economic woes, but also the wider geopolitical outlook; it has to be a case of ‘Russian Roulette’ for Lai. He’s potentially months away from blowing 150mil….or with a crazy roll of the dice somehow being back in the game.

My guess would be he’s desperately looking for an ‘off ramp’; this could be both good and bad for WBA. We either get some ‘wide-boy’ chancers who form part of some opaque consortium, or we are lucky enough to have some serious business professionals who realise the potential of getting us back into the Prem.

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General Football & Sports / Re: Steve Bruce - Manager

« on: October 08, 2022, 10:25:56 PM »

I’m so bloody frustrated after hearing Bruce’s latest analogy of the game; “my players gave everything”.

I’m sure most Albion fans realise the academic qualities of this latest synopsis as well as the dozens that proceed it. ‘Steve’, if you genuinely believe you have got “everything out of your players”, then only two scenarios are possible. Either you are that good a manager, you have excelled and taken these players to the brink of their capabilities, or “your players give everything” but are tactically compromised by the manger and coaching style. You cannot have it both ways!

I’m my opinion, you’re naive and overly cautious in a game that has evolved exponentially over even the last 5-10 years. I will give Bruce full respect as a person/man manager and even ability to recruit; however the evidence on the pitch is conclusive.

Please respect our club and find an agreement to move on. I understand there are 2/3 players who are far too influential on and off the pitch which must be addressed swiftly; however I revert back to your record at WBA………..frighteningly poor.

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General Football & Sports / Re: Steve Bruce - Manager

« on: October 02, 2022, 09:49:44 AM »

Bruce’s football is turgid. He has been in charge for long enough to now factually state that he’s not good enough and should lose his job. There’s no point in dressing it up in any other way than that; we’re incompetent and currently the 4th worst team in the division.

I personally will not go to another game whilst he’s in charge. Fans deserve better than Bruce and his delusional BS excuses week in week out.

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General Football & Sports / Re: Steve Bruce - Manager

« on: August 23, 2022, 10:20:28 PM »

Tonight was exactly what most sane people had predicted. ‘A stab in the dark’ with a completely mashed together 11.

Im disappointed, and the result doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. This said, we had chances, and many opportunities to take advantage….we didn’t, simples.

Moving forward, it’s sad but very few Albion fans will loose any sleep over this with the focus now on the weekend. For me, Bruce is most certainly not a wise mid-term plan; however against hull se showed we have everything in our locker.

I respect JL hugely but his time as a regular has come to an end, and the additions we’ve made are extremely positive so far and added the impetus we needed. We need a striker (obviously), an attacking midfielder and utility wing bank to make us a real force.

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General Football & Sports / Re: Steve Bruce - Manager

« on: July 10, 2022, 10:17:48 PM »

IMO we’ve recruited two excellent players in Wallace and Swift. Wallace’s assist stats are pretty incredible over the last 3/4 years, and what what I’ve seen, Swift really is a very talented player who has abilities above Championship level.

I understand much of the concern with Bruce, but let’s face it….he inherited a team operating at a really poor level…even in Championship terms. Our midfield was completely lifeless and well below the standard needed. These two will elevate things massively.

I still think we need an energetic (defensive) box to box midfielder, a striker along with two defenders.

But, all in all the business so far has been extremely well executed. I’ll be the first to admit if Bruce doesn’t have the team at the level it needs to be, should go within 10 games.

Let’s see! A nice new strip may help! 🤣

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

« on: March 08, 2022, 09:03:35 PM »

Surely if this lad is going to go for a pittance very soon, and doesn’t want to sign a contract, it’s best that he’s benched or left out of team to bring through/blood fresh talent more likely to be committed to the club.

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General Football & Sports / Re: Quevin Moises Castro

« on: March 02, 2022, 06:23:40 AM »

I saw enough against Swansea to tell me he offers something completely different to anything we currently have in midfield. In saying that; pace, energy and determination are qualities only Albion could leave on the bench!

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General Football & Sports / Re: Steve Bruce - Manager

« on: February 19, 2022, 08:58:25 PM »

Completely agree about TGH and O’Shea starting - no question. It’s obviously all about making the playoffs now and we need that energy and fearlessness that I believe they both offer.
If (a big if) we can put some sort of run together and hit the playoffs on a high; I really believe a front two of Carroll and Dike would be a nightmare for any defence in this league.

I’m not deluded, the signs aren’t great; however it’s all about confidence and it’s clear to see our confidence is shot to pieces. We need that bit of fortune and a moment of class to ignite the Hawthorns next Tuesday.

One things for sure, if we don’t manage it this season, we have one season left - or Lai has done 80% of his cash! 

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General Football & Sports / Re: Jake Livermore

« on: February 14, 2022, 07:45:31 PM »

Has anyone ever thought a lot of Jake's latter day midfield partners haven't always been up to much either?

yes, Pereira was a clown. Some might say he carried him being a 40 mil player 🙄.

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General Football & Sports / Re: Jake Livermore

« on: February 11, 2022, 05:43:09 PM »

SB may have been considering a bigger picture when appealing Jake’s red card.

As the new boss, he may well have been sending a message to other players that he has their backs and will support and defend each and everyone of them in public against the odds.

That approach builds relationships and confidence amongst the players knowing that the gaffer is on their side and many of them will embrace and reciprocate, hopefully, with improved performances

Privately, we will never know the content of SB’s conversation with Jake or other players and that’s how it should be.

Personally, I consider that approach, if indeed that’s what it was, to be a sound man management approach and technique.

Excellent post, and IMO the most likely scenario. A good man-manager would never publicly throw a player of theirs under the bus.

Behind the scenes, there will undoubtedly be different thoughts and conversations going on.

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General Football & Sports / Re: Jake Livermore

« on: February 10, 2022, 08:39:16 AM »

Respect him for his service to the club, however fans have always been aware that he’s probably one of the least naturally gifted footballers we’ve had here over the last 2/3 decades.

Now his legs are failing him it’s becoming really painful to watch. Bruce will have failed before he’s even started if he cannot come to terms with this fact.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: New Manager 2022 Feb

« on: February 03, 2022, 01:23:58 AM »

I don’t see how you can legitimately correlate Big Sam with, Bruce. Sam made his gravy at Bolton and gained a reputation for a certain style.
His style may have been a certain way, however look at all the wonderful, genuinely ‘world-class’ players he managed over that period. Without naming names 6/7 spring to mind straight away.

The league changed, and pretty much everywhere he went afterwards ended without the accreditation he received at Bolton.

We all know Bilic was sacked unfairly, however looking back…what an appointment Pulis was! We could have built on that era of financial stability. Unfortunately, we didn’t; Lai came in an pretty much got it wrong on every level.

Regarding Bruce; I’m not happy. However with Dara, Carroll and Dike coming back…we genuinely have a chance to galvanise, and go into the playoffs with a formidable/experienced team.

I wouldn’t want Bruce to spend a penny if we went up; however we have to appreciate that the training ground will be a different animal now Val’s gone.

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General Football & Sports / Re: Valérien Ismaël - Head Coach

« on: January 27, 2022, 12:01:02 AM »

Just returned from the match; my first for 3 years. My journey into the Albion family started when my Grandfather first took me up as a kid in the days of Brian Talbot so sadly I just missed the wonder years; 15 years of season tickets followed with dozens of away games. I have 2 daughters now that are largely uninterested in football, however I still watch 90% of live (TV) games and follow us incessantly.

I’ve seen some awful teams over the years, perhaps our worst ever……however tonight (for me) was harrowing to witness.

Watching on TV affords much leeway; and in the comfort of your home with a wine in your hand makes it much easier to remain positive and perhaps be less critical.
Tonight has given me a serious wake up call; that was woeful….so so woeful. In 97 minutes their keeper wasn’t tested once. We were so devoid of purpose or creation it was frightening; no tempo, invention or anticipation. No flair, confidence, belief, grit, and sadly no will to win.

When Val took over, I was taken aback by the striking tempo at which we started games and often looked like we could score 2/3 in the first 20 minutes. There have been games where we could have put teams to the sword early doors if our finishing had been better. Despite this, we would often fall back into our shells in later stages of games and appear to ‘get lost’; something I accepted was a byproduct of our game-plan.

To now…..we start flat and look lost for the entire game. I hate to call for a managers head, but please….I now have accepted that there’s irrefutable regression in our team, style of play and confidence. A more cynical person that me would suggest the players are voting with their feet.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Where will we finish this season?

« on: January 05, 2022, 09:06:50 PM »

Ask Carlton Palmer, seems to have many views on everything us over the last few months. A desperate ‘chancer’ of  a pundit, and quite frankly one of the most ignorant and vile people I’ve ever met.
Back to the question….finish 4th,  promotion via the playoffs.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Taylor Gardner-Hickman

« on: December 09, 2021, 01:03:55 AM »

As a more natural winger, he will naturally have the flair and pace in his locker; especially to reach the level he has.

For me he will ultimately find his best position in time but I just love watching him regardless. He’s brave, honest, composed and has all the skills to boot.

Wish the lad all the very best.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Reyes Cleary

« on: December 09, 2021, 01:00:42 AM »

No that’s not correct.  Bellingham was playing for Blues at 16 without being old enough to sign a pro contract.

If he’s playing in the under 23’s, and a senior first team squad place become available; I’m sorry but there will be a solution to promote him.

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West Bromwich Albion FC / Re: Reyes Cleary

« on: December 08, 2021, 12:00:18 AM »

The lad can finish which puts him ahead of hugil Phillips diangana for the time being if not Robinson and grant. Surely he is worth 10-20 mins. We already play a man light when we bring hugil on. Would rather be a man light having a young kid on

Completely agree. When we look back over the recent years, some of the players who’ve come into the first team and made the biggest impacts have been young academy players; Berahino/Ferguson/Edwards and most recently TGH.

We really could be missing a trick here as the lad can clearly finish. Please don’t let him leave to another club and fizzle out into obscurity. Get him involved, agree a deal and nurture him into becoming a top player.

I just hope he has the right attitude and people around him to make the best choices. I’m the first to criticise the club for letting talent go but there’s nothing worse than a bad egg with a bad crew which I’m sure this lad is not. Fingers crossed it works out.

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

« on: September 27, 2021, 10:41:21 PM »

Cleary has been known for months. It’s not a surprise.

Also he’s apparently scored for the U21’s again, as has Quevin.

EDIT: currently 2-5; Cleary got 2 and Windsor got 2, Quevin’s was an own goal.

It may well have been known for months….and I never said it was a surprise. My comment was based on latest…more ‘relevant’ news.

If “known for months” is your answer, my point remains just as valid.

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

« on: September 27, 2021, 08:34:43 PM »

More disconcerting news about arguably our brightest prospect - Reyes Cleary. Apparently no contract agreed and vultures soaring.

I’m starting to believe that we’re not as inept as we seem regarding tying down young talent. I’m not speculating, but I wiser man than I may suggest there’s some serious back-handers going on.

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General Football & Sports / Re: Boxing Thread

« on: September 26, 2021, 08:57:58 AM »

Usyk outclassed him and thoroughly deserved the win; AJ just isn’t a very good boxer.

I’ve always been fully behind any British boxer but to be honest I’m sick of hearing his ‘waffle’ and cliches in every flippin’ interview he does. I find him mind numbing.