- THE CLUB -
West Bromwich Albion were formed in 1878, but they didn't call themselves West Bromwich Albion, no. They called themselves the West Bromwich Strollers. Which is a far cry from the Strollers! Our first 'ground' was Bunns Field, which I suppose is a bit different to our ground, ... Read review
Advantages: Bryan Robson, Zoltan Gera, The badge, the loyal fans Disadvantages: Andy Johnson, the ground is old and needs a paint job, glory-hunting fans
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West Bromwich Albion were formed in 1878, but they didn't call themselves West Bromwich Albion, no. They called themselves the West Bromwich Strollers. Which is a far cry from the Strollers! Our first 'ground' was Bunns Field, which I suppose is a bit different to our ground, the Hawthorns. Although I am not sure how better it is! Anyway, we'll talk more of the grounds later. We first won the F.A. Cup in 1888, beating Preston North ... ...the older generation (well, of West Brom fans) think a lot of. We then got Keith Burkenshaw who was soon replaced by Alan Buckley. Buckley was sacked in 97, and soon replaced by Ray Harford. He moved to QPR, leaving the job to Dennis Smith. He was sacked in the summer of 1999, and Brian Little was appointed as manager. He didn't last long, and before long, Gary Megson was appointed as manager. He stayed for 4 years and did well for us, but we are ... more
- THE CLUB -
West Bromwich Albion were formed in 1878, but they didn't call themselves West Bromwich Albion, no. They called themselves the West Bromwich Strollers. Which is a far cry from the Strollers! Our first 'ground' was Bunns Field, which I suppose is a bit different to our ground, the Hawthorns. Although I am not sure how better it is! Anyway, we'll talk more of the grounds later. We first won the F.A. Cup in 1888, beating Preston North End 2-1. Unfortunately, in the same cup, they knocked us out in the Semi's the following year! We've had seasons, going up, going down, but last season saw us pull off the Great Escape. The only football team EVER to be bottom of the league at Christmas and to stay up.
- THE GROUNDS -
As I mentioned earlier, our first ground was Bunn Fields, which we moved to in 1881. In 1882, we moved to The Four Acres which we stayed at for 3 years and then we moved to Stoney Lane. And then in 1900, we moved to the Shrine that is the Hawthorns, where we have stayed put ever since. We had the Rainbow Stand at first, then came the Halfords Lane and then last but not least, the Smethwick & the Birmingham Road came. In 2001, the East Stand replaced the old Rainbow Stand. All four stands are still there now, and the East Stand stands out from all other three stands, because of how new it is. The Halfords is known as the 'Family Stand' because of the number of old people who take residence there.
- THE MANAGERS -
In 1975, we appointed our first ever player/manager, Johnny Giles. I - obviously - do not remember him but I know my father has some fond memories of the bloke. Ronnie Allen was there, also, I think. I have never clued myself up on the past managers, because I'd rather just worry about who is in charge now but I am doing my research now! We then appointed Ron Atkinson in 1978 who was unknown, and he bought three great players to the club. Robson, Cunningham & Regis. Regis loves the club so much that I actually see him there now still! Unfortunately - for which, although I wasn't born, but I know it affected my dad! - Ron Atkinson left to go to Manchester United which I reckon made him who he is today. And that isn't a racist, well you know. Ronnie Allen came back. It wasn't long before he was kicked out and Ron Wylie took over. Then came back Johnny Giles - yes, the club had managers like most people had hot dinners! In 1985, Giles was replaced by his assistant, Nobby Stiles. He didn't last long (surprise, surprise) and was soon replaced by Ron Saunders. We lured Ron Atkinson back in 1987 but he was soon taken by Athletico Madrid, and he was replaced Bryan Talbot who didn't do well. He was then replaced with Bobby Gould, who was sacked after the results were down. He was replaced by Ossie Ardiles, who the older generation (well, of West Brom fans) think a lot of. We then got Keith Burkenshaw who was soon replaced by Alan Buckley. Buckley was sacked in 97, and soon replaced by Ray Harford. He moved to QPR, leaving the job to Dennis Smith. He was sacked in the summer of 1999, and Brian Little was appointed as manager. He didn't last long, and before long, Gary Megson was appointed as manager. He stayed for 4 years and did well for us, but we are now left with former player, Bryan Robson. I think the guy is a genius. He has passion about the club.
- THE FANS -
We have a good set of (loyal) fans but like most Premiership clubs, we also have our fair share of fans that are just there because of the fact we are in the Premiership. These fans don't really care about the club. I am grateful for them buying tickets/shirts because the money is going to the Club, but I just wish they wouldn't come to the games. We don't need them. People are are true, loyal fans may not be able to get a ticket for the games because a 'fan' who has just decided to support us has just bought the last ticket available. We are quite loud away and in the Season 01/02 we won the award for "Best Fans In The Premiership". I was proud of that award, without a doubt.
- THE SHOPS -
West Brom have two official Club Shops. One joining onto the ground and the other in the Merry Hill Centre which is in Dudley. The one at the ground isn't that big for the location. On Match Days - like most Club Shops, I should imagine - it is absolute mayhem and I don't even attempt to go in there. The Ground Shop also does the Shirt Printing, & so does the Merry Hill Shop. The Merry Hill shop is near the back entrance (by JJB) and is quite small, but cosy. It has a fitting area, whereas the Ground Shop doesn't. The staff in the Ground Shop are awful. Very ignorant and they don't really want to be there. They just want to say "I work down the Albion". But the staff in the Merry Hill shop are actually very nice and helpful. They are only around 18, but they want to work.
- THE PLAYERS -
Our First Team Squad at the minute consists of:
# 3 = Paul Robinson. The best left back in the Premiership! Haha. Robbo is quality. He's hard working and he gives his everything.
# 4 = Thomas Gaardsoe. Oh dear. Probably the worst centre half in the Premiership. This man is awful. He doesn't have a clue what he is doing and I am glad that Robson has dropped him. He so deserves it. "Tommy, Tommy Gaardsoe. Tommy, Tommy Gaardsoe. With his leadership, we're in the Premiership. Tommy, Tommy Gaardsoe......". He wishes.
# 5 = Darren Moore. Ah, Big Dave. His nicknamed came from the Pot Noodle man who was huge, and called er, Big Dave. It's stuck now, and the bloke is huge. I've met him a few times (like I have most of the squad) and he is a truly lovely bloke. He has a gap in between his two teeth, like me. He gives a percentage of his wages to charity, and he has his own Charity! Faith In Football. Check it out!!!
# 6 = Neil Clement. A left black come centre half. He previously played for Chelsea, and I can see why. He's a quality defender, but sometimes, he's just not there.
# 8 = Jonathan Greening. A fantastic right midfielder, but his free kicks are seriously going down the pan. We all call him Jesus, because well, he looks like Jesus!
# 9 = Geoff Horsfield. A player who gives everything, something which is rare in strikers because of them being so greedy (well, some, obviously). He makes me laugh on the pitch. He once told an opposition player he had bad breath! "Feed The Hors & He Will Score".
# 10 = Andy Johnson. This man is the only player at the Albion who I really, really dislike. Yeah, I don't like some players, but I have no time of day for AJ. He runs and runs, but it gets him nowhere. He has no creativity at all. The song "There's Only One AJ..." is quite fortunate, for us.
# 11 = Zoltan Gera. Our Hungarian star! This bloke is pure greatness. He has the most amazing kick on him, and his goal celebration is ace. He sticks both hands in the air, pointing his fingers upwards and he roars. It's great.
# 12 = Richard Chaplow. You can spot him out a mile. He has a disease, which causes hair loss, and he wears a hat on the bench but obviously you're not allowed to wear one on the pitch. He's only young, but he's a great footballer. He's a central midfielder, and I suppose he isn't going to compete with Lampard, but he's still learning. He's only young, 19, 20.
# 14 = Martin Albrectsen. The fastest player in our team! I've never come across anyone with so much pace. When I watch him, it's like being at the tennis, when the heads move from one side of the court, to the other. He's a left back but he must have played every position other than goalie and striker! His strongest position is left back.
# 15 = Diomansy Kamara. He's a fantastic striker. He hasn't had enough chances to prove himself to the rest of the world, but I love him, and think he's ace.
# 16 = Steve Watson. A fantastic centre-half. He's fast and works hard, but sometimes I just don't think he's good enough. He's got to gel into the team though yet.
# 17 = Darren Carter. A former Bluenose, I'm not overly keen on the lad, but I will give him a chance. I don't think he's that bad a player, but it's just the fact he is a Bluenose. Robson played him against Birmingham City, and God, he was crap. Coincedence?
# 19 = Curtis Davies. We paid £3 million for him from Luton, and although he's only played once or twice, I am in awe of the bloke. He is fantastic. Next captain, I think. Luton Fans call him Big Dave, but because we already have a Big Dave, we call him Little Dave! He's also dubbed to be the next Rio Ferdinand, and I can believe it.
# 20 = Chris Kirkland. Our goalkeeper, who is England's number 2, and on loan from Merseyside club, Liverpool. He's known to be prone to injury,
# 21 = Kevin Campbell. Our fine captain. We got him on a free and the morale he brings the team in the dressing room is excellente. But I just wish he'd stay there.
# 22 = Nathan Ellington. He's our newboy. He's only young and we bought him from Wigan. He's yet to prove himself good, but I have patience in the lad.
# 23 = Robert Earnshaw. The 5'8 'midget' is probably one of my favourite players. Although he sometimes can't hit the net to save his life, I've always had a bit of a soft spot for him. My Dad really hates him - I have no idea why. "Earnie, Earnie, Earnie" is such a good chant!
# 24 = Ronnie Wallwork. Under Megson's management, this bloke was awful. We all nicknamed him "Wontwork" and he truly was a joke. But then suddenly, Robson gave him a proper chance and he did well. But now this season, he's gone back to his crappy self again.
# 25 = Nwankwo Kanu. We signed him on a Free and to be honest, I wish we hadn't. He gets paid £25,000 a week but he doesn't really bring much to the team. Okay, he has a few games where he tries really hard, but that's not that often. Our favourite Chant for him is "Kanuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu" which I actually thought was "booooooooooooooooo" so I booed too!
# 29 = Tomasz Kuszczak. We bought him but never gave him a chance. He played in the Cup, didn't exactly have a good game, but then we had to play him in one of our League Games, and my God, he was fantastic! He had a blinder against Manchester United (away) and we were all singing "In Goal. We've Got A Pole In Goal". Because he's Polish! Obviously....
# 33 = Junichi Inamoto. One of our better central midfielders, but he doesn't get a game which confuses me. He is 100 x better than Andy Johnson, but I just don't think Robson sees it.
- THE KIT -
We are famously known for our Green & Yellow kit, but we don't actually have a Green & Yellow kit now. That stopped two seasons ago - unfortunately, because my favourite shirt was the Green & Yellow away shirt. It stood out and it was so nice. We now have a Navy Blue & White home shirt, with our pink sponser (T-Mobile) on the front. Our away shirt is Navy Blue with a Red stripe, & a White one. We have a Third Shirt, which is just pure white (with the pink sponser) but that is poor, and we don't wear it.
- THE CHANTS -
The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want He maketh me down to Lie. In pastures Green, he leadeth me, the quiet waters by.. (The West Brom! The West Brom!)
Fight fight whoever you may be We are the boys from the Black Country, And we dont give a f**k whoever you may be, We are the boys from the Black Country
Go West Bromwich Albion, Go West Bromwich Albion
Oh when the stripes Go marchin in Oh when the stripes go marchin in I wanna be in that numba Oh when the stripes go marchin in
We all follow the Albion Over land and sea and water We all follow the Albion On to victory
- MY LIFE AS A FAN -
Well I went to my first game on the 31st of August 1999. It was away to Grimsby Town, and we lost 5-1. Sneekes scored for us, and to be honest, I wasn't actually interested in the game! I was more interested in my fish & chips I was promised for after the game. But then a couple of years later, we moved back from Spain & then Dad started to take me again. I was over the moon. I loved to go to the football. I went to most home games for at least two seasons, and then I started to go home & away and I have been for 3 seasons now. I wouldn't miss a game for the world. Well, that's a lie. I have to miss Blackburn away on the 1st of October because my Uncle (also like a Dad to me) is getting married. It's a shame, because I love the cheeseburgers at Blackburn. I've had a lot of trouble about me being a fan because some people can't take it. Like ex boyfriends have been annoyed that I want to go to the football, but luckily my current boyfriend is a die-hard West Brom fan too and we both go home & away together!
- ADDRESS -
WEST BROMWICH ALBION THE HAWTHORNS WEST BROMWICH WEST MIDLANDS B71 4LF.
You can use this address to write to a player, make a complaint, write to the manager, write to the chairman, etc. You can also use it to find the ground if you are not sure where it is!
- USEFUL NUMBERS -
Main number - 08700 66 8888 Main fax - 08700 66 2861 Ticket sales - 08700 66 2800 Ticket office fax - 08700 66 2801 Club shop - 08700 66 2810 Club shop fax - 08700 66 2811 Merry Hill shop - 08700 66 2813 Merry Hill shop fax -08700 66 2814 Shops mail order line - 08700 66 2816 Hospitality department - 08700 66 2820 Hospitality fax - 08700 66 2821 Conference & Banqueting - 08700 66 2830 Conference & Banqueting fax -08700 66 2831 Community department - 08700 66 2840 Community fax - 08700 66 2841
- WHO'S WHO -
CHAIRMAN: Jeremy Peace FINANCE DIRECTOR: Mark Jenkins NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: Joe Brandrick, Jeff Farmer SECRETARY/DIRECTOR: John Evans CLUB PRESIDENT: John G Silk LLB HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS: Lady Barbara Millichip, Dr Roger Rimmer MB ChB, Tony Hale MANAGER: Bryan Robson ASSISTANT MANAGER: Nigel Pearson RESERVE TEAM COACH: Gary Shelton GOALKEEPING COACH: Joe Corrigan CHIEF SCOUT: Bobby Hope CLUB DOCTOR: Kevin Conod PHYSIO: Nick Worth STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH: Richard Hawkins ACADEMY MANAGER: Dan Ashworth ACADEMY COACH: Craig Shakespeare HEAD OF YOUTH RECRUITMENT: Paul Compton FACILITY MANAGER: Mark Miles SAFETY/MATCHDAY OPERATIONS MANAGER: Kevin Jennings TICKET OFFICE MANAGER: Jo Barr HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES: Neil Smart COMMERCIAL MANAGER: Stuart Curtis HEAD GROUNDSMAN: Rob Lane HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY: Phil Everitt PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO CHAIRMAN: Michelle Davies PRESS OFFICER: John Simpson PUBLICATIONS EDITOR: Dave Bowler BROADCAST EDITOR: Scott Field CLUB JOURNALIST: Oliver Bhurrut CLUB RESEARCHER: Mike Philpotts CLUB CHAPLAIN: Ken Hipkiss CLUB STATISTICIAN: Tony Matthews
Advantages: Good, passionate ground and fans. Solid defense, great manager Disadvantages: Always lots of peoples favourties for relegation. Pressure of history
West Brom got into the Premiership last weekend after a 2-0 victory at home to Crystal Palace on the last day of the season to clinch the last automatic promotion spot in the first division ahead of their most deadly rivalry Wolverhampton Wanders. It sees them back into the top division for the first time in 12 years, and for a club with those surroundings and their history not many people could disagree that they deserve their place. Especially ... ...a late unstoppable charge from West Brom that saw them grab the place. West Brom were also on the edge of falling out of the first division just a couple of years ago, another fact that saw their promotion even more amazing. West Brom have achieved their success without being as flamboyant or free scoring as Manchester City. Many of their wins have been 1-0 successes, showing their defensive strength and solid shape. Their goals scored and goal difference ...
Chris_Padden 26.04.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of West Bromwich Albion
Advantages: Good ground ambitious team Disadvantages: Relegation favourites
...has produced a miracle at WEst Brom. He has rescued them from almost certain relegation to Division 2 up to Automatic promotion into the Premiership. OVer the last couple of years, he has assembled a fine arsenal of players who have proven their worth.
He is only "passing through" in management terms and is destined for bigger and better appointments.
The Squad.
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A mixture of youth and experience, it will need heavily stregthening for ... ...in with the players they already have.
A 1st class keeper is needed. Russell Hoult is very good as a backup but is not Premiership class.
In midfield, you have the experienced Ruel Fox who played well for Tottenham and Newcastle for so many years.
Alongside the journeyman Bob Taylor who has enjoyed stints at Manchester City and Gillingham.
Up front, scoring the goals is one time QPR striker Daniele Dichio. A medium force to be reckoned with.
...
andycharger 23.04.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of West Bromwich Albion
Advantages: Great supporters, nice ground, optimism Disadvantages: mediocrity on the playing field
Another new season is on the way..and once again we Albion fans tell ourselves that we've GOT to have a better season this time around. We're a big fish in a small pond, we've got loads of potential etc etc. These feelings usually disappear around the end of September when it dawns on Baggies fans that another relegation battle is far more likely! Add the disappointing player performances, to questionable boardroom decisions and poor buying and selling ...
geebee 08.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of West Bromwich Albion
Advantages: The best fans in the country, History & Tradition Disadvantages: Lack of manager (at time of writing), "big-time" players
I'm a season ticket holder in the infamous Brummy Road and love being there on a Saturday afternoon to cheer the boys on. We might have gone down to the Championship but have enough character and skill to fight our way out of the quagmire of a division! Rival teams love to come to the Hawthorns and try to beat us but few manage that feat. The last home game was against Leeds United and they were on a high after beating the Blues-Noses of Birmingham ... ...by Rob Stiles in the 30th minute and we were down to 10 men. Healy missed from the spot and 20,000 odd thousand Baggies fans started singing "Bring on the clowns"! Even with a man less, we dug in and went in at the break with a one goal lead thanks to Albrechtson. The second half was transformed thanks to the introduction of Kamara in attack at the expense of Hartson to partner Kevin Phillips. The new pairing looked electric and got a goal each to ...
andy.james 09.10.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of West Bromwich Albion
Advantages: Lee Hughes and Jason Roberts Disadvantages: Richard Sneekes
...been a proper 100% of West Brom since the season we won the playoffs and this season we are actually looking like a Professinal team! We are out playing teams,scoring great goals and tackling! I am certain we will make it into the playoffs and i am confident that we can win them and return to our rightful place in the top flight. Bets on us are very realiable this season. Go for combo's of Hughesy scoring first and us wining 3-1. Its happened 3 times ...
MattHayward 06.12.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of West Bromwich Albion
Physical Effort
Skill
Are they fun to watch?
Quality of defence
Quality of management
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Advantages: Friendly atmosphere. Nice stadium. Great FA cup tradition Disadvantages: Financial problems.
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appearances with WestBromwichAlbion,Chelsea, Ipswich Town and other football league sides. Ex Manchester United star, Paul Parker, was for a period Director of Football at Ashford,whilst ex England,QPR and Manchester City star Rodney Marsh was for a time, Managing Director, and the ex Spurs and West Ham player,Paul Allen,also turned out for Ashford. Other ex Football league players with Ashford included Bill Dodge ex Spurs and Crystal Palace, ex Spurs player Ron Clayton, and John Shepherd who previously played for Millwall and Gillingham.Roy Hodgson who achieved fame as a coach internationally also played for Ashford and probably the team's most famous supporter was the author ...
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Advantages: Sense of humour, caring, honest, kind, helpful, talkative Disadvantages: Moody, annoying, too chatty
Cancer and my mum and dad getting fed up of life over there. So me, mum and dad moved back home to the Midlands, while my brother Martin stayed over there. Which was fair enough, he was earning good money, and had his friends there. I didn't go to a school back in England for a year - the local schools couldn't fit me in, which I found appalling. Strangely enough, I actually wanted to go to school! I wanted to have friends my own age, instead of talking with my older cousins.
We then moved to Wednesbury, which is near WestBromwich, in the Midlands. This is where we're all settled now, and I love it. I love my life now. I have a brilliant set of parents, a wonderful Big Brother who sometimes I could kill, but I love him dearly. And a gorgeous boyfriend whom I think the world of. The best thing in my life - WestBromwichAlbion FC - are in ...
Shellywba 20.09.2004 (24.02.2005)
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Advantages: Well i guess its about me Disadvantages: Well i guess its about me
don’t know if it was such a good idea after all. And ive got the WestBromwichAlbion Fc throstle on my back
06. How much do you love your job on a scale of 0-5:
Id probably have to say about 2 at the moment. Im a sales account manager in the constructiion trade mind you some of the builders are a grim to chat to.
07. Favourite colour:
Blue and White of course. WestBromwichAlbion colours. Common you Baggies!!!!
08. Home County:
West Midlands, Black Country, Duddllleeeeeyyyyyy!
09. Current Relationship Status:
Been with Paul nearly 4 years now
10. Favourite food:
Chips and Gravy. Well anything for gravy, Gravy Rules!!!
11. Been to Africa?
Nope but I wouldn’t mind going if someone’s got a spare ticket
12. Been to Camden?
Nope but my boyfriends a cockney so maybe he will take me one ...
sarahbb 19.12.2003 (12.07.2006)
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