West Bromwich Albion

Author's product rating:   

Physical Effort	Good
Skill	Good
Are they fun to watch?	Always
Quality of defence	OK
Quality of management	Excellent

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

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

- 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!)

Boing Boing (Baggies Baggies)
Boing Boing (Baggies Baggies)
Boing Boing (Baggies Baggies)
Boing Boing (Baggies Baggies)
Boing Boing (Baggies Baggies)
Boing Boing (Baggies Baggies)

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

Website Address:

www.wba.co.uk