West Bromwich Albion away match thread

[Jerseybean]

After a frustrating and very poor team performance against Millwall on Saturday we again need a positive reaction. The match (8pm kick off) has been selected for live coverage by Sky Sports and will be shown in full via the red button on Sky Sports Football.

West Brom were one of the pre-season promotion favourites in the Championship, but they currently sit in 20th place.

The Hawthorns has been home to West Bromwich Albion since 1900, and at an altitude of 551 feet, is the highest ground in England. All of Albion's previous grounds had been close to the centre of West Bromwich, when they relocated they took up an "out of town" site on the borders of Handsworth. The area was covered in hawthorn bushes, which were cleared to make way for the new ground, hence its name, the Hawthorns.

The last time we won at their place was December 1993. Albion have scored at least two goals in all of their last seven games against us at The Hawthorns (W5, D2). The Baggies have hit four on four occasions during that sequence, three goals once and two goals twice.

For the traveling supporters here’s the guide to the ground: https://www.awaygames.co.uk/away-day-guides/west-brom-away/ and with thanks to Jack Phillips Journalism: https://jackphillipssport.wordpress.com/2022/10/15/away-guide-west-bromwich-albion/

Last season we picked up a point against them.

https://youtu.be/7WCuY5n-Nao

 

 

Over the years we have won 15, lost 23 and drawn 16 times. We’ve only won twice in our last 14 encounters with them.

They lost England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone who joined Crystal Palace on a Bosman.

They finished 10th last season after Steve Bruce was appointed in February. On October 7 Bruce said this, "Ultimately, I'm to blame. I get it.”  Three days later Bruce was sacked after eight months in charge. The 61-year-old ex-Manchester United defender left following the Baggies' home draw with Luton Town. That result kept them in the Championship relegation zone, in 22nd, their lowest league position in more than 20 years. The backroom staff of Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence and Alex Bruce have also left West Brom, with under-21 coach Richard Beale named interim boss.

Former Huddersfield Town head coach Carlos Corberan is one of the leading candidates to replace Steve Bruce. WBA have vowed to conduct an exhaustive recruitment process as they look to reverse their fortunes. They are keen to speak to 39-year-old Spaniard Corberan, who resigned as Terriers boss after guiding them to the Championship play-off final in May.

Having failed to win any of their past eight league games they won away 2-0 to Reading on Saturday to register their first away win of the season and currently have 14 points. They kept their second clean sheet in succession against Reading. Despite their struggles this campaign, They still have the joint sixth-best attack in the Championship this season. Interim Baggies boss Richard Beale could not have asked for a better start to his spell in charge. Beale is being assisted by club legends James Morrison, who is first-team coach, and Chris Brunt, who has undertaken a new responsibility as loans manager. Goalkeeper coach Gary Walsh is also part of the caretaker team.

Referee is Robert Manley along with Jonathan Hunt and George Byrne, the fourth official is Geoff Eltringham.

Matty James is set to return but Kal Naismith is likely to remain sidelined.

The game will be the 80th match with NP in charge, he has won 24, drawn 17 and lost 38 of his 79 fixtures. While they remain in search of a permanent manager.

Pubs and pies

The Royal Oak,171 Holyhead Road, Birmingham, B21 0BD, https://www.theroyaloakbham.co.uk

The Vine, 152 Roebuck Street, West Bromwich, B70 6RD, https://www.thevine.co.uk their food is particularly recommended

Park Inn by Radisson, Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6RS

The Cook House and pub, Congregation Way, West Bromwich B70 7PU, https://www.cookhouseandpub.co.uk/en-gb/locations/west-bromwich?cid=GLBC_40537840 about a five minute drive from the ground

Back in 2017 West Brom boasted the Premier League’s finest match-day pie experience. The study was conducted by Coral, who enlisted the help of ‘Life of Pies’ author Martin Tarbuck and the Pierate pie review system to ascertain which club served the finest pie in the top flight. Can anyone list the seven C’s used in the Pierate pie review system?

Try one of these for a good pie:

Robinson's Bakery, 117 Hill Top, West Bromwich B70 0RU, https://robinsonsbakery.com

Greggs, Birmingham Rd, West Bromwich B71 4JZ, https://www.greggs.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local

Poundbakery, 196 High St, Sandwell Centre, West Bromwich B70 7QS, https://www.poundbakery.co.uk

For the answer to the pie review question look here: http://www.pierate.co.uk/p/the-seven-cs.html

WBA warblings

• There are various explanations for why they are called the Baggies. One theory is that, after settling at The Hawthorns in 1900, their stadium initially only had two entrances – one behind each goal – so gatekeepers would collect spectators' money in large bags. The crowd would shout 'here comes the bag man', which later spawned the 'Baggies title'. Another suggestion is that the name was bestowed on Albion supporters by their rivals at Aston Villa, because of the large baggy trousers that many Albion fans wore at work to protect themselves from molten iron in the factories and foundries of the Black Country. Other possible explanations include that supporters took large bags round to pubs to help save the club from extinction in 1905, and that the club almost going bankrupt at this time saw many of their large players replaced by smaller players, who made the same kits look far more baggy in their skins than in the predecessors!
• The highest number of points that West Brom have garnered during a single season is 91, a total which they achieved in 2009 under the guidance of Tony Mowbray. Remarkably, this haul was only good enough for second in the Championship as Newcastle United stormed to the title.
• Their total of five FA Cup triumphs is only bettered by nine teams in English football. The Baggies most recent title in the world’s oldest cup competition occurred in 1968 as Jeff Astle scored the winning goal at Wembley Stadium against Everton.
• Albion boast a significant number of famous fans among their ranks of supporters including: Adrian Chiles, Frank Skinner, Lenny Henry and Liam Payne of One Direction. Continuing the music theme, rock legend Eric Clapton sported an Albion scarf on the cover of his album 'Backless' to show his love for the club. Clapton also sponsored Albion's UEFA Cup tie against Galatasaray in 1978.
• The most goals West Brom have scored in a season is 105 (in the 1929/30 season.)

To the traveling Cider Army keep safe, be loud and proud and come back with three points, COYR.

[forbespm]

Can't see us getting much out of this game.Would be ecstatic

with a point!

[weepywall]

3 weeks back quite a few of us were going to this one, unfortunately our minibus load has dwindled to 3 including driver so now cancelled, not a happy hunting ground for us, would be absolutely delighted with a point, not overly confident tho !!

[Alex_BCFC]

We usually concede 3 or 4 here. 5 times in a row in fact in the league. And 2 in the cup.

I’d be backing up them to get at least 3. Both teams to score probably a shout too. 

Wouldn’t it be nice if we ended the wba away hoodoo as well as the preston one..

[Jasper Testimitanu]

The beautiful game…you never know what will happen, regardless a decent away ground and atmosphere, BTTS seems highly likely, Weimann to end his scoreless streak…score draw seems to be the safest bet! 
 

Players surely want to make a statement after the recent dross, wouldn’t be surprised if we see a few unexpected starters in this one. 

[Bris Red]

We never get anything away at WBA. Would be shocked if tomorrow was any different.. would take a point right now 

[cidercity1987]

Another game already?

There is too much football

[Ska Junkie]

I thought their nickname was the 'Throstles' not baggies?

[Guest]

Didnt want to start another thread so invaded this one; Pompey v Charlton, Pack and Morrell start for Pompey; didnt know Pack had left Cardiff and Morrell Welsh international.

Brings back memories of trips to the old Valley and Fratton Park when we played them regularly ah well

[Gillies Downs Leeds]

15 minutes ago, gl2 said:

Didnt want to start another thread so invaded this one; Pompey v Charlton, Pack and Morrell start for Pompey; didnt know Pack had left Cardiff and Morrell Welsh international.

Brings back memories of trips to the old Valley and Fratton Park when we played them regularly ah well

JoJo Woollacott in goal for Charlton as well

[Jerseybean]

Supporters will be able to purchase match tickets on the night at the Hawthorns on Tuesday, October 18th.

More than 1,200 tickets have already been sold and tickets will be available for cash only from the away ticket office where reprints and collections will also be available.

Supporters can purchase in advance until 1pm on Tuesday, October 18th.

? PRICES

Adults: £25

Senior 65+: £15

Aged 20-25: £15

Aged 17-19s: £10

Under 17: £5

*Prices are exclusive of fees

[Jerseybean]

18 minutes ago, gl2 said:

Didnt want to start another thread so invaded this one; Pompey v Charlton, Pack and Morrell start for Pompey; didnt know Pack had left Cardiff and Morrell Welsh international.

Brings back memories of trips to the old Valley and Fratton Park when we played them regularly ah well

Pack booked 

[And Its Smith]

     My guess is
 

                   Max

       Vyner. Klose. Atkinson

Tanner. Scott. James.  Pring

             Weimann

        Semenyo. Wells

Could easily be wrong on Pring though

Edited October 17, 2022 by And Its Smith

[Lew-T]

See yous there!

[red colin]

10 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

     My guess is
 

                   Max

       Vyner. Klose. Atkinson

Tanner. Scott. James.  Pring

             Weimann

        Semenyo. Wells

Could easily be wrong on Pring though

Would be quite happy with that pring a cert for me conway first pick before Semenyo though and let him loose after 65 mins 

[REDOXO]

I just went on line to try and get NPs prematch for WBA. Without looking closely I clicked on WBA from March. Until about the 7th minute when Robbie Cundy was mentioned did I realize it was sixth months old interview
 

[Jerseybean]

1 hour ago, Jerseybean said:

Pack booked 

Now sent packing with a red 

[redsquirrel]

not looking forward to this one,heavy defeat on the cards for me

[elhombrecito]

Not entirely sure why everybody seems to be talking as though WBA are some unbeatable super team...

[Harry]

21 minutes ago, elhombrecito said:

Not entirely sure why everybody seems to be talking as though WBA are some unbeatable super team...

Now do that without Steve Bruce….

[robinforlife2]

I'm looking forward to tonight. It's only the second game this season I have been able to go to. But I have friends who live in Dudley and they have co-operate seats at West Brom and they invited me, so whilst I will be in what is effectively the home end, I sadly don't have the finances to go to many games anymore, so any opportunity I get, I will gladly take up. 
 

I am looking forward to it, as the only other game I've watched this year was the Sunderland one. But watched all the others online.  I hope we see Wells back in the fold tonight. Sadly wont be able to cheer if we score though ! But doubt I'll be able to afford another match before ironically the West Brom game again on Boxing Day, but hopefully we can put in a decent performance. 

[Wanderingred]

8 hours ago, elhombrecito said:

Not entirely sure why everybody seems to be talking as though WBA are some unbeatable super team...

All that shows is that we are going to be the team to break their bad run of form at home. We’ll have another shocker tonight and lose by two or three.

[Slippin cider]

On the Red Button from 19:55 ….

[Super]

12 minutes ago, Slippin cider said:

On the Red Button from 19:55 ….

With Commentary from Stoke v Rotherham.

[cidercity1987]

9 hours ago, elhombrecito said:

Not entirely sure why everybody seems to be talking as though WBA are some unbeatable super team...

Because we are Bristol City and they are West Brom. Not dissimilar size of a fanbase but they always pump us at their place.

Not expecting any different tonight

[Super]

I remember a win up there mid 90's Tinman with the winning goal in a 1-0 win despite being absolutely battered for most of that game

[OneTeamInBristol]

The 2-2 there in the FA Cup back in 2016 was one of the best away days in recent years.

Brilliant scenes when Kodjia put the equaliser in, absolute carnage when Agard made it 1-2!

I ended up about 10 rows further forward.

[Rob k]

Have we become predicatable in how we set up and play and do we need to change things up and try and become a little more solid at the back tonight and play for a draw? We have a tough run of games coming up and in think a point tonight would be a good result. 

[ooRya]

I don't think we have it in us to play for a draw, and quite right too IMO.

We know that we can beat anyone in this league, we just need everybody on form, as we're not strong enough to carry passengers.

And cut out the stupid bloody mistakes!!

[Marina's Rolls Royce]

13 hours ago, redsquirrel said:

not looking forward to this one,heavy defeat on the cards for me

stop playing cards!

[Slippin cider]

Play like they did Saturday and it could be a very long evening indeed.

[underhanded]

Anyone got suggestions for parking near the ground?

[FNQ]

13 minutes ago, Slippin cider said:

Play like they did Saturday and it could be a very long evening indeed.

Play like we did at Blackburn and we’ll win… with the exception of Naismith we will likely field the same team too now that MJ is available. Lot of home pressure on West Brom.. 1-3.

[pongo88]

The only match I really enjoyed away to West Brom was in the promotion season of 75-76. I great 1-0 win. Most of it since has been a bit of a disappointment 

[ROKERITE]

16 hours ago, Ska Junkie said:

I thought their nickname was the 'Throstles' not baggies?

They were and still are by me. It's a much more attractive nickname than The Baggies. It's the same with other teams. Burnley The Turfites not The Clarets; Crystal Palace The Glaziers not The Eagles; Reading The Biscuitmen not The Royals. I'm sure there are many more, even my own username as opposed to Black Cat. But I'm an old fashioned traditionalist.

[Sweeneys Penalties]

35 minutes ago, pongo88 said:

The only match I really enjoyed away to West Brom was in the promotion season of 75-76. I great 1-0 win. Most of it since has been a bit of a disappointment 

iirc we were being pulverised in that game too

[Davefevs]

37 minutes ago, pongo88 said:

The only match I really enjoyed away to West Brom was in the promotion season of 75-76. I great 1-0 win. Most of it since has been a bit of a disappointment 

Been twice, Rumbelows Cup 2-2 Nicky Morgan brace

FA Cup 2-2 Kodjia, Agard…Max debut.

Ill take 2-2 tonight

[Lordofthebling]

My god I hate this away trip.  Feels like 4-1 to them is a reoccurring nightmare over the years, with that song boing boing baggies or something pumping round. As I sat there wondering how this area of England have at least two premier league clubs every year, and why cant we do what they can do.

Great day out.  

[Swede]

2 hours ago, OneTeamInBristol said:

The 2-2 there in the FA Cup back in 2016 was one of the best away days in recent years.

Brilliant scenes when Kodjia put the equaliser in, absolute carnage when Agard made it 1-2!

I ended up about 10 rows further forward.

Yes; remember it well. It was the first away game for one of the lads with me. He was hooked after that game. I had to say its not like this at every away match!

[The Gasbuster]

3 hours ago, Super said:

I remember a win up there mid 90's Tinman with the winning goal in a 1-0 win despite being absolutely battered for most of that game

Boxing Day IIRC ?

[Swede]

Although its a lovely ground to visit, many a time I've come away disappointed. Without wanting to put a downer on tonight but whenever I think of the Hawthorns a flashback [or is it a shudder] of the "Welchy bobble" comes to mind   

[Swede]

32 minutes ago, ROKERITE said:

They were and still are by me. It's a much more attractive nickname than The Baggies. It's the same with other teams. Burnley The Turfites not The Clarets; Crystal Palace The Glaziers not The Eagles; Reading The Biscuitmen not The Royals. I'm sure there are many more, even my own username as opposed to Black Cat. But I'm an old fashioned traditionalist.

I thought palace were just called knob heads

[Gillies Downs Leeds]

43 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Been twice, Rumbelows Cup 2-2 Nicky Morgan brace

FA Cup 2-2 Kodjia, Agard…Max debut.

Ill take 2-2 tonight

Fa cup game - big Arnold Garita warming up on the touchline is what I remember as well.

[EstoniaTallinnRed]

4 hours ago, Rob k said:

Have we become predicatable in how we set up and play and do we need to change things up and try and become a little more solid at the back tonight and play for a draw? We have a tough run of games coming up and in think a point tonight would be a good result. 

Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes!

[pongo88]

1 hour ago, Sweeneys Penalties said:

iirc we were being pulverised in that game too

How true, that’s what made it so enjoyable. I can remember the goal by Sweeney and a break away attack involving Richie and Cheesley, but the rest just seemed to be West Brom attacks. 

[Ska Junkie]

1 hour ago, Swede said:

I thought palace were just called knob heads

Funny way to spell 'Nigels' Swede. 

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, Gillies Downs Leeds said:

Fa cup game - big Arnold Garita warming up on the touchline is what I remember as well.

The days when a punt was £50k!!!

Both these photos are ones I took on the day.  I still think the bird and Annie are trying to get away from the child-catcher with the net!

[Taylor10]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

The days when a punt was £50k!!!

Both these photos are ones I took on the day.  I still think the bird and Annie are trying to get away from the child-catcher with the net!

We were talking about big Arnie ‘the £50k punt’ the other day on the way back from the game. Made I laugh.

I remember Wes Burns skinning Jonny Evans that day. Great turn and run.

[Davefevs]

1 minute ago, Taylor10 said:

We were talking about big Arnie ‘the £50k punt’ the other day on the way back from the game. Made I laugh.

I remember Wes Burns skinning Jonny Evans that day. Great turn and run.

He should’ve scored in the replay, got put through 1-on-1 early on.

[Superjack]

I've just forked out a tenner for the RTV stream.

So it'll be my fault.

[Slippin cider]

15 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

The days when a punt was £50k!!!

Both these photos are ones I took on the day.  I still think the bird and Annie are trying to get away from the child-catcher with the net!

Arnie was a beast! …

[ExiledAjax]

Well it's my first trip to the Hawthorns tonight. Very much expecting us to concede from a set piece and likely lose, but still have a glimmer of hope that we might spring a little surprise.

Edited October 18, 2022 by ExiledAjax

[Slippin cider]

2 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

Well it's my first trip to the Hawthorns tonight. Very much expecting us to concede from a set piece and likely lose, but still have a glimmer of hope that we might spring a little surprise.

I always enjoy the Hawthorns, nice ground and easy access from the motorway. Here’s hoping for a win …enjoy your trip ..COYR! 

[Bazooka Joe]

Can't see us losing tonight....

 

 

 

 

As I'll probably have my eyes covered throughout the game.

[MarcusX]

3 hours ago, underhanded said:

Anyone got suggestions for parking near the ground?

Apparently lots of street parking not too far away, there's also a park and ride and a train station nearby plus some businesses offering parking for a payment

I'll probably get there early and try out the streets before a car park - got stuck for about an hour after Norwich

[Lew-T]

We’re parking by the Vine pub, have a swift one in there and walk along the track to the ground

[GrahamC]

56 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

The days when a punt was £50k!!!

Both these photos are ones I took on the day.  I still think the bird and Annie are trying to get away from the child-catcher with the net!

Incredibly he’s playing in Romania now..

People forget that the only time he made the subs bench for us was v Man U..

Big game player, clearly.

[Offside]

My heart says we can get one of those unlikely away wins. My head says we’re going to lose by a couple of goals. Play as badly as we did on Saturday and we’ll get thumped. 

I’ve only been there once, the 2-2 draw in the late 90s when they equalised after about 10 mins of injury time. Lots of trouble that day and to concede such a late goal was sickening after a brave City performance. 

[maxjak]

I wish all away fans the very best of luck........and applaud you All for your loyalty.  I just sincerely hope that the City players show the same level of commitment and fortitude that you guys make in following a side that so often lets you down?  I have everything crossed, including my eyes for a positive result............COYR,     

[Ska Junkie]

Given our current 'form', anything but an utter gubbing would do tonight.

3-0 West Brom.  followed by the usual meltdown on here.

Edited October 18, 2022 by Ska Junkie

[cidered abroad]

WBA away.

The low was when a divot diverted a back pass to Keith Welch in the 95th (at least) minute to give them a 1-0 undeserved win.

The HIGH. 1976 winning 1-0. We scored just before half time and then defended at the Brummie Road end against a second half siege of enormous proportions.

Tonight? I'm going to bed at 7.59!

[marcofisher]

We're going to win. Both teams will score.

[weepywall]

13 minutes ago, marcofisher said:

We're going to win. Both teams will score.

13/2 for that to happen, not bad.

[old_eastender]

18 minutes ago, Ska Junkie said:

Given our current 'form', anything but an utter gubbing would do tonight.

3-0 West Brom.  followed by the usual meltdown on here.

A very likely scoreline, if we go unchanged again.

[Guest]

Will be an interesting starting line up, not least with the goalie, then the forwards maybe Martin/Wells to start in place of Conway/AS; then JD or Cam; got to be a few changes surely?

[Super]

7 minutes ago, gl2 said:

Will be an interesting starting line up, not least with the goalie, then the forwards maybe Martin/Wells to start in place of Conway/AS; then JD or Cam; got to be a few changes surely?

As much as i think Bents is the far better keeper, I will be amazed if he doesn't start MOL tonight.

[Daniro]

3 minutes ago, Super said:

As much as i think Bents is the far better keeper, I will be amazed if he doesn't start MOL tonight.

I wonder if he was referring to Max when he talked about players needing to make the most of the opportunity if they get a chance in the starting eleven and implying Max hadn't been able to do that v Millwall?

[Never to the dark side]

[Superjack]

He will start O'Leary. Was quite protective of him in the interview after Millwall.

I don't think he should. But I think he will.

[AppyDAZE]

7 minutes ago, Superjack said:

He will start O'Leary. Was quite protective of him in the interview after Millwall.

I don't think he should. But I think he will.

Nor me. Bentley was dropped for having one pretty horrendous game, in a game where pretty much nobody came out with any credit.

Bentley has been pretty good this season, saved us on quite a few occasions (I beieve he is the best one on one keeper in the league, when they get in on us) and let's face it, teams do often.

Bentley is the better keeper, I'd like to see him back.

Sorry, Max.

PS going on Nigel's logic, how is Jay Dasilva still in the team? when players lose form, they get replaced?

Edited October 18, 2022 by AppyDAZE