As we all slowly come down from Tuesday night’s thrilling Black Country derby win, it is now time to focus on our remaining games, writes blogger Jarrod Hill.
I would have been happy with a point, but in gaining the win we are now in pole position to push on and win the league.
The game itself was entertaining rather than a feast of football, and Wolves 100% effort ensured it was a close affair. Wolves had their share of possession but seemed to lack real quality in the final third and eventually ran out of ideas.
To win these types of game you need your big players to have good games and with Phillips, Gera, Clement, Greening, Kiely and Morrison all playing well we threatened their goal on numerous occasions.
Our midfield out fought and out thought Wolves midfield for long periods of the game, Michael Gray seemed to be carrying much of the fight and I was surprised when he was taken off. Collins at the back looked nervous and indecisive all night and Phillips experience and movement was a constant threat, and it was no surprise when he provided the goal for Gera. His touch from a long raking ball and composure was a class above what we often see in the Championship.
I hope we can now go on and get promoted, and a large part of me hopes Wolves join us, the whole build up to the game, the nervous tension, the passion, and the banter, made me realise how much I would miss these occasions in our calendar season if our clubs were in separate leagues.
Anyway back to our next game, Norwich are still on the verge of a relegation fight and will be looking for points to guarantee safety. I am not sure my nerves will be able to take a last day round of fixtures to decide our promotion fate, if we could get three points at Carrow Road, the home game against Southampton could be party time. With us playing two days after everybody else we could either be playing to secure promotion or be playing catch up, I am not sure which one carries the most pressure, but I know which one I would prefer.
If I was offered second spot and automatic promotion I would accept it in a heart beat, but a conversation I had with my dad on Saturday has stuck in my mind.
He quite rightly pointed out that we have not won any league since 1920, which means he has not seen us lift a League Champions Title in his lifetime.
This may be our best opportunity for many years to come, in a season where it seemed nobody wanted to win it; we are now looking at three fixtures to decide our fate. All season we have heard opposing managers, fans and commentators saying we are the best team in this division, it is now time to prove them right. The table does not lie, but we have won nothing yet, it is time we finished the job, starting with Norwich tomorrow.
The thought of having to go to QPR and sit there in my super hero outfit (cannot decide between Captain America, Banana Man, or just shave my head, shrink a foot and go as Kevin Phillips) chewing my nails, fills me up with nervous tension.
Come on boys lets finish what we started back in August, come on you Baggie boys!!!!!
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52 Comments
The Villa derby will more than make up for the loss of the Wolves fixture. It would, however, be nice to be spoiled for riches of having all three local derbys to look forward to. As has been the case for much of this season, the results tomorrow for other teams will have the largest part to play on where we finish I suspect as we may not end the season with a perfect record from the last three games to win the title outright.
Can we be Champions? The answer is of course Yes, the table doesn’t lie we’re there on merit and in truth we should be many more points ahead of the field, However, the fact that we’re not begs the real question, Will we be Champions? and the answer is not so simple! This is West Bromwich Albion we’re talking about here. We’re considered the favourites, but I’ve won money on many an outsider! We’ve got the best team, so that guarantees a win…. doesn’t it? it does doesn’t it? We’ve got the easier games…..Have we? It’s not so long ago Southampton were our real bogey team,….Norwich got us relegated in 1974….and remember QPR 1967. But have a bit of faith you say; the law of averages says we must get some silverware soon!…..Does it? That was the main reason I thought we’d beat Portsmouth!…. No the answer has to be I aint got a clue. But i’m keeping everything crossed I really really want that trophy!!…..BOING BOING!!
fantastic article mate,
think we can win this league and i would love to see us do it, if only as i may not see us lift another trophy in my lifetime (even though im only 22) you never know, and unless we get brought by a russian zillionaire will we be able to compete at the top again……i hope so!
here’s to winning the league (we hope)
BOING BOING!
2.. 100% agree.
when has anyone ever known West Brom do anything the easy way. We should have won this league weeks ago, but, we are still in the mix it’s not over till its mathamaticly impossible for us to not go up.
On paper Norwich and Southampton should be easy games but we all know that football is not played on paper
Morning Jarrod.
Interesting reading your take on Tuesday night. Yes, we put in a lot of effort, but I think the Albion class showed in the end. Gera and Phillips in particularly ran riot and you could see how tired the Wolves boys were at the end.
In a mediocre league, I’m amazed you boys are not running away with it. Listen to me, I’ll be down the Albion club shop in a minute ordering my new shirt!
Good luck winning that title. I don’t think we will be joining you next season. We have lost far too many points over the course of the campaign and to still be in with a shout at this stage is nothing short of a miracle!
I think if we can remain unbeaten to the end of the season it will be enough, we are now unbeaten in six league games. I hope Mobs does not tinker too much for tomorrow, as i have said above, lets secure promotion asap and then look to win the league at QPR. Shhhhh keep it quiet, but having failed to secure a ticket in the away end for Loftus Road, my and my mucker are in the home end!!! Shhh do not tell anyone, Bradford all over again, more away fans in home ends than away end!!!!!
On reflection i had better cancel my order for my Bananaman costume, it might just give the game away!!!!!
Great Blog, you are spot on. Nothing is won yet lets finish the job in the next two games, win tomorrow and we have one foot in the premiership. I know the last few days almost everyone on these pages has been saying we are up but it’s not a forgone conclusion after all this is our beloved Albion and we are all old enough and ugly enough to know that we never do anything the easy way. I personally really want to win this league because I think the brand of football we have played this season really deserves to be the winner and come out on top. Gone are the days at the Hawthorns of the Megson and Robson style of get 1-0 up and stick 11 men behind the ball we now play open attacking football which is exactly what we want to see. Whatever happens in the next few games I have really enjoyed watching the Albion this season the style of play has been first class. If we can go on and win the league football will be the winner. If stoke go on to win it, it will be a sad day in football after all they are nothing short of a prison team and Watford arn’t much better!.
Boing Boing
Jarrod,
I hope you are right and we do it as Champions. Still Norwich and Southampton are still in trouble and will be fighting for their lives. As on Tuesday cool heads win games and if our big players perform we will be OK. I’m with you the thought of going to QPR needing something is not something I care to dwell on.
Morning Jarrod/Bomber.
I can only reiterate the feelings of yourself and, i would think, the majority of other Baggie posters,
NEVER assume ANYTHING with our beloved team.
Everything will be crossed from here on in,
so driving to Norwich tomorrow could prove hazardous.
I went up to St Andrews last Sunday, arrived back last night, i presume the boards were in
meltdown,
last Friday, we were in the process of arranging a meeting, but Bully could not make the S`oton game and Happy said he would prefer
it not to be on a game day (same here)
has any progress been made on an “evening with Bomber” ?
Westbrom have a very good team at the moment but they have under achieved and should of ran away with this league to be honest. at the moment you are the dominant TEAM in the black country however i know albion fans dont like to hear it buts its reality like the above is reality about you having a better TEAM…Wolves are a bigger club, westbrom a better team. Albion have problems in the camp with lots of players letting their feelings be known about certain things and stating intentions to leave or trying to in paul robinsons case! Wolves have a very talented crop of kids all of which have signed long term contracts as they are very happy. different strengths to each club and different weaknesses, but something we both have in common, we support the clubs which make the best derby in the country. nathan lloyd an albion shirt?
I agree - We can win the league and lets face it, it’s our best chance of ever winning silverware because we don’t have to play at Wembley to get it!!!!!!!!!!!
Have we sold out for Norwich?? We really need our fans this weekend. Plenty of noise should carry the tired legs that bit further!
Great blog Jarrod.
As usual, a little bit of inspiration, a tempering of trepidation and a smattering of education. in my time we’ve been runners up in the league but never champions (BFR managed to snatch 3rd place from the jaws of runners up. Mental note, it’s history, can’t hold a grudge forever, perhaps he might not be the big headed, useless poser I think.) Anyway back to the point. I hadn’t realised it had been 88 years since we’ve won one. I’d like to see TM make winning the title the priority in the players minds, so that runners up would be looked on as failure. In other words let’s shake off the attitude we’ve had for about 20 odd years now, perhaps a lot longer and not settle for second best.
3 Kez.
I know what you mean about the zillionaire but every coin has two sides. If we do get up I’ll feel immensely proud of the way our club has achieved it. No sugar daddy(s) bankrolling us. No history of welshing on our creditors. No local council buying our ground for us.
IF YOU’RE A BAGGIE AND PROUD.
SAY IT LOUD.
Morning all.
Lets believe people, lets have confidence lets enjoy the end of what has been a fantastice season.
We are favourites because we deserve to be and we are the best footballing team in the divison by a mile (thats not just ny opinion but the opinion of most other teams supporters and most oundits etc), yes i know that we are Albion and we certainly do not do things the easy way but i think that the players know how close we are and i dont think that they will slip up.
Norwich wont be easy and neither will Southampton or QPR but we are more than capable of getting the points that we require to win it.
So lets get behind the lads from start to finish in the last 3 games and i am confident that we will all get what we want!!!!
And dont forget……
We ended the dingles season….. THE MOWBRAY WAY…..IN STYLE OF COURSE!!!!
Hi Jarrod,
Yes in one respect i would take 2nd right now - but I also would love to see us crowned as champions - and I also think we deserve it over the season.
People said you can’t win promotion from this league playing good football - just as they said Man Utd can’t win anything with kids….
We aint won anything yet, but I think 4 points from the last three games will see us up, and 6 will see us as champions.
Last season when we missed out I still felt it was a great season - but we are SO close now and have done so well, that to miss out this time will be devestating.
However I have real confidence in ToMo and the squad. Nothings won yet - but the bubbly is in the fridge.
LOVIN IT !!!!!!
p.s - I hope your dad still has his pants on his head - we need all the help we can get.
11 Laughing Wolf.
On our reservation we have um old Red Indian saying. ‘Put um other record on.’
Bomber/forever/Bully - I’m definately up for a get together - i still think a non match day would be best but will go with the flow….
Maybe we could all meet by Jarrods office in our footy shirts and go on a tour of wolvo - or maybe not !!!!!
great post,but as i said before we went to blackpool our away form now is impressive having four of our last 6 away as helped us its taken the pressure off,i expected to go to blackpool and wolves and win as i expect we will tomorrow,im not sure if 4 points will be enough though happy,boing boing up we go
Sounds great. Might be difficult finding date when no ones on holiday but should be worth the effort. Hopefully some of the decent Wolfies, Malvern, Codsall, 2468 etc might make it. Might be a bit far for Kent and Southern. I’m away next week but will try to stay in touch.
Some excellent posts here to follow an excellent blog. I agree with Happy in that 4 points will be enough and 6 most definitely.
I think most of us would take second at the drop of a hat, but after such an exciting season when, at times, we’ve been at a level far higher than most teams in this division could achieve, it would be something of a shame not win it.
Am normally cautious at best with regards to upcoming fixtures but I think back to important games this season where we’ve really had to focus our mind e.g. Watford (a), Wolves (a), Bristol Rovers (a), Pompey. I think these games are amongst some of our best performances of the season, and I read a piece from Kevin Phillips where he seemed to suggest with real intent that he didn’t think we’d let it slip from our grasp now. I hope not.
COME ON YOU BAGGIES!!!
Laughing Wolf, change the record. All I’ve heard all week is “bigger club” blah blah blah. Football works in cycles, for 15 years you’ve had higher attendances, for the previous 15 we did. Historically, as an average, they’re about the same. Also, size of club doesn’t mean a jot on the pitch. Learn to accept defeat graciously.
Bully - I’ve just read a comment you made on another thread that you read Michael’s posts using the voice of Kevin Turvey - brilliant !!
I once said that I read all CAPS ON comments in the voice of Barney from The Simpsons (SBBA take note) - things like this make even the dullest head hurting posting quite enjoyable.
BUUUUUURRRRRRP !!
I am up for meeting up, i will be in either the Sportsman and then Vine for the Southampton game, and i am travelling down by club coach (normally go by train , but with it being a hell of a journey and a bank holiday weekend chose the coach) for the QPR game. If you want to make it another time just let me know where and when.
Happy, the suggestion of meeting in Wolverhampton was a good one, as long as you are 7ft 3 and built like a shed.
First of all another great blog Jarrod. I’d settle for second this season, but after the season we’ve had, the cup run, the goals we’ve scored, and the way we’ve played this season, winning the Championship would be the icing on the cake!
Lets just hope for a good performance and three points tomorrow, we’re in the position where our destiny is in our own hands…and all from playing attractive, and entertaining football.
Whatever happens im proud to be a Baggie!!
Bomber - unfortunately I’m 3ft 7″ and built like a patio.
11 Laughingwolf, and how many points do they give you for being a so called bigger club?
Answers on a postcard please to:
PO BOX WE THINK WE ARE A BIGGER CLUB,
STAYING IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP AGAIN,
CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH,
BITTER AND TWISTED STREET,
WOLVERTRAMPTON.
LO5 ERS!
BOING BOING
Even though it will mean endless ribbing and a lifetime of hanging my head in shame, I would actualy like to see you as champs, the idea of success in the region is appealing as I see the area in general as underachieving. If you look at the amount of clubs from the North West in the top flight compared to the west mids, and even the North East, clubs in this area have underperformed for a long time.
I think you have a very good chance aswell, you’ve assembled a good team and hopefully last years hurt will help spur you on
So there you have it, the confession of a die hard wolves fan that he would like to see you as champs (but only as long as we made the play offs!)
11. laughinwolf. What does ‘but we are the better club ……’ mean exactly. I see it written a lot but I don’t know what it means. Is it that your fans are fatter from continually having to force down more humble pie? Or is it something else, FA Cup wins, time spent in the top league! What does bigger club mean? Or is it that over the past few seasons the Baggies have really rubbed your noses in it, and rather than say ‘well done’ we have been crap and you deserve it, your only come back is ‘but we are a bigger club’… well my Dad is bigger that your dad, so there! To be honest if the boot was on the other foot I’d just shut me gob and start prayin, cause you lot really do need a miracle.
Warren, spot on mate ref: Laughing wolf
I sometimes wish i was 18 years old again……..
Futile ? of course,
however for an exercise in futility, it is no more pointless than the bigger, better, and more trophies in days of yore…argument.
I keep reading about (from Wolves fans) about them being the 8th most successful club ever….
so i ask you Wolves fans, the warm glow of your
history (half a century ago) is of great conciliation to you now ?
The attendance thing !
do you think your average crowd of 23500 is more passionate about your club than our 22000
are about ours, or our friends from Walsall`s
5000 ish ?
What really matters is NOW, and what we see on the pitch.
Am I right in thinking the fancy dress theme for QPR is Super heros?
Will be gutted if we don’t win the title
That should of course say…consolation.
Funny this about winning the title. In Denmark where Im from, all that maters is getting promoted, and teams dont realy care about comming 1st or 2nd. Different story in the UK i know, so lets go an do it. Sure we will get promoted at home next weekend, and even with hangovers we could get the result needed at Qpr last day of season. Good luck from Denmark.
Yeah be lovley to win a trophy,but if we do,i hope we can win it home…coz if we got to QPR and win it..the trophy will not be presented…
Another thing to contemplate….
In the great escape year..we sent both Soton and Norwich down….i reckon they still dont like us…
Anyone have a problem with the Friday night#
before the QPR game ?
Happy, i know you live in Staffs, me too, i will
gladly give you a lift.
Bomber, perhaps you could mention it within Tuesdays blog when we get the feedback.
11. Another sad and rather old arguement your bringing up again, who says your “bigger” ? you ?.
what have you won in the last 50 years ? anything ?. get a life and stop looking back on past acheivements to make up for the lack of your current ones.
this big club small club is rather pathetic dont you think.
on the subject of meeting up, does anybody here live in the north east ?.
wbaforever - the 2nd is fine by me.
Maybe we can discuss lift options “off line” some how - although if we live miles apart I’m ok to get there myself anyway.
Changing the subject - has everyone read MM’s latest attack on the wolves fans…. he called them “chest thumpers” for suggesting they should have beaten us.
First Nuggets, now chest thumpers - Talk about a PR nightmare.
33. Rockstar - why won’t the trophy be presented at QPR should we win the title on the last day of the season?
37 - trophies are never presented at away grounds. Too much potential for trouble and I guess the QPR fans will want to cheer their own team at the end.
Just thinking about Norwich - does anyone know if their ex manager Grant is still at the Hawthorns ?
TM was letting him work with us after he lost his job, but I haven’t heard anything about him since.
but ManU have lifted the trophy at Boro and Blackburn at Anfield in years gone by……is this another case of one rule for one and one for another regarding the Premiership again? How can the Champions not be presented the throphy? IF we win it I’ll be gutted not to see us lift it at QPR…..can’t see us winning it at the hawthorns when playing southampton - atleast mathematically not.
Would be a disgrace not to see the presentation
Where do you all want to meet up?? i can put it in Tuesdays blog, 2nd May sounds ok!!
Regarding the presenting of the trophy, i think we should win it first and then worry about it later. We are starting to sound like Wolves fans back in August!!!
Yes I’m counting no chickens (even nuggets) yet.
We seem to come from all different areas so not sure where is best or central to meet up.
Anywhere in a 20 mile radius of the ground is fine by me, so take ya pick. Maybe do something near the ground ?
(Me and Forever vote somewhere in Staffs…. LOL)
Why not the Vine ?
All this talk of trophy presentation is rather
premature,
i would prefer to talk about it IF,
40 odd years a baggie has instilled a cautious nature where they are concerned.
I did put my “IF” in capitals on my post…..absolutely nothing being assumed in this camp. I honestly think that we need promotion or the title wrapped up before the last game as I’m not confident of picking anything up at Loftus Road.
look at the tescos saying where they are going to be presented the trophy? you have 3 very tricky games infront of you and you lot do set yourself up for a hard fall, if you mess it up would you fancy playing the wolves at wembley your bogie ground?
no one is saying we have won it - I’m asking the question of where the trophy would be presented IF (yes IF) we win it. Likewise IF Hull win it will it be presented at Portman Road……..we’re not all like you Dingles! Now run a long and go make another “you’ve let us down” banner you silly little man
I hope thats the last time we play that lot we proved to them who the best team is countless times lets get promoted and get stuck in to our real rivals from aston
Great posts.
The first aim has to be top 2, and to achieve that would be a success in itself, especially after passing the parcel so many times. However, I agree with the many that finishing Champions would be fitting for us after the football we have played this season. I’ve supported the Baggies for God knows how many years and I haven’t felt as proud since the Atkinson era. It’s nice to see a few gracious comments from Wolves fans who recognise the football we are playing, but there are always going to be some diehards who cannot utter a word without some bitterness. To revert to ‘we are a bigger club’ comment is quite pathetic, isn’t it laughing(atyou)wolf
Assume the business team in the Baggies club are going to reduce ticket prices for the Saints game as you can have a full-house.
Absolutely laughable - can’t get a full-house at normal prices when your top dogs - just shows how loyal Baggies fans are & always have been.
You could only get 26,ooo gainst Watford in that crucial game last week with reduced prices.
Us Dingles,we leave prices as normal & guess what- we still get over 26,000 gainst Tractor Boys.
GREAT BUSINESS JEZ MOXEY.
WE WILL ALWAYS BE THE BESTEST,BIGGEST,SUPPORTED CLUB IN THE BLACK COUNTRY!!!!!
49. utterrubbishwolf
bestest biggest supported club in the blackcountry — in your dreams. The reason Albion are in shout of the big league and Wolves are in mid-table oblivion is because Wolves have spent their money on average players. You applaud Jez Moxley. He’s the reason why you are where you are! Jeremy Peace may not be the best judge of footballers on the planet but he’s the shrewdest business man in the Championship. Tomo and the team spotted the talent. JP made sure that he didn’t pay top dollar for it. Kightley & Hennessy will move on to sunnier climbs - possibly one of them to the Albion. Get a decent Commercial team to support the playing team and you might become realistic contenders in the Championship.
Having said that, I’d like to see Wolves and Albion in the top flight. The build up, the banter, and the aftermath of the Blackcountry derby is what football’s all about.
Have to say i will miss the Dingles. Amongst others Loyal Cannock Wolf has been very entertaining all season. We totally forgot they existed the last time we were in the Premiership. I fear more of the same to come. All their whinging about being a bigger club whilst continually failing year after year is getting very old. Cue the you will be straight back down and we will enjoy watching you lose every week type posts. Blah,blah,blah. Boring, Boring ,boring.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
What a fantastic decade it has been to be an Albion fan. This season has been the best by far. Gaining plaudits for our total football style, has been very satisfying. Goals galore, skilfull passing and movement have been an absolute dream to witness. The season DVD will be well worth a look imo. I suggest every Wolves fan get a copy so that they can all see what they are missing out on.
51. cracking last sentence by baggiemark absolutly sums up the dingles season.wba=champs.stoke=2nd,and i really think palace will do the play offs.