Eleventh heaven for Baggies
Tuesday 24th May 2011, 6:00AM BST.
Eleven just happens to be my favourite number, and after another thrilling game we can sit back and relax, writes Albion blogger Jarrod Hill.
Sunday’s game against Newcastle epitomised this current squad of players. Frustratingly naïve defensively, entertaining going forward, never say die attitude and an ability to score goals goals and then more goals.
If this hadn’t have been an end of season game played against a back drop of survival Sunday, this game would have been lauded as a cracker. As comebacks go this was certainly one I did not see coming, but then when you have a player like Somen Tchoyi in your ranks absolutely anything seems possible. His 28 minute hat trick took us from finishing 14th to a more than respectable 11th and reports suggest that the difference represents an extra £2.5million in revenue, coincidentally Mr Tchoyi`s transfer fee, talk about paying for yourself!
At 3-0 down I was castigating our defending and all three goals had a comedic feel to them, although I am guessing our head coach did not feel like laughing as he was constantly shouting instructions from the technical area. He certainly didn’t want to give up and neither did the team and when the first goal went in you felt there would be more chances to come. But without Peter Odemwingie spear heading our attack I wondered if those chances would be taken. However Somen took all three goals really well and like many an Albion fan this season, I am starting to think this lad could be better utilised down the middle. Six Premier League goals in seven starts suggests he knows where the onion bag is, and at times he does look more like a striker than a midfielder, who knows?
George Thorne was impressive in his cameo role as a second half substitute and helped push us forward and it is heartening to see a number of players coming through the ranks. It is always more difficult for youth players to break through at a Premier League club but reports within the club are more than hopeful on a number of our young guns.
And as if the good news of making it to 11th position wasn’t enough we also made our first venture into the transfer market yesterday by signing Gareth McAuley on a free transfer.
His signing may under whelm a number of fans across the country but try taking a look at the Ipswich fans forums. The words consistent, steady eddie, and defensive rock appear frequently in their description of their player of the year and his signing looks to be a risk free investment. His signing may well signal the end for Abdoulaye Meite as he waits to see if the club decide to extend his contract for another year. Having been recalled by Roy Hodgson he helped to stabilise a wobbly defence before more recently returning to his indecisive clumsy ways. Others who are awaiting news relating to having their contract extended are Marek Cech, Giles Barnes and Gianni Zuiverloon. I wouldn’t bet against all four of them finding their careers in pastures new as our backroom staff make room for squad strengthening.
The rumour mill has kicked into overdrive already and we have been linked with a number of players. Namely players from the relegated clubs, which suggests some lazy journalism is afoot, but then again the vultures are already circling over West Ham, Blackpool and Birmingham.
They all have players who have shown they are individually capable at this level if not collectively, and amongst all the agents, the players and the clubs there will be a scramble for their services. But let’s remember it’s a long summer and although I am sure Mr Hodgson will want to complete any business early it doesn’t always pan out that way.
The thought of that long football less summer is making me feel more than just a little glum this week as I face up to a football drought. I hope the summer is as dry as the football schedule and then I may just be able to cope, and I mean just.
Friday will be my last blog of the season and true to form it will be my alternative Albion awards. It will involve funniest moment of the season, best away fans, best day out, and many more. Yes I have written many more because I am still thinking of some others, feel free to suggest any, what a professional I am hey?
What a great season it has been, truly remarkable, could we even hope for next season to be better?
Another one like this one without the mid season flirtation with the bottom three would suffice for me, and if we can add some quality in certain positions during the summer I am sure we can continue to improve.
It’s been exciting, it feels great being a Baggie, and if we have a good summer next year could be even better, well that’s the idea anyway.
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Hi Jarrod,
Now that the season’s over,for the next 2-3 months our thoughts will be dominated by a couple of questions-
‘Any word on transfer activity today?’,and
‘What’s the latest rumour-are we REALLY gonna sign him?’
It’s a bit like a kid at Christmas,spending weeks trying to guess what presents he’s gonna get,building up excitement,but having to wait until the event itself before knowing for certain what’s actually ‘in the bag’.
I think we all have grounds to be optimistic on the transfer front,because of the current situation.
Last summer,we were newly promoted,with an inexperienced Manager,and the Bookies had us as second favourites to go back down,not ideal when you want to attract quality players.
But this time around?
Well we are now considered to be a ‘proper’ Premiership club,with a highly respected Manager,and a squad of players that have taken us to mid-table,with eye catching performances against the likes of Arsenal,Man.U.,and Liverpool.
Much more appealing to the type of players we would like to bring in.
But whatever else,based on previous years dealings,we can still expect one thing that might happen-
there will probably be a premiership player that we spend weeks trying to sign,and just as he picks up the pen,the deal falls through-
but the next day,out of the blue,we suddenly wrap up a deal with a similar player from Herzegovina,who we’ve never heard of,and can’t even pronounce his name.
But that’s part of the fun,isn’t it?
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Mate, i hope this similar player is from Poland, because i cannot even pronounce Herzegovina!!
It will be interesting to see the bookies odds too, i have a feelng that they will still consider us as strugglers, and QPR to threaten the top four.
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With West Ham 1/100 to storm the Championship….
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CR78.
No doubt this will be interpreted by any wandering Wulfies on here as me having a go at them but honestly I’m not. I think the good position we’re in is ideally illustrated by comparison with our neighbours.
I often have a scan of their posts and the fairly universal view over there is that they are desperately weak in certain positions, CH, LB, central midfield etc. We’re in the fortunate position of being strong throughout the first team and just needing to add cover/improve in one or two positions. Meaning if we get any of our signings wrong it’s unfortunate whereas if they do like they did last season it could be disastrous.
We have a good keeper but it seems that Roy is going to bring another in. I think Stephen Reid has looked fantastic at RB, the problem is he doesn’t look as though he’ll last a whole season injury free. Striker we need more cover as well as the much vaunted Plan B option ie a big bloke to hoik it up to.
PS. Forever.
Whenever I see the name of that country I have to admit my mind doesn’t get any further than the bird on the ‘Hello Boys’ advertising billboards. Not spelt exactly the same I know. Sad but true.
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I’m thrilled that we finished 11th but somewhat disappointed that we didn’t end up as top midlands club in the end.
The great custard bowl giveaway (which incidentally kept wolves up!) and perhaps fielding a weakened team against Newcastle are the main reasons for this.
It has still been a fantastic season, but the hard work starts now, it will be much tougher next year as points from the top teams will be much harder to get.
We took 19 points from the 54 available from the 9 teams that finished below us (6 of these off Blues) & 28 from the 10 teams above us.
I’m sure that Roy will address the defensive frailties that we have shown all season whilst keeping the goal threat at the other end, so a top 10 finish is a reasonable target to set.
Boing Boing!.
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Ed.
Now that’s what you call a statistic. I’m surprised you beat WONOH to that one. I suppose it illustrates perfectly why we’ve brought Gareth McCauley in. Like Arsenal we have more trouble with the Stokes of this world than we do against the footballing teams. I bet we won’t have this problem next season.
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No, fair play, that is a good one I didn’t know, I salute you!
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Professor WONOH you taught me everything I know about statistics. Who was it that said “There are lies, damn lies and then there are statistics”…… oh, that was me just then!.
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I’m genuinely sad. The season has ended and I will have to wait 3 months to see my Baggies again—-what am I going to do?
This has been the best season since Big Ron and the 3 degrees for me. Winning at the Emirates—-just 4 words but the unbridled joy of that day then drawing at Manchester and we should have won!!!!Goodison, doubles over the Bluenoses,Everton and Sunderland, Cox’s goal at Spurs,Brunt’s performances and then a striker who has scored 15 goals and a midfielder who’s better than Kaka—pinch me for I dream!!! Thank you RDM for that wonderful start, thank you RH for that wonderful finish and thanks to our fans who like me go to the away games and sing until we can’t speak any more—great lovely fantastic —let’s hope its onwards and upwards.
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CR78
You have accurately described my daily ritual over the summer. I dont mind admitting it, im addicted, there ive said it, and im standing up in my office!!!
Seriously, the summer without another footy tournament to keep me out of trouble is bad news for everyone around me. Its sad but i even look forward to the new shirt coming out!!
Fixture list, new signings, new shirts, followed by attending as many pre season friendlies as i can.
Like i say, im addicted, and i dont care…..
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Jarrod.
Nice to know I’m not the only one. My wife is always saying through the summer ‘what are you doing on that computer, I thought the football season had finished.’ I’ve now resorted to telling her I’m looking at porn to cover up my guilty secret.
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Brilliant. Priceless. Really hit my funny spot!
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Thanks for the great blogs throughout the season mate.
Speaking of pre-season are you thinking of going to the USA? If so my son lives in Orange County, might be useful.
Adéu
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Kev
Your last name is Tuttle by any chance?
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No, why’s that?
Adéu
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Kev
There is / was a series on Discovery about a family of motorbike builders from Orange County. They were always shouting at each other when building the bikes.
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I don’t know why you should associate me with shouting at people!
Adéu
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Kev
I don’t, but the main thing about the show, from the little that I have actually seen, is their commitment of getting it right and their passion of building bikes. It was that that came to mind. Think yourself lucky, I’ve just remembered the other show, Real Housewives of Orange County
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I see Brad Freidel’s turned us down-but did we really want a 40 year old villa player joining us?
We had enough trouble with one half his age (I’m not allowed to say who he is in case he’s got a super-injunction,but his name rhymes with ‘puke’).
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Hi Bomber – hope you will allow us readers of the bloggs on here to vote for “Blogger of the season” – your funny, honest, nervous, pessimistic / optomistic, heartfelt bloggs have been a pleasure to read all season, and you get my vote ebvery time.
Can we also vote for most misplaced blogg of the season cos Darkside Tim gets my vote for his well thought out comment about Albion being one of three teams worse than wolves that would be relegated – despite us being above them all season – He gets the humble pie award).
estbois has summed up much of what I feel about this season and letting Villa pip us to top placed midlands club was disappointing – but boy do they know there is a new kid on the block now, and by drawing with Newcastle we did end up as highest placed promoted club – another first for us !!
Anyway, many thanks to you and all the regulars who have made logging onto this site so addictive and enjoyable.
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Happy.
I don’t want to rain on your parade again but the best blogger vote would be like the Cuban elections, there really is only one candidate.
How about ‘Most ill-informed and patronising pundit whose name isn’t Mark Lawrenson’ award? In fact we could name it after him ‘The Lawro Smug “Expert” Trophy’
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Bully
It would be easier and infinately less time consuming to name the non patronising pundit.
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Forever.
Wish I’d thought of that. Lee Dixon?
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Hiya. Cheers once again for the blogs. Season was encapsulated for me in that game at Newcastle. Poor defensive work allied to a never say die spirit and some belting goals. You could just see Newcastle crumble as the first went in,their season caught up with them. Regards transfers. A big fat hello to Gareth MacAuley. Apart from being a little slow on the turn,i think he’ll be excellent. Big and no nonsense. As for the rumors with Cole,please no. Good on his day,but far too inconsistent to be covered by our squad resources. Just doesn’t represent value for money IMO. Not looking forward to the close season and off to renew our season tickets today. Anyone heard any rumors regards the new kits? COME ON YOU BAGGIES.
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Happy Baggie
Im typing this through the tears mate, lol, but honestly many thanks. Truth is i have written this blog through some very hard times, having been to the games and endured a tonking only to have to come home and relive it by writing a blog about it has at times been rather poo. But this season has been what i have waited for, amazing season with plenty to write about, which makes it so much easier!!!
As for the humble pie award, mate we must have been seperated at birth, i have already put the categories together and there at number four is the “humble pie award”.
Spooky!!
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Seperated at birth – we could be twins….like Danny Devito & Arnold Schwarzenegger !!!
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I was thinking more about the gene pool, you received all the positivity and i received the pesimistic duds left over.
As for looks i was thinking more like the Nevilles, ones ugly and the other ones uglier, but nobody seems to know which way round it is.
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Agreeing with each other is one thing, but spare us the love in lads, the Wulfs will think we’e all gone soft
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Jarrod.
It’s only just sinking in with me, 11th is around the spot we regularly finished when I started going in the early 60′s (usually between about 6th and 14th.) Back then we were an established top flight club and thoughts of relegation never even crossed the horizon.
I know one season doesn’t mean we’ve made it but I think the club has never been in such a strong position at any time since the 60′s although maybe we flirted with it in the early 80′s until BFR came along and cocked it all up.
The really encouraging/scary thing is the points we’ve thrown away/been robbed of by referees ie Gary Neville Man Ure or Blackpool. Where could we have finished?
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TRBH – don’t wanna be picky (but you started it…) – 11th is always between 6th & 14th not usually… Lol !!!
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P.S. I’ve always thought that Tchoyi would be a good bet through the middle. Deceptive pace,two good feet and can head. His only faults for me are that he’s a slow starter and doesn’t cover his full back. Hence the central position. If Woy can get a full 90 minutes out of him he would be an awesome prospect,probably saving the club a good few quid into the bargain. BOING BOING!!!!!!!!!!!
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I thought when we signed him he was brought in as a striker!
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Signed as a utility midfielder who could play wide if required but stated he preferred to play centrally. Think at his last club and for his country he has spent most of his time on the flank though.
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Happy – we were top promoted side in 2004/05 with Palace and Norwich relegated on the day of our Great Escape. This achievement is eons ahead of those days though. Megson, Burrows, Robson, Pearson, Mowbray, Di Matteo, Appleton and Sir Roy Hodgson – you have brought us from the dark 1990′s into a new era for my beloved club; all played a part in this eventual outcome. Who knows where we’d be without Sir Gary’s overhaul of the Wolves in 2000/01; where would we be without Robson’s Steve McQueen act in 2004/05; Mowbray’s free-scoring title-winners in 2007/08; Roberto’s fine, fine coaching last term and this and, finally, Roy. A man lambasted at his former-club who takes Albion from nigh-on relegation certainties to 11th.
Proud to be a Baggy!
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BT – Hats off to ya – I don’t know how you guys retain these stats but fair play – I hadn’t realised we had done it before but it still feels very sweet !!!
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BT,
When/if wolves reach eleventh position, they’ll get a nose bleed.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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can they count that high?
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What a truly memorable season, a whole range of emotions and ultimately a squad that’s made us all proud to be a Baggie. From an excitement and emotional sense, I imagine it’ll certainly be difficult to match next year unless we were to get close to a cup.
I agree with you on McAuley Bomber. Marquee signing he certainly isn’t, but all Albion fans can see we still have problems defending crosses and set-pieces. If he’s the no-nonsense defender we expect, then even as a trade for a struggling Meite (who I expect will be released), it can only represent a risk-free buy and potential improvement.
Last summer (and every summer actually) we get the same whingers complaining we haven’t signed anybody when it’s mid-July. I just hope after the good work of Peace and Ashworth in recent summers and with most signings for all clubs coming nearer to the deadline rather than far away, people will have a bit more patience with them and Roy this time around instead of criticising before 1 Sep.
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Warren.
Quick, look out of the window, is that a Gloucester Old Spot just zoomed past?
How about an award for most ridiculous criticism of a player or management Jarrod. On second thoughts too many contenders.
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Warren,Bully-
some wolves fans are proudly bragging that they aren’t in debt,but after two seasons in the prem.,they’ve just about avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth,and they complain about weakness in their squad.
On the other hand,Albion have very little debt,and yet finished comfortably mid-table,with a squad some younger guys say is the best they’ve ever seen at the Hawthorns.
Sir Alex has just won ‘Manager of the year’,so how about JP for ‘Chairman of the year’?
(Not surprisingly,I don’t expect everyone on here to cast their vote).
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its not hard to have “no debt?” when you previous owner let you off the hook for many, many millions of debt and sells you for a tenner!
If Jack had not been so generous, I wonder what the “true” books would look like?
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CR78.
All the more so when you consider that Sir Jack paid off their vast debts and rebuilt their ground for them and then Morgan bought the club on condition that he paid off another massive debt (I’m sure Warren will know the actual figures.)
Our position has been achieved on the back of a well run self-financing football club. As Andy Gray would say ‘take a bow’ JP.
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Yes! and don’t know what I’m going to do with myself for next couple of months, as you said the way it’s started we probably won’t have any
of the Moaning Moron Brigade for me to growl at.I’ll have to spend the time working on my all over tan, you won’t recognize me next season I’ll turn up looking like Mulumbu’s elder brother with this weather we’ve got at the moment.
Adéu
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Kev
does that mean we’ll have to sing ‘mulumbuuuuuu’ to you as well?
And this ‘all over tan’ you’re having (I don’t really want to get the image in me ‘ead)-are you sure it won’t scare the locals,seeing you get barbecued in the raw?
p.s.- have you noticed that Max is back?
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Kev.
Do you really think the half empty lot are going to stay quiet for long. Let’s see.
The players we sign or the lack of signings.
Season ticket prices frozen, why haven’t they been reduced.
Why have we only got England’s No2 keeper when we should be after Joe Hart.
I’m sure I’m only skimming the surface.
Oh and as CR78 says, Max is back after his rhinoplasty.
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Just been on the Adidas Kit thread. I must be psychic.
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Am I the only one who thinks meite would be good cover for CB ?? He seems happy enough to be a squad player and has shown he can come in and do a job if needed… I can see Tamas & Pablo moving on if McAuley is first choice but Meite stayed loyal when left out and is a decent back up if we need him.
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Aren’t you forgetting Craig Dawson!
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Not at all – as we have proved this year, we need at least 4 potential CBs – we ended up with Sharner there this year and whilst he did well we missed him in the middle.
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Why do you think Pablo will go?
Adéu
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Smeth Danny
Thanks for the thanks!
Regarding the Carlton Cole rumour, im a little torn. I have seen him have great games, and a number of Hammer fans have blamed Grants refusal to play him more regularly as a reason they struggled. But like you i have seen him have some stinkers, so the conclusion i have come to is this…..if we sign him for less than £5million he will be a good addition to a strike force that is just Odemwingie at mo. Anything more than that and it will be an expensive gamble.
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I think West Ham fans have said that he’s become much more consistent in recent times. Most players mature eventually and if that’s the case he could be an inspired signing. Wages may be a stumbling block though if the fee is less than £5 mill.
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He looks to me to have more to his game than any of the others competing for the England striker role (Rooney aside obviously), the problem being that he doesn’t always pull it together.
Often with these types of players, it takes until some way into their career before they find any level of consistency.
Cole’s from London, perhaps a move away and a fresh start would do him good. I wouldn’t be too upset if we signed him for a reasonable price.
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Smeth Danny
I was assuming you meant Carlton and not Cheryl??
Because if you were on about us signing Cheryl then obviously that would be just spiffing, and im sure we would then beat Chelsea. With Ashley fearful of coming out of the tunnel and John Terry spending more time drooling we would score a hatful… not that we would see aany of them until motd, lol.
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It’d have to be sunny Cheryl everyday mate!?! That’d certainly perk me up during the close season and stiffen my resolve for the forthcoming fixture list!?! BOING BOING!
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Oooh she’s the nations sweetheart….
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On the new shirt theme, i can reveal that Adidas is the new shirt manufacturer!!!!
Also on the rumour front Itay Shechter is a firm favourite of Roys, he has followed him since he was at Fulham and wants him.
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I hope he signs – then we can all say ” Itay Shechter – well who is it then “????
I’l get me coat !!
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Cant beleive you beat Cyril to that one, he will love that!!! Wow e?
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Seems i need to eat my words and offer Carlton Cole an apology. Just been on a West Ham site and read a lot of the comments from West Ham fans. Really rated,they’re just disappointed that he’s been messed about by Grant. Interestingly,he has a higher goals to game ratio than either of the much vaunted Paulo Di Canio and Frank MacAvenney!?!
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Oh no, this will only give Shadrag more ammunition.
Poor little Sandwell Town having their kits made by Adidas, whilst the mighty Wolves attract a lucrative deal with Burrda- suppliers of an impressive portfolio of international clients, including the Kuwait and Qatar national football teams and the British handball team……
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Warren.
You haven’t heard then, they’ve moved to a bigger supplier. Primark.
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Bomber
If you’re right about that adidas link
what are the odds on us having a white shirt with three navy blue stripes down the front!?
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Oh and something else, for all those who hate the house on the front of the shirt, sponsors are currently bidding for a deal. Home serve are one of the runners but they may lose out, must admit i do like the idea of adidas being our kit maker.
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Bomber
If Homeserve do get the deal,maybe they can be persuaded to change the red ‘house’ idea slightly?
I’d suggest making it a very small bungalow,in a much more modern blue and white stripes.
And if they could lower it a little,say to the very bottom of the shirt………..?
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Or perhaps a contemporary city-centre apartment with modern features and glass exterior to represent our shift into the 21st century.
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Warren
I’ve got a feeling you’re describing your pad in Manchester,whilst I see Lonely in somewhere akin to Coronation St.
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CR78
That’d be nice!! I live in an ageing flat in a lively suburb where a body was once found in the car park……
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Its just a pity there is so much money involved, personally I preferred the shirts when we had no sponsor!
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What’s wrong with a little stone built Spanish Casetta {little house]?
Adéu.
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Well Jarrod, the blogs will be missed for now, sometimes I have read them and thought “I could have written that”, has I’m struggling to think of a point you have made all season that I have had serious issues with.
On the point of chances missed, and points dropped, Neville penalty at ours, losing to Stoke at ours (will never figure that one, felt truly mugged leaving the ground) I often think how many points we could have got if Odem hadn’t missed a large chunk of games early on (possibly Prem top scorer? who knows?), and sorry for sounding like a cracked record all season but I think Tchoyi should have been given more starts.
That said, Roy has done a fantastic job in such a short period of time, how can anyone possibly criticise any decision he has made? It will be very interesting to see what he can do with a full season, and, lets not forget, without just the use of an “inherited” team?
The futures bright, its defiantly….well you know the rest!!!!
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We all know the squad needs some strengthening and I am sure RH will have players in mind. Also remember we have Dorrans to come back next season and he will be like a new signing.
I like you lot will be glued to the internet, teletext, and newspaper rumour mill and I can’t wait for the new season to start.
As ever Bomber has written some good blogs and has been ably assisted by the usual suspects Cyril, RBH, CR78, Sir Terry etc. Have a good summer all Boing Boing
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re Dorrans – let’s hope it’s not a new signing like Miller was…
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I actually started to believe Peace was serious about the Premiership when he sacked RDM and signed Hodgson . Now we have done a deal with Adidas for the kit , things really are looking positive at the Club , in the words of Sir Gary Megson ,’ long may it continue’.
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Max?
We’ve really been worried as to your whereabouts,Mallorca Kev was going to fly over to find you,but the ash cloud’s stopped his plane.
Wait a minute-praising Peace,and saying things are positive-
who are you? And what have you done with the REAL Max?
Bring him back,we’ll have a whip round for the ransom money………..
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Alright mate , hope you are well. Just escaped from me Aunties place in Sandwell Valley !!!. Cor win con I , print summat positive get slagged , print summat negative get slagged , lol.
As for my ransom , many would contribute for me not to come back , hello The Real Bully Hoo , but I cor see many paying for me to come back.
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Max.
Welcome back. How much is this ransom? I’m sure JP would be good for a few quid now that you love him.
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Max
well I’d put 5 bob to yer ransom money-but I’d want some change!
Jokin’ aside,you’re a top guy,so don’t go away again.Even to Sandwell Valley.
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Wall Heath…I’ll cough up a few quid since I know how “bad” the area is. Those who know the area, I used to live in Wordsley before I moved south and my mother in law still lives there, knows it to be bandit territory. The Tesco garage in Moss Grove has orange covers to keep the natives happy. There was a rumour that Steve Bull lived near the Kingfisher.
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Max me old mucker!
Since your accident at the cocktail party my hair has started to turn Cantello’ish! Where yo bin mate? Bin worried sick!
I’m not belittling your accident,cause it was quite serious at the time but I think your thumb went a bit deeper than the doctors thought and it must have poked the aggressive side of your brain causing damage either that or my sessions are better than I thought.
Good to have you back.
Peace and love!
Adéu
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Kev.
Just to set your mind to rest digital-rhino surgery has come on a lot in recent years.
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Kev
so you’re getting an ‘all over tan’ in Mallorca,and now you’ve got yourself BLONDE hair like me?-
At this rate,I’m getting concerned that after drinking too much vino,somebody will mistake you for an ‘Essex Girl’ on a 40-60 holiday.
So if you get chatted up by some drunken Brit,don’t say you haven’t been warned.
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With all the end of season Oscars being handed out, I would like to remember the incredible job Tony Hale did all those years ago to change the shares/ voting system which eventually gave the opportunity to Thompson to Chair the club,sack Little and bring in Gary Megson.
Final BIG GONG from me for King Jeremy Peace who despite all the slagging off over the years has produced BIG TIME for the club and us fans.
Thank you. (Even though you don’t read these posts!)
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Jeff.
Good point about Tony Hale. I think at the time we all thought ‘this should help’ but in those joyless, black days I don’t think any of us dreamt of being where we are now.
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Smeth Fanny,
Roy mate, Roy.
With Tchoyi’s height, he should play target man, with his control, he will hold the ball up. With his slalom runs, he can slice through defences. He can take off on either foot, Score with either foot, head a ball, frighten a keeper to death. Pair that with Osaze’s pace, when he’s finely tuned!, Terrifying, just terrifying. When you think of their attributes.
Gareth McAuley, Great signing and cost nothing, thanks to the(Jean-Marc) Bosman ruling. Grand start to our transfer activity.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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I read somewhere recently that Bosman is out of work and living on benefits in Belgium, the irony……..
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Warren,
Now you know, the “Free Movement of Labour” can sometimes backfire.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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Jack
Your appraisal of Tchoyi reads, how can I say it, a little flippant. However I agree with every word!
This man must be played upfront!
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Baggiedad,
If my appraisal of Tchoyi is irresponsible and silly, why do you agree with it?.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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Most amazing thing about Sunday was the fact that I saw none other than Sir Terry WITHOUT a pint of John Smiths in his hand!!
Brilliant blogs all year Bomber, I haven’t commented on them anywhere near as much this season as in seasons gone by, but I’ve read them all with great interest.
Finally, I’m glad that everyone’s been looking after my favourite Shadrag in my absence this year!! Good work gents. :-)
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Before spending £5M on Carlton Cole I would wait and see how Ishmael Miller progresses. He looked a bit more like his old self when he came on against Newcastle looking quicker and sharper than for a while. It might just be that he is recovering from those career threatening injuries he’s had.
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I think your barking up the wrong tree there mate!
Adéu
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I can understand where your coming from because Ishmael has done very little in the season just ended including an indifferent spell with QPR. i would hate to see him leave and catch fire somewhere else. I would give him till Christmas to regain his form.
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(23)
Robin B,
In my opinion, Tchoyi is a better player than Carlton Cole. Just play him where he’s most effective, in the middle. I have the same feeling about Tchoyi as Ronnie Allen had about, Cyril Regis. Couple him with Osaze pace and watch them perform.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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(11+2)
Cantello,
We haven’t had a sugar daddy to write off £70m ad sell our club for a tenner. They’ve had three seasons in this league, 1st, 17th. 2nd, 15th. 3rd, 17th. Wait till they finish 11th, then they’ll start bragging.
Don’t forget, We are £10m in debt with £4.5 yet to come from Borja Valero’s transfer.
Blast, my post has just moved house. How did it get down here?.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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JtH-
Have wolves really had three seasons? As you might notice,I haven’t had enough interest in their fortunes to remember what they’ve been doing.
And I wouldn’t say IN the prem.,more like on the EDGE of it,watching everybody else.
I also wondered if we were due any more money,such as for Luke Moore,Bednar,etc.?
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JtH
I think we might even be back into the black. The net debt figure included a write-down on player values when we were relegated. The subsequent promotion means their estimated values as assets will have shot up again.
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Took ages to read that lot and the season’s over. What’s it gonna be like when you get bored? Jarrod, cheers for all the good reads. It won’t be a dry summer, young Noah’s got a knowing smile. As my 3 year old great- grandson says, rolling his eyes skywards, “Bloomin’ nightmare”. Is the Eire v N.I. match on TV ? I want to see our new centre half and Simon Cox in action. ‘Runner-up find of the season’ may well have been in the final match. Gents, I give you Semon Tchoyi. That was as complete a performance as I’ve seen in many a long year. He simply terrified Newcastle every time he got the ball down. That’s given Roy something to dwell on. Nobody has included our Medical Team in the plaudits. We should, they’ve patched up some good uns. So, for the time being,
Tarra a bit, an’ thank yer fer ‘avin’ we.
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Alright Cyril , hope you are well . It’s Somen Tchoyi mate , your spelling of his first name looks a bit dodgy to say the least !!! , LOL.
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(26)
Cyril,
Saw the match on my lap-top. Cox scored a great debut goal. Proper Jimmy Greaves goal, beat to players along the eighteen yard line and smacked a beautiful left footer just inside the far post. Jimmy would have been proud of that one. McAuley will have a steadying effect on our defence and is solid, but the NI defence leaves a lot to be desired. Gareth was the only one in it, that came out with any credit. When is the fixture list out?. Looks like watching Alice Springs v Ayers Rock or something like that, to fill in the waiting time, or is it, Alice~BOING~BOING?.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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G’day, Wallheath and Jack. I just knew I hadn’t got that first name right, but hadn’t a clue what it should have been. At least it didn’t get the same treatment as a certain goalkeeper of yesteryear. Somen will be lobbing quite a few goalkeepers in matches to come. I think I could phrase that better too. I ended up missing the game Jack, too many family computers playing up all together. OK now though.
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(28)
Cyril,
Looks like the family computers are “dead men walking”, Y’know, like them wolves. Looks like hand in pocket time..
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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Forgot to ask, what was the score Jack ?
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29 Good morning Cyril,
sorry to butt in,but in case Jack doesn’t reply,it was 5-0 to the Republic.
It didn’t help that the Ref. gave a red card to an 18 year old N.Ireland defender,for pushing a Republic player over in the penalty area,claiming he was the last man.
In fact,the new Albion lad,McAuley,was running around to cover him,so it should have been no more than a yellow card.
What can we do about these inept officials?
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I think last night was the first time a dingle scored for the same team as an Albion player since Keith Curle in the 90’s!!
BOING BOING!!
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(30)
91,
Sharp pal, sharp.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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