Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Fans spend a penny to see Baggies
Thursday 17th July 2008, 12:14PM BST.
West Bromwich Albion fans packed out budget airline flights to watch their team in Germany – with some supporters travelling for just 1p.
At least 200 Baggies supporters made the trip to Goch yesterday for first pre-season friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach.
And some supporters travelled to the Dutch-German border for next-to-nothing thanks to cheap flights from Stansted Airport.
Fan Dean Walton, who is from Great Barr and now lives in Leamington Spa, said: “My flight cost me 1p including taxes. I couldn’t believe it. I have seen 1p flights before but there are normally taxes to add on.
“And the flight back is only costing around £10.”
The flights are so cheap that Dean and some other fans returned home today but will return to Germany at the weekend for the Baggies’ second German friendly against FC Cologne in Euskirchen.Supporters arrived early in Goch and spent the afternoon drinking outside the town’s Cafes.
And they mingled and chatted with Borussia fans before, during and after the friendly.The Baggies slid to a 2-1 defeat last night but manager Tony Mowbray was full of praise for the travelling fans.
He said: “We are always appreciative of supporters because it costs a lot of money to come out here and support your team.
“It wasn’t the best game. It would probably have been a better game in the rain with the pitch fast a sticky.
“The players and everybody at the club greatly appreciate the fans and we’re hoping to reward them with a competitive season.”
Meanwhile Albion boss Tony Mowbray today remained tight-lipped about transfer targets Scott Carson and Abdoulaye Meite . Carson and Meite are both potential signings as the Baggies. But Mowbray is refusing to speculate on the possible outcome of talks.
Business Awards
Read the full story here
Full coverage of awards celebrating the region's best businesses.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
LIVE traffic updates
Road, rail and airport - latest
Our new, live traffic and travel updates service - check before you set out.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new E&S app
Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.