Albion blogger Jarrod Hill surveys the scene at the Hawthorns post-Blackpool ahead of a long trip to Plymouth – assisted by the one and only Sir Terry Baggie.

I couldn’t make the game on Wednesday night but Sir Terry Baggie acted as my eyes and ears, so I am sure you will all be glad to know he has helped me write this blog.

But, before we get to what turned out to be a fantastic three points at Blackpool, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest arrival, Giles Barnes.

After bursting on the scene at Derby as a fresh faced 17-year-old, the midfielder was touted as having a huge future in the game, but after enduring an unlucky run of injuries has hardly played for the past two seasons.

His story kind of echoes the situation Jerome Thomas was in when he joined us and, if Giles can have the same impact ‘JT’ has had, then this could be one of the shrewdest pieces of business we have ever done.

I know it is hard to believe but he is still only 21 and, with time on his side and a medical rehabilitation team that is second to none working with him, I look forward to seeing him in a Baggies shirt soon.

Wednesday night turned out to be a bit of a nail biter at Bloomfield Road and, for those of you who have a nervous disposition, I am afraid the games are coming too quickly for you to have a break.

Listening at home I thought our manager had made a blunder in replacing Roman Bednar with Ishmael Miller, but all ended happily after we rode our luck towards the end.

Anyway here is what Sir Terry had to say.

“You don’t need to go to the Pleasure Beach to get your thrills at Blackpool.  It was a coach journey of almost four hours, in conditions that can only be described as hazardous, rain, sleet, snow and bitter cold winds.

“We had a text at 5pm to say that the game was definitely on, much to the disappointment of the 52 fans on board the coach, knowing what the away end is like at Bloomfield Road.

“Anyway, arrive we did. We were too late for a dip in the Irish Sea, so we decided to sample the local ale, and very nice it was to. We were discussing in the pub on whether the players would be up for the game on such a nasty evening and rain sodden pitch.

“As we made our way to the ground the weather conditions improved, the sweeping wind and rain had stopped much to our delight. Our fears about how the conditions would affect the team were soon eased as Albion took control of the game with sublime passing movements.

“The ever-improving Bednar running the Seasiders defence ragged along with the outstanding Youssouf Mulumbu, a tower of strength gets better with every game.  It was a bit of a shock when we fell behind, although we were soon back on level terms and then in front.

“The result was never in doubt, as I told my trusted sidekick ‘Worcester Baggie’ when he rang me at half time while is was in the portaloo relieving myself of the Devils Brew. The game changed when Bednar was replaced by Miller, as we failed to hold the ball up.

“Young Andwele Slory almost had a dream debut, almost scoring with his first kick of the game, the lad has got plenty of pace, and I am sure that he will be a great asset to us.

“Once again, Blackpool took advantage of us allowing them too much time and space to level the score.  As at Ipswich a week earlier, we kept on going forward and got our reward as Miller was brought down in the box, and Graham Dorrans stepped up to put the game to bed.

“Blackpool pressed forward and there were a few scary moments but we held on, much to the relief of the 1,500 travelling faithful supporters. So, back to the coaches we went, listening to the snide remarks of the homel fans calling us dirty Brummie gits, which we are neither of course.

“Another long haul to Plymouth on Saturday awaits us, and another 3 points will do nicely. Hope this blog isn’t too long, only I opened a six-pack while I was writing it, and you cannot shut me up when I have had a drink.

“Aye, boing boing!”

I am sure you will all join me in thanking Sir Terry for his thoughts and I hope you have laughed as much as I did when reading it.

Onto tomorrow’s game, Plymouth are struggling at the wrong end of the table and will be looking at their home games as a means of getting themselves out of trouble. But if we are to achieve automatic promotion this season these are the type of games we must win.

The squad is looking strong and confidence must be high, so now is the time to put a good run together and keep the pressure on both Newcastle, who play tonight against Cardiff, and Nottingham Forest who will be looking to bounce back from their defeat against local rivals Derby.

The journey to Plymouth is a long one and with ‘Poker Star’ Pete Danckert wanting to play cards on the way down, I may have my begging bowl out next week!

I just hope it is a happy road trip home with three points safely tucked away.

Thanks again go to Sir Terry, we reckon we could become the new Ant and Dec! Come on you Baggies from me, and aye aye hic boing boing from him.