Mother tells of pride over Albion star

The mother of new West Bromwich Albion hero Chris Wood today spoke of her pride as she saw him score his spectacular debut goal for the club.

She also told of the emotional and financial sacrifices the family from New Zealand have had to make to allow the 17-year-old striker to follow his footballing dream.

British-born Julie, who lives in Great Barr with Chris, saw the goal which sealed Albion's 3-1 victory over Doncaster on Tuesday night from the Halfords Lane Stand alongside husband Grant who had just arrived for a two-week visit.

Their daughter Chelsey, 19, who plays football for New Zealand's Under-20s, was given the news about his 25-yard stunner by mum over the mobile phone live from the terraces.

Julie, a 48-year-old accountant, said: "I was so happy.

"It was such an amazing moment but what made it so much better was that his father was there to see it.

"We've had a difficult time with Christopher's rapid rise which has meant his father missing out on all the 'firsts'.

"He missed his first time on the subs' bench and then his debut against Ports-mouth in April.

Cheek

"So for him to be there the other night was huge for our family.

"Afterwards, when Christopher ran to the opposite side of the pitch, I thought 'what a cheek', then he turned and blew two kisses towards us.

"When we got home and saw his interview on the website, in which he dedicated his goal to his father, we were both in floods of tears."

Chris, who also had a trial with Everton, made up his mind about signing for Albion within hours of arriving at the club.

His decision meant splitting their close family unit on opposite sides of the world, with Julie and Grant getting to see each other only about every three months.

By Marion Brennan