Terry Wills reports on Albion’s week.
“It’s a funny old game” is a term used by players, managers and supporters down the years, and one that bears close scrutiny. Following Albion’s current results I’m not about to disagree!
The win against big spending Queens Park Rangers was a case in point. We didn’t play particularly well, but it was good enough to banish any lingering doubts that even at this late stage, a defeat could have seen us drawn closer to losing our place in the Greed League. Roy Hodgson had intimated he’d make changes but even he couldn’t have thought he’d have to replace Jonas Olsson, injured in the pre-match warm up to be replaced by Craig Dawson.
And while the reorganised defence did keep a clean sheet (two out of the last three games) for me it reinforced the obvious need to offer Olsson a contract to keep him at the club.What was impressive was seeing Graham Dorrans back to something like his best form. Strong running and tackling, accurate passing, and a reminder that he can thump a ball along with the best around, limaxed with a tremendous goal that had team mates celebrating almost as enthusiastically as the fans.
Other obvious reoccurring points- the need to somehow, anyhow, ensure Ben Foster’s playing his football at the Hawthorns and not St Andrews next season, along with the non-stop effort of Marc-Antoine Fortune. But they are decisions that only Jeremy Peace and the board can decide. Supporters must trust their judgement and let’s face it, despite the criticism that comes their way, even their fiercest critics have to admit they are steadily leading West Bromwich Albion to being recognised as a stable established club playing in the most competitive league around. Not the best-for me that’s Spain’s Le Liga – but in terms of having to rely on increasing Sky’s bottomless television revenue just to hope we can retain our best players, never mind adding to them, we have to find our name on the same fixture list alongside Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham et al.
Another Sunday game this week, away at Anfield, and a difficult one to forecast. Will Kenny Dalglish and his team have their minds on their upcoming FA Cup final against Chelsea, giving Albion a chance to grab a result, or will they be on a high determined to prove that they are, on their day, still a team capable of beating the best? (Especially if Mr Suarez continues to practice his diving skills!)
You pays your money and you make your choice so as to whether we can return home with a point (I daren’t even contemplate three!) it’s a case of hoping for the best.
Come on you Baggies.