It’s been a rollercoaster week at the Hawthorns, witnessed by Terry Wills.
That was the week that was – the time when a local derby clash with the Villa had, to all intents and purposes, to take second place to off the field happenings at the Hawthorns, courtesy of the Football Association.
The Villa game first. A game that at face value had so much at stake but consequently, due to other results, has virtually seen Villa ensconced in the Greed League for another season. It was far from being a classic game but then how many between the old rivals are? Villa fought tooth and nail knowing that a defeat could have proved fatal and for that I would imagine Shay Given was lauded to the hilt when he made that crucial last minute save from what appeared to be a certain Peter Odemwingie goal. Not that that was the only laudable save – Ben Foster was in tremendous form and but for him Villa could have been ahead before Given filled the spotlight.
Penalty appeals from both sides and while Villa claims had to be open to question there was NO doubt that the handball from Hutton, seen by everyone apart from the officials, was 100 % genuine – a fact admitted by Given and others in post-match interviews.
So on to THE story that fascinated the media beyond belief, namely Roy Hodgson’s appointment as the new England manager when a certain Harry Redknapp had appeared odds-on favourite to take on one of the most difficult positions in football, The media are staggered, most national team supporters are bemused, while Baggies fans in the main are left feeling very disappointed.Not that anyone doesn’t wish him well, it’s just that Hodgson has achieved so much in a short time that better times had to lie ahead.
Who will take over? The usual names are being touted around including those of Redknapp, Bruce, Hoddle, and the rest. The more worrying thought is that Dan Ashworth could be poached, and if he was, that would be a major blow seeing as to how much influence he has at the club in spotting talented players that can be bought in for moderate transfer prices. But all we can do is to wait and see. I hope Dan stays too carry on his great work at the Hawthorns.
This week a trip to Bolton where we face a Wanderers team still believing they can avoid the drop and who will be going flat out for a desperately needed three points. If they make it, the delights will be still be open to question. Thankfully Baggies supporters can only see for themselves whether next season a trip to this ground will, or won’t be, on the agenda.
For me? I fancy that they won’t avoid the drop but then who can safely predict exactly what will happen and which teams Albion fans can be certain of playing season?
Come on you Baggies.