At last, Tony Pulis has departed West Bromwich Albion.
In my opinion, it is over two years too late, but many will argue against that. My belief was that, as a survival specialist, he would do the job in saving us from the inevitable drop Alan Irvine had unfortunately led us to, and that he did brilliantly, and we would say "thank you and goodbye" to him along with the likes of Youssouf Mulumbu and Graham Dorrans.
Pulis would have left the club a hero of sorts. But he didn't.
After a run of only three victories since picking up 40 points in March of last season, the majority of fans had become restless and realised that time was up for the Welshman. In reality, losing to Huddersfield before international break should have been the end, giving the club two full weeks to find a replacement. However, if it wasn't for supporters' discontent, he would probably still be here now.
Although I was pleased with results and the odd performance in his first half-season as Albion Head Coach, I have never really taken to Pulis at the helm. I have often had debates with friends who are/were pro-Pulis, who believe he did his best with limited resources, kept us in the top flight and brought in quality players, but those points never swayed my feelings.
I could counter all those; the last two seasons he has had more quality in this side than previous managers in our Premier League era and we arguably underachieved (we certainly are now with the big names.
We all knew his football wasn't pretty to watch but it was effective. As it was at Stoke and we saw in his first half-season, although at times in the latter we produced some great performances (Chelsea and Swansea in the league, West Ham in the FA Cup and beating Manchester United at Old Trafford heroically). Even last season between November and February we picked up some outstanding results with the occasional performance to match. But more often than not people forget that it was also quite difficult to stomach. I recall Watford, Swansea, Hull and Bournemouth at home where, even though we won, they were dreadful games of football. We got the results though.
His style of football aside, the treatment of some of the players under his stewardship was quite appalling. Whilst we will never really know the ins and outs, his arrival pushed out players such as Silvestre Varela, Sebastian Blanco and Georgios Samaras, who, even though many say weren't ever good enough for Albion, we never saw enough of any of them to judge. Varela looked particularly promising. Sebastien Pocognoli, Cristian Gamboa and Jason Davidson were originally benched. Davidson left in the summer, but the other two were simply frozen out.
Players who Pulis even brought in himself found themselves in the same boat; Callum McManaman, James Chester, Serge Gnabry, Alex Pritchard and Brendan Galloway, and more recently James McClean, Nacer Chadli and Matt Phillips have all fallen victim to Pulis' "dungeon".
Even our beloved stalwarts James Morrison and Chris Brunt are now suffering on the sidelines!
After Saturday and the outcry from every corner of the Albion fanbase calling for Pulis' head, much of the media and pundits have begun to finally realise what many of us have been saying for a long time.
Yes, Pulis had a reputation of keeping teams up and outsiders are still mocking us saying we should "be careful what we wish for". But you know what I wish for? Our fans to be united behind the team again (which, in fairness, hasn't wavered even in the last couple of games), to enjoy going to games again and to be at least respected.
Ever since Pulis arrived at the club we have been known as "Tony Pulis' West Bromwich Albion" or "Tony Pulis and his West Brom team", known for being "organised", "solid" and "a typical Pulis side". I want us to just be West Bromwich Albion again.
Monday, 20 November 2017
Thursday, 5 October 2017
The Price of Modern Football... and I don't mean money
If Sky Sports had a pound for the amount of times Twitter users tweeted "football wasn't invented in 1992" they would probably have enough to double the amount of unnecessary channels they already have.
However, it seems that not only do Sky not seem to listen to this statement, neither do football clubs. In particular the elite of English football.
The sad reality is that football is a business, most clubs being foreign-owned, where most owners have little to no affiliation with their "investment" other than that it will give them more personal wealth.
As the Premier League becomes richer with every season due to TV rights and high wage demands from players, supporters are becoming more and more disillusioned with the "product". With the league now seen as a "brand" sold to overseas customers, it is no surprise.
My beloved West Bromwich Albion try their best to engage with supporters. As a member of the fans group, the Albion Assembly, I see and hear the frustration at times from the club hierarchy that the Hawthorns never seems to sell out. Just last week, for the Watford game, the club launched its inaugural Diversity Day, celebrating fans from all walks of life who come together to follow the Baggies; whether they be white or black, gay or straight, male or female, able or disabled. It was a proud day for the club.
So, on a day where the fans and club were celebrating togetherness, it is quite ironic that, as ever, manager Tony Pulis continued to divide the fanbase with his philosophy.
Tony Pulis, for me, a product of the modern game, despite his "old-school" way. His way is all about getting the result he wants no matter how he gets it. The Watford game was a perfect example of how divisive the Welshman can be. A very ugly performance yet Albion were 2-0 up in less than half an hour. Two goals coming from five minutes of the only attractive piece of play from the home side. The other 85 consisted of 10 men behind the ball and a time-wasting goalkeeper. The game finished 2-2, where Watford's second came in the NINETY FIFTH minute of the game.
Pulis "apologists" will still say "we got a point from a Watford side who haven't lost away from home". Is that the point? 2-0 up before the half hour mark and had we continued with our positive mindset and our squad of quality, we could have had more goals or at least seen the game out comfortably.
After an angry tirade aimed at the Albion head coach, my dad turned to me and said "well, that's me done with Albion."
The club are trying their hardest to attract fans to the Hawthorns, mainly children (using revamped membership), but what are they doing to keep the longstanding supporters onside? My dad, as well as my older brother, have been season ticket holders in their same East Stand seats for over 15 years and in the past couple of years they have both said they are bored of it all. Pulis is a huge factor, but modern football in general where entertainment comes second, and sometimes nowhere near that!
You can use the argument "you should support your team through thick and thin". But on the flipside, why should they give, give, give when they aren't getting anything back? Clubs, players, managers, agents, Sky may all have the money, but what about us fans who pay more than we can afford to watch our team on a Monday night at the Emirates, just waiting for a Chris Brunt corner and a Gareth header, when we all know we will barely even cross the opposition half? Not only are us fans subjected to misery, but the team are humiliated to the world.
Many fans are simply happy to just dine at the top table of English football. That is fair enough and their opinion. However, "sold our souls for a Premier League point" rings very true to myself and others. I still enjoy going to games with my friends and family, seeing my favourite players and hope to see a good game of football from my team followed by a win. But there are many reasons still why I feel slightly let down by my football club in what they prioritise (caution over risk despite a quality squad and time spent in the top flight), as well how the Premier League are ruining football for its homegrown supporters.
Saturday, 30 September 2017
WBA vs Watford
When celebrating diversity and a landmark appearance of one of our longest serving players, it is only natural that the showing on the pitch takes the shine away.
Despite taking a 2-0 lead early on through long-suffering Salomon Rondon and captain Jonny Evans within a short space of time, Albion never really looked as comfortable throughout as opponents, Watford.
Granted, Watford have made a great start to the 2017/18 campaign, but they are still a team that would be in and around us over the course of the season. Yet, we all know Tony Pulis will never change. Whether it be Manchester United or Brighton and Hove Albion, he will want his players to keep the game tight and maybe nick it by the odd goal.
This is our seventh consecutive Premier League campaign, yet we are still acting as underdogs. Watford are into their third, with a forward-thinking, ambitious manager, but we still have to be cautious.
Arguably, with our new recruits, we now have the best squad we have had in the Premier League, so why do they play in such a rigid and restricted manner?
Supporters should not have to pay their hard-earned wages just in hope of an uneventful 1-0. As someone tweeted me a few weeks ago, "if football is only about results, we might as well all stop at home and watch Final Score."
The enjoyment is being sucked out of watching our beloved Albion. A Pulis team struggling to defend says it all.
Despite taking a 2-0 lead early on through long-suffering Salomon Rondon and captain Jonny Evans within a short space of time, Albion never really looked as comfortable throughout as opponents, Watford.
Granted, Watford have made a great start to the 2017/18 campaign, but they are still a team that would be in and around us over the course of the season. Yet, we all know Tony Pulis will never change. Whether it be Manchester United or Brighton and Hove Albion, he will want his players to keep the game tight and maybe nick it by the odd goal.
This is our seventh consecutive Premier League campaign, yet we are still acting as underdogs. Watford are into their third, with a forward-thinking, ambitious manager, but we still have to be cautious.
Arguably, with our new recruits, we now have the best squad we have had in the Premier League, so why do they play in such a rigid and restricted manner?
Supporters should not have to pay their hard-earned wages just in hope of an uneventful 1-0. As someone tweeted me a few weeks ago, "if football is only about results, we might as well all stop at home and watch Final Score."
The enjoyment is being sucked out of watching our beloved Albion. A Pulis team struggling to defend says it all.
Thursday, 24 August 2017
Craig Dawson Appreciation Post
Yesterday West Bromwich Albion's centre back/right back, Craig Dawson, signed a contract extension that would keep him at B71 until the summer of 2020. Brought to the club in 2010 by Dan Ashworth, 'Daws' could well follow in the footsteps of fellow Albion teammates James Morrison and Chris Brunt by making it to a testimonial. That in itself, considering how patchy his Baggies career has been until the last couple of years, is an impressive feat.
Now I know virtually everyone reading this knows how much I adore Craig, and no doubt you'll think of this as a very biased post.
Dawson has many critics, especially from his own supporters (I sit in front of some of them at the Hawthorns and have to bite my tongue!) and it has to be said that ever since the despicable abuse for Brunt has faded poor Daws has become the latest scapegoat.
Granted, he may not be a world-class player. He wouldn't be a West Brom player if he was! But he has been at this football club for seven years, bided his time in breaking into the first team with the likes of Jonas Olsson, Gareth McAuley, Joleon Lescott and Jonny Evans as mentors and, when called upon, has done his job and, more often than not, done it well. At times he has even outshone his more experienced partner at the centre of defence.
After brief spells in the first team under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson, Steve Clarke and Pepe Mel, as well as loan spells at Rochdale and Bolton, it was when the much maligned Alan Irvine arrived at the club where Dawson really started to prove his worth. Having handed in a transfer request after three years of playing understudy to others and with Burnley interested, Irvine convinced Dawson that he was very much in his plans and, alongside Lescott, was a rock for the early stages of the season and gained valuable experience along the way.
Under Tony Pulis, and for once I will give credit where it is due, Daws has largely played at right back in the Welshman's standard tall and solid. Albeit unfamiliar and even to this day not quite looking the part Pulis has nurtured and drilled our promising centre half into a good Premier League defender.
Having done some research, in the games Dawson has played for Albion at both centre half and right back, we have kept 35 clean sheets in total and he has chipped in with ten goals. He may be seen as a "typical Pulis player" but if Pulis is what we have to put up with I'm glad he has been able to get the best out of a player who always puts in 100%, never causes trouble and is an all round nice person.
I hope that he will one day get a call up to the national squad. If others don't agree with that, fair enough, but I struggle to think of many others more deserving.
Now I know virtually everyone reading this knows how much I adore Craig, and no doubt you'll think of this as a very biased post.
Dawson has many critics, especially from his own supporters (I sit in front of some of them at the Hawthorns and have to bite my tongue!) and it has to be said that ever since the despicable abuse for Brunt has faded poor Daws has become the latest scapegoat.
Granted, he may not be a world-class player. He wouldn't be a West Brom player if he was! But he has been at this football club for seven years, bided his time in breaking into the first team with the likes of Jonas Olsson, Gareth McAuley, Joleon Lescott and Jonny Evans as mentors and, when called upon, has done his job and, more often than not, done it well. At times he has even outshone his more experienced partner at the centre of defence.
After brief spells in the first team under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson, Steve Clarke and Pepe Mel, as well as loan spells at Rochdale and Bolton, it was when the much maligned Alan Irvine arrived at the club where Dawson really started to prove his worth. Having handed in a transfer request after three years of playing understudy to others and with Burnley interested, Irvine convinced Dawson that he was very much in his plans and, alongside Lescott, was a rock for the early stages of the season and gained valuable experience along the way.
Under Tony Pulis, and for once I will give credit where it is due, Daws has largely played at right back in the Welshman's standard tall and solid. Albeit unfamiliar and even to this day not quite looking the part Pulis has nurtured and drilled our promising centre half into a good Premier League defender.
Having done some research, in the games Dawson has played for Albion at both centre half and right back, we have kept 35 clean sheets in total and he has chipped in with ten goals. He may be seen as a "typical Pulis player" but if Pulis is what we have to put up with I'm glad he has been able to get the best out of a player who always puts in 100%, never causes trouble and is an all round nice person.
I hope that he will one day get a call up to the national squad. If others don't agree with that, fair enough, but I struggle to think of many others more deserving.
Wednesday, 16 August 2017
Jonny Evans to City?
For the past 12 months us Albion fans have been biting our nails over the possible departure of one of our best players in Jonny Evans. Last season Arsenal had been courting him for the summer; this time round Everton and Leicester had been strongly linked. This afternoon, however, it has been reported that Manchester City have had (in Baggies supporters' view) an insulting and derisory bid rejected.
£18m may seem like a huge amount, especially to a club like ours, but in the current outrageous market where City themselves have already spent over £200m to shore up their backline, we would want much more than that to not only replace a very good centre half, but also an influential player and our newly appointed captain.
On social media, where Sky Sports have reported the story, many "top six" fans have been laughing at City's move for Evans. The fact that 1. he has been in the running for our Player of the Season both times since his arrival at Albion and 2. he is constantly linked with the best teams in the elite of English football, shows to us that these "fans" don't actually pay attention to the "irrelevant" teams lower down the league.
Yesterday, Evans' fellow Northern Irishman, Chris Brunt, celebrated his 10th year anniversary as a West Bromwich Albion player, a mere couple of weeks after James Morrison celebrated the same feat. Whilst it would have been most unlikely that Evans himself would have reached the same achievement with us there is a feeling about the place that it may be a long time before we will see this again, if we ever will.
With the departure of Darren Fletcher back in June, Evans was handed the captaincy in a possible ploy to persuade him to stay with us, but with the signing of Gareth Barry from Everton and now the news of interest from the North West, it now seems likely that it will be a case of how much we will sell him for. Gylfi Sigurdsson's arrival at Goodison Park paves the way for Nacer Chadli to head to Wales, so Albion could be looking at an influx of cash that should be spent on strengthening the squad. However, it may take a lot of work to convince supporters with quality when Evans and Chadli, both considered quality acquisitions, could be on the way out.
Personally, I hope we are able to hold onto Jonny Evans, as he is a very classy player whom many of us at Albion consider too good to be at B71. The sad reality is, however, that even though he will most likely be further down the pecking order at Manchester City, and their supporters may not deem him good enough, we have to face the fact that all we'll ever be is a stop-gap for players wanting to better themselves or a retirement home.
As is the way of the Premier League and lack of loyalty in football.
£18m may seem like a huge amount, especially to a club like ours, but in the current outrageous market where City themselves have already spent over £200m to shore up their backline, we would want much more than that to not only replace a very good centre half, but also an influential player and our newly appointed captain.
On social media, where Sky Sports have reported the story, many "top six" fans have been laughing at City's move for Evans. The fact that 1. he has been in the running for our Player of the Season both times since his arrival at Albion and 2. he is constantly linked with the best teams in the elite of English football, shows to us that these "fans" don't actually pay attention to the "irrelevant" teams lower down the league.
Yesterday, Evans' fellow Northern Irishman, Chris Brunt, celebrated his 10th year anniversary as a West Bromwich Albion player, a mere couple of weeks after James Morrison celebrated the same feat. Whilst it would have been most unlikely that Evans himself would have reached the same achievement with us there is a feeling about the place that it may be a long time before we will see this again, if we ever will.
With the departure of Darren Fletcher back in June, Evans was handed the captaincy in a possible ploy to persuade him to stay with us, but with the signing of Gareth Barry from Everton and now the news of interest from the North West, it now seems likely that it will be a case of how much we will sell him for. Gylfi Sigurdsson's arrival at Goodison Park paves the way for Nacer Chadli to head to Wales, so Albion could be looking at an influx of cash that should be spent on strengthening the squad. However, it may take a lot of work to convince supporters with quality when Evans and Chadli, both considered quality acquisitions, could be on the way out.
Personally, I hope we are able to hold onto Jonny Evans, as he is a very classy player whom many of us at Albion consider too good to be at B71. The sad reality is, however, that even though he will most likely be further down the pecking order at Manchester City, and their supporters may not deem him good enough, we have to face the fact that all we'll ever be is a stop-gap for players wanting to better themselves or a retirement home.
As is the way of the Premier League and lack of loyalty in football.
Thursday, 20 July 2017
Let's talk mental health
The devastating news that Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington has taken his own life is particularly hard-hitting to anyone who has had experiences of depression and feelings of self-loathing.
In the past couple of years the discussion of mental health has become much more open and accepting, as more are coming forward to share their stories. I have shared my own experience on here and on my social network pages, although this tragic death has sparked a memory I had in my own dark times.
A couple of years ago I was at the peak of my anxiety, where I had been made redundant from one job and felt I wasn't good enough for my next venture, I really doubted myself. Although I had, and still have, a very loving and close family, I had no friends - only acquaintances - and was attending therapy sessions I felt were going nowhere. I was stuck in a dark hole I thought I'd never get out of.
One question that had been posed to me by my GP, CBT counsellor and therapist quite often was "have you ever had thoughts of taking your own life?" My immediate response would always be no with a slightly nervous laugh to suggest I'd never imagine doing that to myself.
However, in the mindset I was in at the time and how hopeless I felt, it could have been a possibility had something tipped me over the edge so much. I recall one particular evening I have mentioned in the past when Albion played Manchester City first game of the season on a Monday night. I had never felt so sick and overwhelmed in my life and I just wanted it to stop. Even something as trivial as that can feed anxiety or depression.
It scares me to think I had gotten to a stage where I was so unhappy with everything, all accumulated into a night which should have been fun, and for some reason my anxiety chose the moment I was with people I loved, and with people who loved me, to make me feel my worst.
Ever since that night I can't say I'd had that feeling as badly again but i was still feeling pretty worthless. However, my life has been on the up on the whole with me making some very good friends through many means, getting a full time job I enjoy and having a nice connection with the football club I adore.
Our recently departed captain of said football club, Darren Fletcher, played a part in helping me with my progression unwittingly with his story on his debilitating illness. He talked about how he felt when he was suffering and then recovering from ulcerative colitis and how he has become stronger in his fight against it. At the club's end of season supporters club dinner I talked to him at length about how inspirational he had been to me in my own battle.
The fact that mental illness can hit anyone at any time is extremely terrifying. I never thought it would happen to me. But no one should be afraid to talk to someone if they are suffering. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed that I had even the slightest thought of the worst case scenario eating away at me. But without support I probably wouldn't be where I am now.
IT'S NOT ATTENTION SEEKING. IT'S RAISING AWARENESS.
In the past couple of years the discussion of mental health has become much more open and accepting, as more are coming forward to share their stories. I have shared my own experience on here and on my social network pages, although this tragic death has sparked a memory I had in my own dark times.
A couple of years ago I was at the peak of my anxiety, where I had been made redundant from one job and felt I wasn't good enough for my next venture, I really doubted myself. Although I had, and still have, a very loving and close family, I had no friends - only acquaintances - and was attending therapy sessions I felt were going nowhere. I was stuck in a dark hole I thought I'd never get out of.
One question that had been posed to me by my GP, CBT counsellor and therapist quite often was "have you ever had thoughts of taking your own life?" My immediate response would always be no with a slightly nervous laugh to suggest I'd never imagine doing that to myself.
However, in the mindset I was in at the time and how hopeless I felt, it could have been a possibility had something tipped me over the edge so much. I recall one particular evening I have mentioned in the past when Albion played Manchester City first game of the season on a Monday night. I had never felt so sick and overwhelmed in my life and I just wanted it to stop. Even something as trivial as that can feed anxiety or depression.
It scares me to think I had gotten to a stage where I was so unhappy with everything, all accumulated into a night which should have been fun, and for some reason my anxiety chose the moment I was with people I loved, and with people who loved me, to make me feel my worst.
Ever since that night I can't say I'd had that feeling as badly again but i was still feeling pretty worthless. However, my life has been on the up on the whole with me making some very good friends through many means, getting a full time job I enjoy and having a nice connection with the football club I adore.
Our recently departed captain of said football club, Darren Fletcher, played a part in helping me with my progression unwittingly with his story on his debilitating illness. He talked about how he felt when he was suffering and then recovering from ulcerative colitis and how he has become stronger in his fight against it. At the club's end of season supporters club dinner I talked to him at length about how inspirational he had been to me in my own battle.
The fact that mental illness can hit anyone at any time is extremely terrifying. I never thought it would happen to me. But no one should be afraid to talk to someone if they are suffering. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed that I had even the slightest thought of the worst case scenario eating away at me. But without support I probably wouldn't be where I am now.
IT'S NOT ATTENTION SEEKING. IT'S RAISING AWARENESS.
Friday, 14 July 2017
The Curious Case of Callum McManaman
As always this will be my own point of view, so not everyone will agree with my thoughts.
When Callum McManaman first came to prominence in 2013 it wasn't for the right reasons, having put in a horrific challenge on Newcastle's Massadio Haidara. He became one of those figures booed at most stadia, but he was lauded by Wigan Athletic fans in the latter stages of what would be their relegation season. He scored the winner against us, ironically, that almost gave them a glimmer of hope for survival and I'll never forget those players, led by McManaman, in their red away kit celebrating in front of the Latics fans at the Smethwick End. It haunts me to this day.
And perhaps the former Evertonian youth's finest hour of his career came during Wigan's unlikely FA Cup Final triumph over Manchester City, where McManaman put in a Man of the Match display. After that, it was a little bit surprising that when Wigan were relegated to the Championship, he remained a Latic for around another 18 months.
When Tony Pulis took charge of Albion in January 2015, he hadn't really gotten his feet under the table before he was thrown into the deep end of the transfer window, where new blood was needed to improve a team struggling after a disappointing tenure under Alan Irvine. McManaman was a player linked throughout the month and Pulis himself said he wanted the tricky winger who had "enormous potential". He believed he could emulate players who he managed at previous clubs, such as "Jermaine Pennant and Matthew Etherington at Stoke" and "Yannick Bolasie and Jason Puncheon at Crystal Palace".
The most important quote from Pulis when McManaman signed for the Baggies was "I think the crowd like individual players who can take players on." To me, that is true. I recall his second game for the club coming at an incredibly foggy Turf Moor, a 12pm televised game on Sky, and he provided the assist for Chris Brunt's header before half time. He was a nuisance throughout on the wing. The two games that followed, Swansea and West Ham at home, McManaman coming on as a substitute in the latter, gave us more brief glimpses at the "enormous potential" talked about by our Head Coach. His chance late on against West Ham that just skimmed the left hand side of the post had the entire ground gasping!
Much of the remainder of the season was hampered by injury, which is has been a downfall in his progression. On his return in a 0-0 stalemate at home to Liverpool, he lit the Hawthorns alight by "taking players on". It may have been a brief spell from the bench once more, but I don't think a player has gotten me as excited running down the wing as Callum McManaman did that day.
A few games later he started THE game of the season at home vs the new Champions, Chelsea. A 3-0 drubbing in our favour, McManaman provided much of the creativity, even crossing the ball into Chris Brunt who slotted Saido Berahino through on goal to be taken out by John Terry for a nailed on penalty.
2015/16 season had begun and following a successful preseason (and if I remember rightly, a goal or two in that time) McManaman started the season off brightly, putting in another Man of the Match display against Chelsea in a game we lost 3-2, but we played very well second half mainly due to his trickery and creativity.
The turning point came against Southampton on 12th September. McManaman went down, apparently softly, under a Matt Targett challenge in the penalty area. Post-match, Tony Pulis tore into him, explaining there is no place for diving in football. Rightly so.
A couple of games around Christmas aside, he has rarely been seen since. Now, it is common knowledge that if a player upsets Pulis then he gets frozen out, but a player of such potential, and a player HE brought in, should arguably be nurtured into improving aspects of his game, such as stamping out diving and managing his erratic behaviour.
I, for one, think it's a real shame that a player like McManaman has been kicked to the curb when, even if he's not a 90 minute player, he has contributed to us winning games and exciting supporters. He may not be the answer, and I feel many fans may have forgotten how well he played for us back when he first joined, but if he shows passion we crave from a footballer and he does a job then why should he be frozen out? Especially when we're in need of bodies so badly!
It looks as though there's no way back for Callum McManaman, but what a shame to waste such "enormous potential".
When Callum McManaman first came to prominence in 2013 it wasn't for the right reasons, having put in a horrific challenge on Newcastle's Massadio Haidara. He became one of those figures booed at most stadia, but he was lauded by Wigan Athletic fans in the latter stages of what would be their relegation season. He scored the winner against us, ironically, that almost gave them a glimmer of hope for survival and I'll never forget those players, led by McManaman, in their red away kit celebrating in front of the Latics fans at the Smethwick End. It haunts me to this day.
And perhaps the former Evertonian youth's finest hour of his career came during Wigan's unlikely FA Cup Final triumph over Manchester City, where McManaman put in a Man of the Match display. After that, it was a little bit surprising that when Wigan were relegated to the Championship, he remained a Latic for around another 18 months.
When Tony Pulis took charge of Albion in January 2015, he hadn't really gotten his feet under the table before he was thrown into the deep end of the transfer window, where new blood was needed to improve a team struggling after a disappointing tenure under Alan Irvine. McManaman was a player linked throughout the month and Pulis himself said he wanted the tricky winger who had "enormous potential". He believed he could emulate players who he managed at previous clubs, such as "Jermaine Pennant and Matthew Etherington at Stoke" and "Yannick Bolasie and Jason Puncheon at Crystal Palace".
The most important quote from Pulis when McManaman signed for the Baggies was "I think the crowd like individual players who can take players on." To me, that is true. I recall his second game for the club coming at an incredibly foggy Turf Moor, a 12pm televised game on Sky, and he provided the assist for Chris Brunt's header before half time. He was a nuisance throughout on the wing. The two games that followed, Swansea and West Ham at home, McManaman coming on as a substitute in the latter, gave us more brief glimpses at the "enormous potential" talked about by our Head Coach. His chance late on against West Ham that just skimmed the left hand side of the post had the entire ground gasping!
Much of the remainder of the season was hampered by injury, which is has been a downfall in his progression. On his return in a 0-0 stalemate at home to Liverpool, he lit the Hawthorns alight by "taking players on". It may have been a brief spell from the bench once more, but I don't think a player has gotten me as excited running down the wing as Callum McManaman did that day.
A few games later he started THE game of the season at home vs the new Champions, Chelsea. A 3-0 drubbing in our favour, McManaman provided much of the creativity, even crossing the ball into Chris Brunt who slotted Saido Berahino through on goal to be taken out by John Terry for a nailed on penalty.
2015/16 season had begun and following a successful preseason (and if I remember rightly, a goal or two in that time) McManaman started the season off brightly, putting in another Man of the Match display against Chelsea in a game we lost 3-2, but we played very well second half mainly due to his trickery and creativity.
The turning point came against Southampton on 12th September. McManaman went down, apparently softly, under a Matt Targett challenge in the penalty area. Post-match, Tony Pulis tore into him, explaining there is no place for diving in football. Rightly so.
A couple of games around Christmas aside, he has rarely been seen since. Now, it is common knowledge that if a player upsets Pulis then he gets frozen out, but a player of such potential, and a player HE brought in, should arguably be nurtured into improving aspects of his game, such as stamping out diving and managing his erratic behaviour.
I, for one, think it's a real shame that a player like McManaman has been kicked to the curb when, even if he's not a 90 minute player, he has contributed to us winning games and exciting supporters. He may not be the answer, and I feel many fans may have forgotten how well he played for us back when he first joined, but if he shows passion we crave from a footballer and he does a job then why should he be frozen out? Especially when we're in need of bodies so badly!
It looks as though there's no way back for Callum McManaman, but what a shame to waste such "enormous potential".
Saturday, 27 May 2017
TP's Tenure
You might be thinking "for Christ's sake, not another one of those Tony Pulis blog posts." It should be accepted by now that the Albion Head Coach is one of the most divisive figures in football, and my thoughts on him have never been hidden, but as the 2016/17 closed a little less than a week ago I feel I can give a real review of his tenure.
Two and a half seasons ago, Tony Pulis took charge of what West Bromwich Albion; a ship that had been on the verge of sinking for 18 months. Upon his arrival on New Year's Day 2015 he immediately set out his plan that he wanted our great club to become great again (that's right, "tinpot" brigade) and during an FA Cup 3rd round tie against Gateshead is influence was seen straight away. 40 minutes against opposition we should have turned over as easy as a pancake on Shrove Tuesday, we were made to look like the non-league side. This was a game in which Pulis was supposed be as much a spectator as you and I, but he'd had enough. Once his instructions were given, Saido Berahino scored the first of four stunners and we went on to win 7-0.
This was the biggest margin a Pulis side had ever won a game by, and with the right motivation, showed that the team he had been handed were capable of ultimately climbing up the table. Freezing out squad players Sebastian Blanco, Georgios Samaras, Jason Davidson and, upsettingly to me, Silvestre Varela, as well as sending stalwart regular Graham Dorrans on loan to Norwich City, the new Head Coach was clearly making his mark. The signing of my favourite captain Darren Fletcher was a move in the right direction to give a sense of real leadership to a group of great lads.
The latter end of 2014/15 endured the highest of highs and the lowest of lows,but ultimately we were better off than we were 12 months previously.
And that is where we should have said "thank you very much Tony for a job well done" before it began.
That summer Albion's recruitment shifted hugely in that Pulis wanted control of transfers (understandably as he'd be the one working with them directly). Dorrans left for Norwich permanently and much-loved Youssouf Mulumbu followed shortly after. Those on the periphery also departed and in came James McClean, Salomon Rondon and Jonny Evans, all capable replacements, as well as James Chester, Rickie Lambert and Anders Lindegaard. The latter three would come to be a main focus to why many are sceptical of Pulis' policy.
The 2015/16 was a very mixed bag. As I look back on it I cannot think of a single game in which I enjoyed it so much I can talk about it now with fondness (I know what those i know are thinking, Tottenham away was for different reasons!) like I do with others. Other than achieving safety it is not a season we can look back on and say it made a huge difference to the history of our club.
Last season is still very fresh in our minds, and compared to the aforementioned, more memories were made, albeit after a sluggish start and thoughts of "here we go again". The turning point was defeating reigning Champions Leicester City on their soil and we went on an outstanding run for four months without losing to a team below our 8th place standing. The belief of it being a "fantastic season" comes from this run, where a player Pulis has had a longstanding admiration for, Matt Phillips, was an integral cog. But let's not forget the returns of our own current longstanding figures who made a huge impact; James Morrison and Chris Brunt.
After putting Arsenal to the sword on 18th March, Albion didn't find the net again until 6th May! And the fact that right back Craig Dawson scored four of Albion's previous seven goals proved just where the weakness lay. We were extremely close to catching Everton in 7th place in February with a significant gap between us and 9th place. In the penultimate week Southampton finally overtook us; at one stage being around FOURTEEN points behind us, and Bournemouth completed the feat on the final day to make us drop to 10th. Tottenham Hotspur have been called "bottlers" for constantly ending their seasons with a whimper. To have been 8th place since November to let it slip from our grasp in the final TWO games in our "fantastic season", what does that make us?
Albion fans have the right to feel angry, upset and underwhelmed after finally having times to be happy, to have ended the previous two seasons in worst form under a manager with a great survival record than under the previous three who had been sacked for much less.
The argument that Pulis is yet to have his own squad at his disposal also frustrates many. Yes, we should be grateful he enticed Darren Fletcher and Jonny Evans to sign for "little old West Brom", but with jury still out on Matt Phillips due to his injury record (albeit he had an outstanding mid-season), and certainly Jake Livermore, who replaced Claudio Yacob in arguably the best form of his Albion career. Flops (under his stewardship) such as Callum McManaman, James Chester and Rickie Lambert still stick in the mind aswell.
The first few links of this summer to be John Terry and Charlie Taylor, both defenders, also feels quite disheartening when our biggest struggle is scoring goals. Not only that but the character of many Pulis regards is questionable. He tends to look at players with history of issues and will always bring controversy to our club.
Whilst I'm a big believer that all we should care about is how the player plays on the pitch, it is difficult to accept a player who we have booed in the past, although this is just part and parcel of football. And many say to me "who cares what others think of us? I love being hated!" I happen to at least want us to be respected. Tony Pulis is respected in the game, so why does the club he manages not get that respect?
Pulis is a "product of the Premier League brand", a phrase that makes me angry more than anything in the world of football. The club are happy for us to at least finish top half of the elite of English football, so if the Welshman guarantees that, no matter how tedious or in what way it is achieved, they will carry on with him.
From a personal perspective, Albion could be in League 2 with an 80 year old Gareth McAuley and I would still go home and away. I know a lot of fans would jump ship if we got relegated, and a lot of people I respect would lose their job, but coming from a supporter, I'd take entertainment and love of the game again lower down than mediocrity with nothing more to achieve than Premier League safety. Under the Pulis regime, it seems this is all we can ever hope for.
Two and a half seasons ago, Tony Pulis took charge of what West Bromwich Albion; a ship that had been on the verge of sinking for 18 months. Upon his arrival on New Year's Day 2015 he immediately set out his plan that he wanted our great club to become great again (that's right, "tinpot" brigade) and during an FA Cup 3rd round tie against Gateshead is influence was seen straight away. 40 minutes against opposition we should have turned over as easy as a pancake on Shrove Tuesday, we were made to look like the non-league side. This was a game in which Pulis was supposed be as much a spectator as you and I, but he'd had enough. Once his instructions were given, Saido Berahino scored the first of four stunners and we went on to win 7-0.
This was the biggest margin a Pulis side had ever won a game by, and with the right motivation, showed that the team he had been handed were capable of ultimately climbing up the table. Freezing out squad players Sebastian Blanco, Georgios Samaras, Jason Davidson and, upsettingly to me, Silvestre Varela, as well as sending stalwart regular Graham Dorrans on loan to Norwich City, the new Head Coach was clearly making his mark. The signing of my favourite captain Darren Fletcher was a move in the right direction to give a sense of real leadership to a group of great lads.
The latter end of 2014/15 endured the highest of highs and the lowest of lows,but ultimately we were better off than we were 12 months previously.
And that is where we should have said "thank you very much Tony for a job well done" before it began.
That summer Albion's recruitment shifted hugely in that Pulis wanted control of transfers (understandably as he'd be the one working with them directly). Dorrans left for Norwich permanently and much-loved Youssouf Mulumbu followed shortly after. Those on the periphery also departed and in came James McClean, Salomon Rondon and Jonny Evans, all capable replacements, as well as James Chester, Rickie Lambert and Anders Lindegaard. The latter three would come to be a main focus to why many are sceptical of Pulis' policy.
The 2015/16 was a very mixed bag. As I look back on it I cannot think of a single game in which I enjoyed it so much I can talk about it now with fondness (I know what those i know are thinking, Tottenham away was for different reasons!) like I do with others. Other than achieving safety it is not a season we can look back on and say it made a huge difference to the history of our club.
Last season is still very fresh in our minds, and compared to the aforementioned, more memories were made, albeit after a sluggish start and thoughts of "here we go again". The turning point was defeating reigning Champions Leicester City on their soil and we went on an outstanding run for four months without losing to a team below our 8th place standing. The belief of it being a "fantastic season" comes from this run, where a player Pulis has had a longstanding admiration for, Matt Phillips, was an integral cog. But let's not forget the returns of our own current longstanding figures who made a huge impact; James Morrison and Chris Brunt.
After putting Arsenal to the sword on 18th March, Albion didn't find the net again until 6th May! And the fact that right back Craig Dawson scored four of Albion's previous seven goals proved just where the weakness lay. We were extremely close to catching Everton in 7th place in February with a significant gap between us and 9th place. In the penultimate week Southampton finally overtook us; at one stage being around FOURTEEN points behind us, and Bournemouth completed the feat on the final day to make us drop to 10th. Tottenham Hotspur have been called "bottlers" for constantly ending their seasons with a whimper. To have been 8th place since November to let it slip from our grasp in the final TWO games in our "fantastic season", what does that make us?
Albion fans have the right to feel angry, upset and underwhelmed after finally having times to be happy, to have ended the previous two seasons in worst form under a manager with a great survival record than under the previous three who had been sacked for much less.
The argument that Pulis is yet to have his own squad at his disposal also frustrates many. Yes, we should be grateful he enticed Darren Fletcher and Jonny Evans to sign for "little old West Brom", but with jury still out on Matt Phillips due to his injury record (albeit he had an outstanding mid-season), and certainly Jake Livermore, who replaced Claudio Yacob in arguably the best form of his Albion career. Flops (under his stewardship) such as Callum McManaman, James Chester and Rickie Lambert still stick in the mind aswell.
The first few links of this summer to be John Terry and Charlie Taylor, both defenders, also feels quite disheartening when our biggest struggle is scoring goals. Not only that but the character of many Pulis regards is questionable. He tends to look at players with history of issues and will always bring controversy to our club.
Whilst I'm a big believer that all we should care about is how the player plays on the pitch, it is difficult to accept a player who we have booed in the past, although this is just part and parcel of football. And many say to me "who cares what others think of us? I love being hated!" I happen to at least want us to be respected. Tony Pulis is respected in the game, so why does the club he manages not get that respect?
Pulis is a "product of the Premier League brand", a phrase that makes me angry more than anything in the world of football. The club are happy for us to at least finish top half of the elite of English football, so if the Welshman guarantees that, no matter how tedious or in what way it is achieved, they will carry on with him.
From a personal perspective, Albion could be in League 2 with an 80 year old Gareth McAuley and I would still go home and away. I know a lot of fans would jump ship if we got relegated, and a lot of people I respect would lose their job, but coming from a supporter, I'd take entertainment and love of the game again lower down than mediocrity with nothing more to achieve than Premier League safety. Under the Pulis regime, it seems this is all we can ever hope for.
Sunday, 16 April 2017
Tony Pulis and Albion's Forgotten Men
I always feel I need to write a post whenever Albion disappoint me.
After Ben Foster brightened up injury time against Liverpool by deciding to show some much needed passion and determination to push for an equaliser, Tony Pulis insinuated post match that he wasn't happy with the stopper's decision to abandon his post. Fans have been outraged by this, especially as this is now the fourth consecutive game in which the team have failed to find the net. I, for one, was particularly impressed that Foster, who labelled himself a "Baggie for life" earlier this week, inspired the best passage of play for the hosts, albeit with little time left.
This is not the first time Albion's head coach has come out with frustrating comments. The fact that he'd rather Foster prevent a second goal to be conceded than lend a helping hand in search of picking up a point shows a particularly negative mindset and his lack of trust in said player. Pulis has been known to "namedrop" particular players in the past, whether rightly or, in my opinion, wrongly. Gareth McAuley on Astle Day for an uncharacteristic Cruyff turn fail on Jamie Vardy, Foster again for his penalty gaffe at Villa Park and poor James Chester was supposedly the sole blame for a loss against Everton. These particular moments cannot help confidence, and Chester was rarely seen again.
It is often said that making a mistake in a Pulis team can cost a player a place in the squad, and ultimately freeze them out completely. The likes of Callum McManaman and Sebastien Pocognoli made a number of mistakes and were sent on loan to Championship clubs. Chester, surprisingly a Pulis signing, was shipped out after a single season for supposedly not being tall enough. Players who Pulis is trusting continuously may have as many errors to their name as those on the periphery. Only those behind the scenes know the story there I guess.
That said, fans are now worried that our squad is too small to maintain our 8th place standing in the Premier League. Ever since the end of February in particular it has been plain to see the lack of depth we have, with the same players playing week in week out. But whilst they may not have been world beaters or Albion starters even, surely it wouldn't have hurt to have aforementioned players in the ranks for when this slump inevitably started?
If not, there were two options. Firstly, when Craig Gardner left on loan for Birmingham City and He Who Must Not Be Named departed to the Promised Land of Stoke, we had to bring in at least two new faces, which we did in Jake Livermore (Gardner's replacement) and Marc Wilson, who is yet to kick a ball in the stripes. But we didn't purchase the most important item on the shopping list: a striker. And now we are four games on the bounce and six in seven without a goal...
The second option was to play the kids. Jonathan Leko, Sam Field and Kane Wilson are three promising academy prospects, the former two already having Premier League minutes under their belts. Pulis said that once our safety was secured these three would get a chance. Albeit Leko spurned his chance with a rather appalling mistake that led to an Andros Townsend victory-sealing goal for Crystal Palace, Field has looked the real deal during his cameos and Wilson would be welcomed as a natural full back!
This has obviously come from the frustration of three consecutive losses and four games without scoring, but for a couple of seasons, the workings of Tony Pulis has baffled me. This season has been dubbed a "fantastic season", when in reality the period from November to February, on and off, was the pinnacle. We are now in danger of tailing off with a disappointing end and even at risk of being caught by Southampton and Watford behind us in 9th and 10th place respectively.
I have enjoyed much of this campaign but the sobering words of our head coach that this is "the best we'll get" puts a huge dampener on the implied lack of ambition from him. If his negativity is anything to go by, all credit must go to the players for giving their best shot, especially with the fight and passion of the loyal Ben Foster.
After Ben Foster brightened up injury time against Liverpool by deciding to show some much needed passion and determination to push for an equaliser, Tony Pulis insinuated post match that he wasn't happy with the stopper's decision to abandon his post. Fans have been outraged by this, especially as this is now the fourth consecutive game in which the team have failed to find the net. I, for one, was particularly impressed that Foster, who labelled himself a "Baggie for life" earlier this week, inspired the best passage of play for the hosts, albeit with little time left.
This is not the first time Albion's head coach has come out with frustrating comments. The fact that he'd rather Foster prevent a second goal to be conceded than lend a helping hand in search of picking up a point shows a particularly negative mindset and his lack of trust in said player. Pulis has been known to "namedrop" particular players in the past, whether rightly or, in my opinion, wrongly. Gareth McAuley on Astle Day for an uncharacteristic Cruyff turn fail on Jamie Vardy, Foster again for his penalty gaffe at Villa Park and poor James Chester was supposedly the sole blame for a loss against Everton. These particular moments cannot help confidence, and Chester was rarely seen again.
It is often said that making a mistake in a Pulis team can cost a player a place in the squad, and ultimately freeze them out completely. The likes of Callum McManaman and Sebastien Pocognoli made a number of mistakes and were sent on loan to Championship clubs. Chester, surprisingly a Pulis signing, was shipped out after a single season for supposedly not being tall enough. Players who Pulis is trusting continuously may have as many errors to their name as those on the periphery. Only those behind the scenes know the story there I guess.
That said, fans are now worried that our squad is too small to maintain our 8th place standing in the Premier League. Ever since the end of February in particular it has been plain to see the lack of depth we have, with the same players playing week in week out. But whilst they may not have been world beaters or Albion starters even, surely it wouldn't have hurt to have aforementioned players in the ranks for when this slump inevitably started?
If not, there were two options. Firstly, when Craig Gardner left on loan for Birmingham City and He Who Must Not Be Named departed to the Promised Land of Stoke, we had to bring in at least two new faces, which we did in Jake Livermore (Gardner's replacement) and Marc Wilson, who is yet to kick a ball in the stripes. But we didn't purchase the most important item on the shopping list: a striker. And now we are four games on the bounce and six in seven without a goal...
The second option was to play the kids. Jonathan Leko, Sam Field and Kane Wilson are three promising academy prospects, the former two already having Premier League minutes under their belts. Pulis said that once our safety was secured these three would get a chance. Albeit Leko spurned his chance with a rather appalling mistake that led to an Andros Townsend victory-sealing goal for Crystal Palace, Field has looked the real deal during his cameos and Wilson would be welcomed as a natural full back!
This has obviously come from the frustration of three consecutive losses and four games without scoring, but for a couple of seasons, the workings of Tony Pulis has baffled me. This season has been dubbed a "fantastic season", when in reality the period from November to February, on and off, was the pinnacle. We are now in danger of tailing off with a disappointing end and even at risk of being caught by Southampton and Watford behind us in 9th and 10th place respectively.
I have enjoyed much of this campaign but the sobering words of our head coach that this is "the best we'll get" puts a huge dampener on the implied lack of ambition from him. If his negativity is anything to go by, all credit must go to the players for giving their best shot, especially with the fight and passion of the loyal Ben Foster.
Friday, 31 March 2017
Anxiety Update
It has been just over two years since I was given my diagnosis. It is true when they say it tends to get worse before it gets better, and in particular for me I feel as though I have made good progress with my state of mind.
Whilst therapy sessions did not originally help, I feel I have taken a more natural way of finding a way to cope with my mental illness by improving diet, breathing exercises and going for regular walks. I am on regular medication which has made a huge difference, as I am now able to go out and about with friends and family, as well as by myself. I have even been in the frame of mind to try and go back into work, which is a huge step for me.
I always felt the friendships I made online had been helpful, as not only had I met people who had been through a similar ordeal to myself and were willing to be a shoulder to cry on or simply there to listen, but also I met some friends for life who improved my social life. I will be forever grateful to those (they know who they are)!
On the other hand, progress is being made but I have come to accept that my anxiety is something that I will never recover from fully and I have to learn to cope with for my entire life. A fast-paced, self-entitled, pressured modern way of living is always going to be battle I face, as well as one particular aspect: social media.
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc are part and parcel of the 21st Century and, as many know, I love using them as much as anyone. Being free to express one's self without judgement and to cheer up others as well as putting a smile on my own face should be simple, however as I find as my social media presence gets bigger, it is nearby impossible to avoid criticism or insults.
As an anxiety sufferer, real life battles are difficult enough as it is but to have to contend with judgement from people who do not know you is even harder to take.
Today I bought myself a journal, where I can write down my deepest thoughts (and maybe have a little cry over the hardest things I encounter) but as I feel on a path to improvement, I do not want to think of the setbacks and will focus on everything and everyone good that has made my life better over the last two years. They are what matters most importantly.
Whilst therapy sessions did not originally help, I feel I have taken a more natural way of finding a way to cope with my mental illness by improving diet, breathing exercises and going for regular walks. I am on regular medication which has made a huge difference, as I am now able to go out and about with friends and family, as well as by myself. I have even been in the frame of mind to try and go back into work, which is a huge step for me.
I always felt the friendships I made online had been helpful, as not only had I met people who had been through a similar ordeal to myself and were willing to be a shoulder to cry on or simply there to listen, but also I met some friends for life who improved my social life. I will be forever grateful to those (they know who they are)!
On the other hand, progress is being made but I have come to accept that my anxiety is something that I will never recover from fully and I have to learn to cope with for my entire life. A fast-paced, self-entitled, pressured modern way of living is always going to be battle I face, as well as one particular aspect: social media.
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc are part and parcel of the 21st Century and, as many know, I love using them as much as anyone. Being free to express one's self without judgement and to cheer up others as well as putting a smile on my own face should be simple, however as I find as my social media presence gets bigger, it is nearby impossible to avoid criticism or insults.
As an anxiety sufferer, real life battles are difficult enough as it is but to have to contend with judgement from people who do not know you is even harder to take.
Today I bought myself a journal, where I can write down my deepest thoughts (and maybe have a little cry over the hardest things I encounter) but as I feel on a path to improvement, I do not want to think of the setbacks and will focus on everything and everyone good that has made my life better over the last two years. They are what matters most importantly.
Sunday, 5 March 2017
Feminism and Football
Emma Watson's most recent cover story for Vanity Fair has caused quite a stir in that she posed almost topless in one of the photographs. As a feminist and the face of the HeForShe campaign, many seem to be disgusted by this because it is a "sexualised" image. So the 'Harry Potter' and 'Beauty and the Beast' actress and activist is being scrutinised for a photo showing a part of her body "sexualised" by media and society. Women are put under the microscope for everything they do it seems.
What does this have to do with following football, you may ask? Well, it's a pretty simple crossover.
I have supported West Bromwich Albion for practically my whole life, followed properly since the age of 14 and attended games regularly since the 2013/14 season, having been to games sporadically since I was 7.
Family members, friends and work colleagues have often said to me, "why do you go to watch that rubbish? It's a man's game!" Yes, way back when, men made up the majority of the attendance at grounds but women have still been in the crowd for many years. I've often heard stories about ladies who were lucky enough to see Albion lift the FA Cup in 1954 (how I wish that feat could be repeated soon)! Whether you're male or female, if you enjoy something, why should it be judged by others just because they don't understand?
Being an active Twitter user who tweets a lot about football, it has had its difficulties as a minority of "trolls" and "keyboard warriors" cannot seem to grasp the idea that a girl may actually have an interest in the sport and on occasion being more knowledgeable than them. This has led to verbal abuse and derogatory comments, which is proof that although we may be in the 21st Century, there is still a long way to go before the game, or more so its fans, have adapted to a more equal society.
Raise your hands, ladies, if you've ever had someone say to you: "I bet you only go to games because you think (insert name here) is fit." Of course. I pay £30 plus £25 travel because I want to see James Morrison's face. There's more more to smile about if he scores a 30 yard screamer, I tell you!!
Last season when travelling home from a rainy Manchester, myself and three female friends sat opposite a group of Man City fans, whom we chatted to for the majority of the journey. One of the men told us how refreshing it was to see a group of girls following their team around the country like we do, and that he's never seen anything like it before. Is that really the case? I have to admit I don't think I've seen girls supporting other clubs doing what we do. It would be nice to see it more often!
I am that girl who likes dresses and makeup, but also likes football. No, I do not wear a skirt to matches "to get attention" nor do I wear makeup "to impress the lads". I do it because I am comfortable being myself and being free to make my own choices. Going back to the original point, Emma Watson campaigns for men and women to have equal rights, whether on the bigger scale of equal pay or if it's just how we want to express ourselves. It is so inspiring that she felt confident to pose for the "controversial" photoshoot, in the same way that women should be able to enjoy and share their views on something they have a passion for.
What does this have to do with following football, you may ask? Well, it's a pretty simple crossover.
I have supported West Bromwich Albion for practically my whole life, followed properly since the age of 14 and attended games regularly since the 2013/14 season, having been to games sporadically since I was 7.
Family members, friends and work colleagues have often said to me, "why do you go to watch that rubbish? It's a man's game!" Yes, way back when, men made up the majority of the attendance at grounds but women have still been in the crowd for many years. I've often heard stories about ladies who were lucky enough to see Albion lift the FA Cup in 1954 (how I wish that feat could be repeated soon)! Whether you're male or female, if you enjoy something, why should it be judged by others just because they don't understand?
Being an active Twitter user who tweets a lot about football, it has had its difficulties as a minority of "trolls" and "keyboard warriors" cannot seem to grasp the idea that a girl may actually have an interest in the sport and on occasion being more knowledgeable than them. This has led to verbal abuse and derogatory comments, which is proof that although we may be in the 21st Century, there is still a long way to go before the game, or more so its fans, have adapted to a more equal society.
Raise your hands, ladies, if you've ever had someone say to you: "I bet you only go to games because you think (insert name here) is fit." Of course. I pay £30 plus £25 travel because I want to see James Morrison's face. There's more more to smile about if he scores a 30 yard screamer, I tell you!!
Last season when travelling home from a rainy Manchester, myself and three female friends sat opposite a group of Man City fans, whom we chatted to for the majority of the journey. One of the men told us how refreshing it was to see a group of girls following their team around the country like we do, and that he's never seen anything like it before. Is that really the case? I have to admit I don't think I've seen girls supporting other clubs doing what we do. It would be nice to see it more often!
I am that girl who likes dresses and makeup, but also likes football. No, I do not wear a skirt to matches "to get attention" nor do I wear makeup "to impress the lads". I do it because I am comfortable being myself and being free to make my own choices. Going back to the original point, Emma Watson campaigns for men and women to have equal rights, whether on the bigger scale of equal pay or if it's just how we want to express ourselves. It is so inspiring that she felt confident to pose for the "controversial" photoshoot, in the same way that women should be able to enjoy and share their views on something they have a passion for.
Tuesday, 28 February 2017
Away Support
Everything I am about to say is from my own personal experiences, so please don't think I'm being unfair or deliberately condescending!
As many of you know, the last three seasons I have been regularly attending away games have only missed one this campaign. You tend to get a feel of the usual group of supporters who go week in week out and it makes for a much nicer atmosphere when you tend to know most people around you.
The outcry that the club decided not to take the full allocation of tickets for next week's trip to Everton may be justified in that it has become possibly our biggest game of the season with a race for a European place on the cards (still, it feels funny as an Albion fan to think of Europe as a real possibility!!) when a 3000-strong following could be achieved, much like at West Ham a few weeks ago.
That said, had the London Stadium not been a new ground to visit, would we have sold as many tickets? Maybe not. This season, our average away attendance hasn't been anything to shout about and it isn't like there has been the demand for tickets. Granted, we have had a few lunchtime kick-offs (Chelsea and Tottenham) a Boxing Day fixture (Arsenal) and a game on New Years Eve (Southampton). Some of our other fixtures haven't sold out even when put on general sale (Sunderland, Bournemouth, etc).
It is often said that taking a full allocation helps improve the atmosphere massively and whilst I would love to agree with that sentiment, from my own experiences it hasn't always been the case. I can count on one hand the amount of away games I've been to in recent years where the atmosphere has been electric with a bumper following. Being around people who I recognise and feel comfortable around, as well as enjoying myself and singing loud and proud is what makes the day fun for me. Everton last season when we took around 900 is still one of my favourites (which, may I add, was also a 3pm kick off on a Saturday)!
Our last two FA Cup exits are prime examples of my hesitation in us taking a full allocation for the sake of it. It is obvious that when we are doing well there is the potential for more fans to "jump on the bandwagon", and whilst I feel extremely sorry for those who have genuinely missed out and wanted to go and support the team, sometimes it's worth noting that at least it will be less likely to attract the sorts who caused trouble in those cup games.
Personally I hadn't seen that many supporters had missed out on tickets, but instead those who had already got tickets were confused by the allocation. If so many had in fact missed out it should be noted by the club.
Don't think that I am opposing taking a large away following, as there is no doubt the team love to see huge support when it is needed, but I'm sure whether it would have been a couple hundred or a couple thousand fans we'll do our best to outsing the home crowd.
Just to reiterate, if you don't agree with my thoughts it's fine. They are exactly that: my thoughts.
As many of you know, the last three seasons I have been regularly attending away games have only missed one this campaign. You tend to get a feel of the usual group of supporters who go week in week out and it makes for a much nicer atmosphere when you tend to know most people around you.
The outcry that the club decided not to take the full allocation of tickets for next week's trip to Everton may be justified in that it has become possibly our biggest game of the season with a race for a European place on the cards (still, it feels funny as an Albion fan to think of Europe as a real possibility!!) when a 3000-strong following could be achieved, much like at West Ham a few weeks ago.
That said, had the London Stadium not been a new ground to visit, would we have sold as many tickets? Maybe not. This season, our average away attendance hasn't been anything to shout about and it isn't like there has been the demand for tickets. Granted, we have had a few lunchtime kick-offs (Chelsea and Tottenham) a Boxing Day fixture (Arsenal) and a game on New Years Eve (Southampton). Some of our other fixtures haven't sold out even when put on general sale (Sunderland, Bournemouth, etc).
It is often said that taking a full allocation helps improve the atmosphere massively and whilst I would love to agree with that sentiment, from my own experiences it hasn't always been the case. I can count on one hand the amount of away games I've been to in recent years where the atmosphere has been electric with a bumper following. Being around people who I recognise and feel comfortable around, as well as enjoying myself and singing loud and proud is what makes the day fun for me. Everton last season when we took around 900 is still one of my favourites (which, may I add, was also a 3pm kick off on a Saturday)!
Our last two FA Cup exits are prime examples of my hesitation in us taking a full allocation for the sake of it. It is obvious that when we are doing well there is the potential for more fans to "jump on the bandwagon", and whilst I feel extremely sorry for those who have genuinely missed out and wanted to go and support the team, sometimes it's worth noting that at least it will be less likely to attract the sorts who caused trouble in those cup games.
Personally I hadn't seen that many supporters had missed out on tickets, but instead those who had already got tickets were confused by the allocation. If so many had in fact missed out it should be noted by the club.
Don't think that I am opposing taking a large away following, as there is no doubt the team love to see huge support when it is needed, but I'm sure whether it would have been a couple hundred or a couple thousand fans we'll do our best to outsing the home crowd.
Just to reiterate, if you don't agree with my thoughts it's fine. They are exactly that: my thoughts.
West Bromwich Albion vs AFC Bournemouth
I have been waiting all season to heap praise on Craig Dawson properly, and despite him leaving the pitch prematurely due to injury, he was in contention for man of the match.
Dawson is often considered one of those "Marmite players", where fans either love him or hate him. A select group of supporters have often said that he neither defends well nor gets forward as a modern full back should. I have always disagreed with these sentiments as he has become one of Tony Pulis' most trusted figures since our Head Coach arrived at Albion. Before his departure due to a collision with Bournemouth's Tyrone Mings, Dawson was arguably the best player on the pitch. His fantastic strike in the first half was unexpected and sublime.
Albion and the Premier League's oldest outfield player, Gareth McAuley, poked home the winning goal, bringing his total to seven goals this season and becoming the league's top scoring defender and Albion's joint-top goalscorer. Not bad for a 37 year old!
Whilst the game was effectively decided in the first half, Albion made hard work of the second. Due to the inability to keep possession as we had been earlier in the match Bournemouth were able to get more into the game and threaten. In injury time they would have equalised, if not for the heroics of player of the season contender Ben Foster. Our goalkeeper once again proving his saves are just as vital in securing points as goals are.
Dawson is often considered one of those "Marmite players", where fans either love him or hate him. A select group of supporters have often said that he neither defends well nor gets forward as a modern full back should. I have always disagreed with these sentiments as he has become one of Tony Pulis' most trusted figures since our Head Coach arrived at Albion. Before his departure due to a collision with Bournemouth's Tyrone Mings, Dawson was arguably the best player on the pitch. His fantastic strike in the first half was unexpected and sublime.
Albion and the Premier League's oldest outfield player, Gareth McAuley, poked home the winning goal, bringing his total to seven goals this season and becoming the league's top scoring defender and Albion's joint-top goalscorer. Not bad for a 37 year old!
Whilst the game was effectively decided in the first half, Albion made hard work of the second. Due to the inability to keep possession as we had been earlier in the match Bournemouth were able to get more into the game and threaten. In injury time they would have equalised, if not for the heroics of player of the season contender Ben Foster. Our goalkeeper once again proving his saves are just as vital in securing points as goals are.
Tuesday, 14 February 2017
West Ham United vs West Bromwich Albion
"I love Allan Nyom!"
As does every Albion fan after his string of fantastic displays since arriving from Watford in August. At the London Stadium he possibly gave his best performance to date in the blue and white stripes. Both defensively and particularly going forward, Nyom worked his magic and helped Albion grind out a well-deserved point against West Ham.
Albion started off brilliantly, as they had done in the last two games scoring in the sixth minute. Instead of a third in three games for James Morrison on his 300th Baggies appearance it was Nacer Chadli who found the back of the net, making it three in two against the Hammers for the Belgian!
After a pretty solid first half, West Ham fought back with Albion on the backfoot for the most part. It could be argued that Tony Pulis was simply happy to hold on to a 1-0 with taking off the attacking Chadli, Morrison and Matt Phillips for Jonny Evans, Hal Robson-Kanu and Claudio Yacob, and the negative substitutions could have cost us dearly.
On 86 minutes West Ham had taken the lead to break Baggies hearts. Almost.
In injury time the 3000-strong away support were resigned to defeat until in the 94th minute, a player in blue and white stripes headed a Chris Brunt (who else?) corner home. At the time of writing I'm still unsure of whether it was Evans or Gareth McAuley, however it is fair to say it was a goal made in Northern Ireland! Cue "limbs"!
As does every Albion fan after his string of fantastic displays since arriving from Watford in August. At the London Stadium he possibly gave his best performance to date in the blue and white stripes. Both defensively and particularly going forward, Nyom worked his magic and helped Albion grind out a well-deserved point against West Ham.
Albion started off brilliantly, as they had done in the last two games scoring in the sixth minute. Instead of a third in three games for James Morrison on his 300th Baggies appearance it was Nacer Chadli who found the back of the net, making it three in two against the Hammers for the Belgian!
After a pretty solid first half, West Ham fought back with Albion on the backfoot for the most part. It could be argued that Tony Pulis was simply happy to hold on to a 1-0 with taking off the attacking Chadli, Morrison and Matt Phillips for Jonny Evans, Hal Robson-Kanu and Claudio Yacob, and the negative substitutions could have cost us dearly.
On 86 minutes West Ham had taken the lead to break Baggies hearts. Almost.
In injury time the 3000-strong away support were resigned to defeat until in the 94th minute, a player in blue and white stripes headed a Chris Brunt (who else?) corner home. At the time of writing I'm still unsure of whether it was Evans or Gareth McAuley, however it is fair to say it was a goal made in Northern Ireland! Cue "limbs"!
Thursday, 9 February 2017
Two Current Heroes
When He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named (again, I don't mean Voldemort) returned to the Hawthorns on Saturday of course the eyes of the crowd, and actually the footballing world, was inevitably drawn to him. It is fitting, however, that the game was to be decided by one of Albion's most loyal and long-standing servants in James Morrison.
Whilst He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named could not wait to leave West Brom, Morrison has been a constant and consistent figure in our rise to prominence in the Premier League and is currently in what could be considered in the form of his life. This Saturday coming, if he is selected, he will join a 45-strong club known as the "300 club". The last player to be inducted into this exclusive group was a player who joined merely a week after Morrison: Chris Brunt.
Brunt has been just as vital, if not even more so, as Morrison in establishing Albion in the top flight and making the current squad arguably the best we've had in over 30 years. Today Brunt signed a well-deserved new contract to keep him with us over the ten year mark and in the modern game this is a fantastic achievement for not only one but two players.
In the summer both Morrison and Brunt will be due for a testimonial. The former is about to surpass our record Premier League goalscorer Peter Odemwingie, whilst Brunt has been involved in the most goals (scored or assisted) than any other Baggies player in the same league. A magnificent feat.
Not long ago, Brunt in particular was hounded as the scapegoat whenever anything went wrong on the pitch and sometimes off the pitch. Those days are well and truly behind us now, although it is interesting to know where exactly those "boo boys" have disappeared to. Never one to hide or shy away from criticism, taking responsibility for his actions and handling losing his captaincy with dignity are part of what makes Brunt a very special player and person, not even taking his talent into consideration.
I seemed to cause quite a stir when I suggested that these two players were the closest our generation would be able to call legends. I should have clarified that they are legends to me. I've said in the past that it was the Tony Mowbray era that really gave me the Albion bug, and it was in fact James Morrison and Chris Brunt who played a huge part in that. It has been a privilege to watch them don the blue and white stripes with pride for the past ten years and for over 600 combined games. Their hard work, passion and loyalty is rare in this day and age, and every Albion fan should appreciate them whilst we can.
Tuesday, 7 February 2017
West Bromwich Albion vs Stoke City
It would be quite predictable to talk about a certain former striker of ours but finally it seems we can put a long and sorry saga to bed. Albion got the last laugh.
It was 8th vs 9th, a Midlands derby of sorts and plenty was at stake at a vital stage of the season. A win for the Baggies would have been an opportunity to pull away comfortably from the chasing pack. In an entertaining fashion, the job was done.
Every man in blue and white stripes did a fantastic job, particularly first half when the atmosphere could have been considered electric. Every time Albion went forward the crowd roared the team on in optimism and the early goal from James Morrison, his second in a week, was taken well with the roof coming off the Hawthorns!
Craig Dawson has slotted in at his much-preferred position of centre back in the last few games whilst Jonny Evans recovers from injury; doing an impressive job and at one point showing off some fancy footwork and dribbling to bemuse He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named (not Voldemort).
On his first start Jake Livermore ran the show. He was everywhere, linking up well in the midfield and chipping in both defensively and going forward. He could have capped off a fine performance with a goal in the dying minutes if he'd taken a shot earlier.
How does the chant go? "We always beat West Brom"? Albion are unbeaten in five of our last six meetings against the Potters...
It was 8th vs 9th, a Midlands derby of sorts and plenty was at stake at a vital stage of the season. A win for the Baggies would have been an opportunity to pull away comfortably from the chasing pack. In an entertaining fashion, the job was done.
Every man in blue and white stripes did a fantastic job, particularly first half when the atmosphere could have been considered electric. Every time Albion went forward the crowd roared the team on in optimism and the early goal from James Morrison, his second in a week, was taken well with the roof coming off the Hawthorns!
Craig Dawson has slotted in at his much-preferred position of centre back in the last few games whilst Jonny Evans recovers from injury; doing an impressive job and at one point showing off some fancy footwork and dribbling to bemuse He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named (not Voldemort).
On his first start Jake Livermore ran the show. He was everywhere, linking up well in the midfield and chipping in both defensively and going forward. He could have capped off a fine performance with a goal in the dying minutes if he'd taken a shot earlier.
How does the chant go? "We always beat West Brom"? Albion are unbeaten in five of our last six meetings against the Potters...
Friday, 27 January 2017
Bye Bye Berahino
Anyway, it has been exactly a week since the 18 month long transfer saga of Saido Berahino ended, yet the dust hasn't quite settled in the aftermath.
Whilst some have simply wished the young striker well in the next chapter of his career and just want to move on from this sorry story, the majority are still in anger at how this has played out and, most importantly, how the player himself has acted.
It is no secret that Berahino has had his fair share of issues whilst at Albion, the club he has been at since he was a child, and maybe he has been misguided at stages of his time here. However, from the outside looking in from a fan's perspective it could also be said he has had too many chances from the management, playing staff and even us fans who only ever wanted him to try his best, get his head down and score goals. We all know he is capable, which is why there is still a sense of pessimism at his departure (especially given his opponents in a week's time)...
After that infamous tweet back in 2015, many Albion fans did a u-turn on a fans' favourite, understandably after disrespecting the club he played for. We all know football supporters are extremely fickle, but that is part and parcel of the game. Even more so now that social media is involved, where fans tend to find it amusing to throw someone's old tweet back in their face that contradicts their current view. Opinions change all the time, but these days that change is easier to notice and often held against people. Berahino's tweet certainly is held against him.
Personally, I hoped Berahino would simply get his head down, forget all that had happened and tried his hardest to get back to the best he was at at the beginning of 2014/15. Perhaps Tony Pulis' style of play was not as suited to his style of play, but other players have managed to grasp it. I wanted him to stay at the club but if a top six club came coming with the right price, and more importantly we had a replacement lined up, it would have been inevitable and we could have wished him well amicably. To go to Stoke City, however, has befuddled almost every Albion fan.
Yes, Berahino may be able to kickstart his career and start afresh, but the sad thing about it is he could have put everything that has happened behind him here, tried to get into Pulis' good graces (if Pulis could be won over that is) and get contributing to our fantastic season.
So, the chapter has now closed and Saido Berahino no longer has anything to do with West Bromwich Albion. It remains to be seen if he has made the right decision but I think we can all agree we want it behind us now.
And if Saido reads this, I am only one month younger than you and at 23 I know the difference between right and wrong, as well as making my own choices. I wish you all the best in your career. Just don't score on Saturday!!!
Thursday, 5 January 2017
Sympathy For Gards...
It feels kind of strange to be writing something like this after the fantastic season we are having (I hope to God I haven't jinxed that before Saturday)!
However, we are now five days into 2017, which means we are also five days into the January transfer window. A time when we can reflect on how well summer signings have fared and whether the squad needs bolstering. For our European push, I think it would help massively! That said, bringing in new faces may also require sacrificing current ones, whether it be to pay for quality additions or so said players can get game time.
Callum McManaman was unsurprisingly sent out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday last week, as was Sebastien Pocognoli back in August to Brighton & Hove Albion; two players who were obviously out of favour and seemingly on their way out of the Hawthorns regardless. Promising youth duo Jonathan Leko and Sam Field have only this morning been linked with Championship loan moves.
What is more shocking, if not unfairly welcomed (which I shall get to shortly), is Birmingham City have enquired about the availability of Tony Pulis' favourite versatile super-sub Craig Gardner. "Gards" may favour this move as a boyhood Blues fan and due to his lack of game time, so if Albion can recruit sufficiently, it would seem like a great move.
Before I continue, I would like to point out that I am far from being Gardner's biggest fan on the pitch!
Now onto the main point of this post. As mentioned above, the news of Gardner's possible departure is being somewhat celebrated amongst Albion faithful, and whilst we can probably all agree he is far from a world class player many seem to think we can attract, he has been at this club for two and a half seasons without making a fuss or acting out, as well as scoring some crackers occasionally.
We currently sit 8th in the Premier League, and while the Craig Gardners, Craig Dawsons and James McCleans of the world may not be names associated with these heady heights, it seems upsetting that players who have gotten us to this level are spoken about in the way they are. Not long ago, the same was said about James Morrison and, to much more extent, Chris Brunt. Before we played Leicester in November. how were we doing when they were injured, and now we can't be without them. Not to mention Matt Phillips, who started the season off poorly and has blossomed into a player of the season contender!
Whilst criticism of players, managers, tactics, etc is always part and parcel of football, the abuse of players from their own fans I find is completely unacceptable. I know for a fact it annoys my Twitter followers if I post photos with players (especially as often as I did) but if anything it shows how approachable and accessible every single one of our players are. For that reason, it makes me quite sad to know why Chris Brunt and Craig Gardner deleted their social media pages.
With our push for Europe (I still smile when I say it!) on the cards and the potential for an FA Cup run, it would of course be amazing if we could bolster our squad with fresh faces to excite us all. But I don't think that should mean our current crop are subjected to the abuse some of them get.
However, we are now five days into 2017, which means we are also five days into the January transfer window. A time when we can reflect on how well summer signings have fared and whether the squad needs bolstering. For our European push, I think it would help massively! That said, bringing in new faces may also require sacrificing current ones, whether it be to pay for quality additions or so said players can get game time.
Callum McManaman was unsurprisingly sent out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday last week, as was Sebastien Pocognoli back in August to Brighton & Hove Albion; two players who were obviously out of favour and seemingly on their way out of the Hawthorns regardless. Promising youth duo Jonathan Leko and Sam Field have only this morning been linked with Championship loan moves.
What is more shocking, if not unfairly welcomed (which I shall get to shortly), is Birmingham City have enquired about the availability of Tony Pulis' favourite versatile super-sub Craig Gardner. "Gards" may favour this move as a boyhood Blues fan and due to his lack of game time, so if Albion can recruit sufficiently, it would seem like a great move.
Before I continue, I would like to point out that I am far from being Gardner's biggest fan on the pitch!
Now onto the main point of this post. As mentioned above, the news of Gardner's possible departure is being somewhat celebrated amongst Albion faithful, and whilst we can probably all agree he is far from a world class player many seem to think we can attract, he has been at this club for two and a half seasons without making a fuss or acting out, as well as scoring some crackers occasionally.
We currently sit 8th in the Premier League, and while the Craig Gardners, Craig Dawsons and James McCleans of the world may not be names associated with these heady heights, it seems upsetting that players who have gotten us to this level are spoken about in the way they are. Not long ago, the same was said about James Morrison and, to much more extent, Chris Brunt. Before we played Leicester in November. how were we doing when they were injured, and now we can't be without them. Not to mention Matt Phillips, who started the season off poorly and has blossomed into a player of the season contender!
Whilst criticism of players, managers, tactics, etc is always part and parcel of football, the abuse of players from their own fans I find is completely unacceptable. I know for a fact it annoys my Twitter followers if I post photos with players (especially as often as I did) but if anything it shows how approachable and accessible every single one of our players are. For that reason, it makes me quite sad to know why Chris Brunt and Craig Gardner deleted their social media pages.
With our push for Europe (I still smile when I say it!) on the cards and the potential for an FA Cup run, it would of course be amazing if we could bolster our squad with fresh faces to excite us all. But I don't think that should mean our current crop are subjected to the abuse some of them get.
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