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".
Friday, 14 July 2017
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.
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