West Bromwich Albion - fan's review of 2008/09 Premier League season
West Bromwich Albion - fan's review of 2008/09 Premier League season
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Wednesday, 03, Jun 2009 12:23
Good, bad or just the same old, same old? What the fans made of the 2008/09 season.
Good? Well at least they did better than Derby County.
But apart from a couple of wonder strikes from Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, or some Arsenal passing magic, West Brom were surely the darlings of football in 2008/09.
Never before has the manager of a relegated side enjoyed such euphoric support from his own fans. Baggies boss Tony Mowbray seemed to take on the role of Jesus Christ (Superstar) at the Hawthorns. He developed a new brand of 'expansive football'.
And after years of boredom under former managers Gary Megson and, in particular, Bryan Robson, suddenly West Brom emerged as loyal disciples of the beautiful game.
Such was their faith in this holy concept, which they refused to part with even when results started to go against them and relegation loomed, the Baggies ultimately sacrificed their position in top-flight football.
But no one can deny it, everyone wanted to see the dream realised - a team able to stay up without having to 'do a Big Sam' - reverting to the long ball game and a robust back line. But the great escape never materialised, despite a mysterious 'collaboration' of poor form by clubs from the north-east.
Even so, West Brom were passionately backed by their fans, who branded the club the 'Arsenal of the north'. Ironically, Arsenal are renowned for poor results in the north in recent years. Perhaps the dream was realised after all...
Grade: D
High Point
Down and out at Christmas? Perhaps, but the festive period saw the possibility of a great escape garner in the West Midlands.
On December 21st, Roman Bednar's injury-time winner saw Mowbray's expansive Baggies prove more than a match for Manchester City's millionaires - as they ended a ten-game winless run with a 2-1 victory.
Seven days later and Bednar was at it again - scoring late on to inspire a 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur. A hat-trick of consecutive home league wins was completed in January, with a classy 3-0 win at the Hawthorns against Middlesbrough.
Low Point
West Brom did not have to wait long. After seeing off Boro, a poor red-card decision that went against Paul Robinson in their next home fixture proved the catalyst for a 5-0 mauling by Manchester United.
But in a season which was cluttered with poor defending and high-class opposition, other low points stand out.
For some, drug allegations against £2.3m signing Bednar, which led to the striker's suspension at the end of the season, came after growing frustration about the Czech forward's commitment to the club - and this emerged amid the Baggies' ongoing lack of potency in front of goal, despite the many chances their midfield created week in, week out.
The manager
Such is the love for Tony Mowbray in the West Midlands that 2,600 Albion fans travelled to Blackburn on the final day of the season to wear face masks paying homage to their hero.
Despite sticking to a brand of football which arguably accelerated Albion's return to the Championship, Celtic have been linked with the former Hibernian boss.
Criticism was mounting before Christmas when Tony Pulis was guiding Stoke towards mid-table with a more agricultural brand of football. But Mowbray refused to change his principles to the bitter end.
The fans admired the creative play, but perhaps moreover their manager's stubbornness to entertain them.
Fan's Player of the Year
- James Morrison -
Morrison deserves credence for his efforts at the heart of West Brom's midfield - known by their fans as one of the best midfield quartets in the world.
Not enough goals scored and too many conceded summed up West Brom's season, but the quality of football explains their manager's ongoing popularity.
Morrison chipped in with three goals after inspiring the club to promotion the previous season. He could prove crucial in their effort to bounce back from the Championship.
Needs for Next Season
Should Mowbray remain at West Brom, his clear aim will be to make optimum use of 'parachute payments' to guide the club back into the top flight.
With limited funds available, Albion have indicated a strategy of reducing their squad from 30 to around 21 'quality' players.
Paul Robinson and Roman Bednar are likely to exit, while Carl Hoefkens and Pedro Pele are among those who have been told their contracts will not be renewed this summer.
So far, Albion have snapped up Bristol City midfielder Marvin Elliott for £2 million - time will tell whether that is money well spent. They are also being linked with former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson, as they look to strengthen in the middle of the park for the arduous nature of Championship football.
However, keeping on-loan striker Marc-Antoine Fortune, as well as midfielder James Morrison, could prove key. And some astute defensive signings in defence and attack will be crucial.
John Tompson