Comments on: Congratulations to West Bromwich Albion

By: AngleseyBaggie

AngleseyBaggie — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:39:38 +0000

The fact that you mention Albion and Stoke City in the same breath leads me to believe that you haven’t watched any of the games. The concept of a USAian commenting on English grammar and spelling really amuses me. TOTALLY!

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:49:59 +0000

I’m not denying that what WBA, and for that matter, Stoke City, has done is an achievement. I think making it out of the Championship is a terrific accomplishment given the relative equality and parity in the league.

I just don’t think any of the three promoted teams will survive next year. Just my opinion, and I’ll wait until I hear someone else other than a West Brom fan make a convincing argument for me to reconsider it.

By: eplnfl

eplnfl — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:23:39 +0000

Well done by WBA for sure. It’s an achievement no matter what your views are of the quality of the Championship. Is it a forgone conclusion that they must go down. No! lets face it a 15th place finish in the Prem is completely within reach, not to mention 16th. The lower level clubs in the Prem have nothing to be really excited about, lets face it they barely have hung on this year. We should not forget the race in the Prem this year was for what 2 teams would go down, since Derby gave up any hope the day they got promoted to stay up.

The real issue seems to be has the quality of the championship declined to such an extent that only one club can hope to stay up. That I think has to be answered in the affirmative.

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:19:26 +0000

No, your previous comment was irrelevant to the subject matter of my post.

Apparently you Brits have no understanding WHATSOEVER of spelling and grammar. COMPLETELY.

By: no1baggiesfan

no1baggiesfan — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:51:11 +0000

Its completey relevant Michael, you Americans have no understanding whatso-ever of proper football, all your sports games are based on stats, have you ever watched a game of football properly, I doubt it.
Please try and gain some competence in your subject of discussion before you blindly stumble through your articles.

By: smethwick end.

smethwick end. — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:02:35 +0000

Well said Ian. I worry all this talk of where we’ll finish next year has potential to look very embarrassing if the highly unlikely outcome comes true!

By: ian james

ian james — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:10:15 +0000

Could all this just wait until we ARE actually up?

It’s not done and dusted yet!

By: baggymayhem

baggymayhem — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:27:49 +0000

this is all getting a bit argumentative isn’t it?
i think the one thing the baggies really have going for them is a brilliant manager in Tony Mowbray. this is the guy who put together a great team at hibs on a tiny budget and beat the likes of rangers 3-0 at ibrox on a number of occasions.
if the baggies are to stay up (which i think they will), it will be down to the tactical know-how of TM, who is streets ahead of the likes of southgate, bruce etc.

By: Telford Baggie

Telford Baggie — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:52:23 +0000

Michael, your comments and references to statistics contradict your original prose.

Statistically, as your original piece suggests, the Championship has become more competative in recent years, i.e. the teams competing have become more even, with the emphasis being that the league has become stronger than ever. This is demonstrated by looking at the points spread between 1st and 10th placing.

Since 2001/02 season this has typically been 30points with the exception of 2005 season when the run-away leaders created a gap of 45.

Seasons 06/07 and (as it stands today) 07/08 the gap shortens to 19 and 16 points respectively.

The fact that Derby and Sunderland finished on higher points last year compared to those holding their relative places this year is simply not testament to how the promoted teams will perform next season.

There are endless other considerations, more applicable than any statistician could apply that will determine a promotion winning teams fate.

Style of play being a major influence, when WBA got promoted in 2002, with a points tally of 89, their style of play was very defensive. This style of football has helped many a team conquer the Championship, but has barely been successful in the top flight.

This season WBA have played, for the majority of games, fluent passing football more adept to that performed in the Premier. They have scored goals from all positions amassing 85 league goals alone, (in 2002 WBA scored 61) this will keep them in good stead next season.

A financially stable club (which could not be said of at least 10 Premier Clubs) that continues to invest in its infrastructure, West Bromwich Albion have been working towards a sustained period in the Top division for some years.

Expect to see further investment in players during the close season, together with the young talent that Tony Mowbray (Manager) has already put together and I feel WBA will be a competative team in the Premier.

Of course they have yet to get there, and if they do this year, I have no expectations of finishing any higher than mid table, fourth bottom will do for year one.

Your comments are unwise and totally without foundation. The Championship has had an excellent season, with more twists and turns than ever before, it is good that you have taken time to reflect on it. It’s just a pitty you didnt do more research firstly.

By: Sir Jack

Sir Jack — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:42:45 +0000

Michael, youre article says nothing, makes no sense and is basically utter drivel.
I think you would have lost most discerning readers after the 1st paragraph due to the fact that your summing up of who needs what to be certain to go up was completely wrong.
Stick to whatever it is you do best and don`t give up your day job