View from the opposition - WBA fan

[Liam_Baggies]

Hi,

 

Hoping you would take part in our questionnaire for our forum http://www.westbrom.com - it worked very well with yourselves last season and was arguably the best edition of the season - I'll collate the answer and post them into an article which shall be provided to you later in the week.

 

Apologies to the forum administrators if this breaks any rules.

 

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

 

Thank you to those which take part and I wish those traveling to the Hawthorns on Saturday a very safe journey.

[hypochondriac]

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

Very satisfied. We had a terribly difficult start and it took us a while to adjust but we pulled off a few shocks once we got going. Sad to see Adkins go midway through the season but we seemed to become a bit more ruthless. Lost our way a bit towards the end once safety was almost concerned so will be interesting to see how we start and if Pochettino has a plan B if our pressing game fails us.

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season

At the moment I would expect a mid table finish and would be happy to be safe from relegation for the season. If we do manage to get a striker and maybe a left back and wide man then I would expect something a bit higher (maybe 8th)

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

If I'm honest I would expect you to do worse than last year. Losing Lukaku must be a big blow even if you didn't expect to keep him and lots of other teams have strengthened significantly from last year and your manager may have a touch of the second season syndrome. I think the league in general will be harder so I think West Brom may be lower mid table.

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far

Pretty pleased. I'm glad we got the two players we have. Lovren seems pretty good and will definitely be an upgrade in a position which was our weakest area last year. Wanyama looks very exciting and to be honest could easily have signed for a top team. I think he will be very impressive this year. Our most important business this summer has been to sign up all our decent players on long term contracts. We wouldn't have been able to sign anyone as impressive as the likes of Shaw and Schneiderlin.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

I'm a bit disappointed we haven't strengthened up front yet (although there is still time) and I don't want us to rely on Danny Fox at left back, especially since Shaw was injured yesterday. In a perfect world I would like a striker, a LB who can play CB if needed and a wide man to compete with Puncheon. I expect we will get a striker though and that will be it.

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

The year in the championship where we drew with you away and stayed up on the last day against Sheffield United. Lallana scoring in the last few minutes was a great highlight and I went mental and bruised my shin.

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

Probably last year. We were extremely poor and Lukaku kicked our butt.

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

That we were very poor and switched off. Oh and Lukaku is awesome

Q9: And finally, score predictions

Historically we aren't great on the first day. I reckon 2-2 seems fair.

 

Thank you to those which take part and I wish those traveling to the Hawthorns on Saturday a very safe journey.

[Colinjb]

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

Personally I was overjoyed with it. I was anticipating a long hard slog and initially that was how it was, Nigel Adkins turned it around though and Pochettino managed to continue the momentum with some exceptional home wins against Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool that drove us to safety. The emergence of Luke Shaw and return to fitness of Jack Cork were the catalyst for our team becoming more defensively sound and the pressing style Pochettino employs really seems to suit the talent at our disposal, long may that continue!

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

Mid table safety please. There may be talk from the powers that be of wanting to push for Europe but small steps will keep me happy. Anything between 12th and 8th would be outstanding.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

I do worry about how you will adequately replace Romelu Lukaku. Your movement and counter attacking strategy paid handsomely against us back in April and that was built on the movement of your front three and the work of your central midfield. Without Lukaku and Fortuné and with an aging Anelka as a replacement I cannot see a top half finish for West Brom this year. I would go as far to say that without another forward you could get pulled into a relegation scrap.... sorry guys.

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

We still have a few weaknesses. With Shaw seemingly injured for the start of the season we need another left back, Danny Fox is simply not good enough. Also an over reliance on Rickie Lambert means that another striker would be useful. Dejan Lovren will help at the centre back position which did look fragile last year and Victor Wanyama looks to be a superb addition. Fingers crossed we can bring in one or two more then i'll be content.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

As above! Left back and up front requires one more in.

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

Thinking back, I don't believe i've ever seen a good result in person against West Brom. I did enjoy a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns when Kenwyne Jones put us ahead only for Kevin Phillips to come back and haunt us to equalise (straight after a chorus of "Stand up if you've ****ed his Wife".) I believe that was in 2006/07.

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

The 0-3 last April. That was on my birthday you swines. Just a totally flat and complacent performance, Clark got his tactical approach bang on, you fully deserved the victory.

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

Steve Clark got his game plan right, we looked as though we were already on the beaches. Assertive going forward, strong at the back and maintained your discipline when ours went astray. It was a worthy three points for you.

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

We never win on the first day, so I shall go with a 1-1 draw. Rickie Lambert following on from his first cap with his first goal of the new campaign.

Edited 11 August, 2013 by Colinjb

[Lighthouse]

1. Overall we finished about where I expected. We knew there was enough quality in the squad to keep us up, especially after some decent additions last summer. Unfortunately we started the season poorly and a tough set of opening fixtures left us with an uphill battle for the rest of the year. Once we sorted our defence out, after some early season nightmares, we looked a decent midtable team and could have finished top half given a few better results in the last 6 games.

 

2. Improvement and to be solidly in the top half. A venture into Europe isn't beyond question although getting in amongst the likes of Spurs and Liverpool will be a pretty tall order.

 

3. Both Saints and West Brom (well Clarke at least) could suffer a bit from second season syndrome. Lukaku isn't there this year and he ripped us apart at St Mary's so I think he will be missed. I would say somewhere around midtable again. I don't think The Baggies are likely to have any trouble with relegation they are comfortably better than quite a few teams down the bottom.

 

4. We would have liked more than 2 players in so far but most fans are sensible enough to know that big deals take time. We have made some ambitious moves so far and 2 of them seem to have paid off in Wanyama and Lovren. Wanyama especially has impressed me and will add some considerable strength and skill to our midfield.

 

5. We are all expecting another striker in at some point as Lambert and Rodriguez are the only 2 who look up to Premier League quality. Many fans would like another LB, Shaw got a nasty looking knee injury in a friendly and looks likely to miss the start of the season. The backup, Fox, looks less than convincing to me. Apart from that we look a decent squad.

 

6. Both games in 2007/8 we pretty special. Early in the season at St Marys we went 2-0 up with Rudi Skacel scoring an absolute thunderbolt from well outside the area. Koren got 2 to bring the scores level, then we went and won it 2 minutes after Koren's equaliser. The 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns was the penultimate game of the season. Lallana scored his first goal for Saints and the point helped keep us up. We nearly won it but you got a fairly late equaliser. I'd imagine you will remember that as the point that got you promoted back to the Premier League.

 

7. Both performances last year were just terrible. WBA were excellent in both too, I'll give you credit for that but Saints didn't turn up for either.

 

8. We were sh*te.

 

9. I'll say 2-2. Saints score first and last.

Edited 11 August, 2013 by Lighthouse

[S-Clarke]

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

 

It started pretty poorly to be honest, we were caught out like startled rabbits in headlights for the opening month or so. However, you have to say that our fixture list at the start of last year was awful. Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal, Everton...all within the first 6 (all bar one away from home). Bit of a baptism of fire. It was no surprise to see us pick up once we secured some more ''winnable'' fixtures, as I think as fans we always knew we had players who could step up to the level. 2nd half of the season was one of initial anger, which slowly turned into reluctant acceptance that the new manager was actually bringing fresh ideas to the table whilst taking the team up a notch. Overall, I think to finish 14th on more than 40 pts in our first season back in 7 years was a pretty decent achievement.

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

I think we're all full of hope for the coming season. The signings we've made have taken the team up a notch and we've retained all of our ''sought'' after players. The way we ended last season has added to the positive feel, but there is a genuine believe within the fan base and the squad that we could do something a little unexpected this year.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

 

Personally, I think it will be a harder year for you this year. You cannot underestimate the impact Lukaku had on the team in the 2nd half of the season, and you won't be able to replace him with similar quality without spending a lot of money. As it stands, you don't seem to have really pushed on in the summer in terms of squad signings and additions - that could cause you to stagnate. I don't see you in any relegation bother, but I can't see more than mid-table as it stands.

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

 

Yep, pretty happy. We're still in the hunt for a striker (Osvaldo being strongly linked again). If we can secure Osvaldo, Wanyama and Lovren in a single window then that would have to go down as one of our best windows in recent times.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

 

I think we can all be a little greedy sometimes and want a little bit extra everywhere, but genuinely I think we're another striker short from taking us up to a top 10 position. If Luke Shaw's injury is as bad as feared, we could do with another left back too.

 

Q6: Favorite memories of games against West Brom?

 

The one that stands out was our draw up at your place back in the CCC (as it was then). Lallana got his first league goal and it gave us that point which enabled us to stay up against Sheff United on the last day. Although it was delaying the inevitable, as we were relegated the following year, it was still a decent away day.

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

 

If we're talking recently, both games last year. The game up at your place was horrific from our point of view and it had been a long time since we'd felt as despondent about our team. The home game wasn't much better either, especially given our position at the time. We didn't really turn up in either.

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

 

To cut a long story short, we simply didn't have it in us to deal with Lukaku. He tore us apart for the majority of that game and in the end it was probably the most comfortable away day you've had in a while.

[The9]

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

We did well to learn and progress, considering the difficult fixtures at the start and the steep learning curve - a lot of players exceeded expectations and stepped up. Pre-season the lack of Prem experience was a concern, we went a bit quiet when safety was all but guaranteed and were probably disappointed not to finish top half by the end.

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

Improvement and a top half finish, can't see us challenging for Europe unless we win the League Cup though.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

It will be difficult to replace Lukaku, so maybe a slight drop off in final position depending on whether he's effectively replaced.

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

The two we've signed look suited and are probably upgrades, we definitely needed a CB and probably needed more CM depth. At least one, maybe two academy products seem to have reduced the need to add more, but at the same time, we've already resold the only player we added in January, so we could start stagnating or becoming too predictable in another 6 months if we're not careful.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

We still need at the very least a top level striker to push us towards the rumoured European ambitions. Arguably a top flight back up keeper, maybe full back cover - Shaw isn't up to playing every game and Fox has been repeatedly lacking something, but Chambers from the academy might give us a new right back option as Clyne can cover left back. Elsewhere, make or break for Gaston Ramirez this season, could be looking for a new playmaker if he continues to glide through matches before getting subbed.

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

The final whistle, both times last season. We were AWFUL. The curry I had from the pub up the hill from the Hawthorns was cheap and very nice, and it didn't take too long to get home from Sandwell from the Monday night game. That is literally all I can say which is positive about both matches last season.

 

Lallana's goal back in the Championship season when we didn't go down at your place is about the only good thing I can remember, ever, and I think that was only a draw.

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

From previous seasons, Prutton missing an open goal at the Hawthorns in the 0-0 in 2004/5 eventually basically relegated us, and your love-in with Portsmouth on the last day still sticks in the craw somewhat.

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

We got turned over on the counter by long balls both matches and completely didn't turn up last season. Two of our worst performances of the season, the worst at home by some distance (and we shipped 5 to Chelsea in the FA Cup). . We didn't turn up, sleepwalked around all match and got done by a better side exploiting our weaknesses.

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

Being optimistic, 1-1. We can't possibly be that bad again and you won't have Lukaku to exploit us at the back. If it's not a draw, you'll nick it.

Edited 11 August, 2013 by The9

[MINIBARCELONASAINT]

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

 

I predicted 13th (http://www.maycauseoffence.com/2012/08/17/can-the-premier-league-new-boys-survive-the-drop/) so was happy with a 14th place finish, just a point off of my prediction, but was mainly pleased by our continued evolution on and off the pitch and was pleased to see us stick to our playing style regardless of the opposition. For just one season I think we made a lot of important progress to ensure second season syndrome will not be a problem for us.

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

 

10th. I think we need to finish higher if we're to keep our better players and attract the ilk of players we have been in for this window, but I don't see it happening at present.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

 

A trade of places with Southampton, so 14th.

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

 

So far, yes. More to come is essential to meet our aims though.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

 

A striker and a versatile defender.

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

 

We were well-beaten both times - I didn't enjoy any of it! Seriously though, as raised in the first question I will always admire us if we play and stick to our game, which we did at St. Mary's despite Lukaku dominating us.

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

 

Lukaku effortlessly battering our defence.

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

 

It was separated by the man that you'll miss this season; Lukaku.

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

 

2-0 Saints.

[saints_is_the_south]

Hi,

 

Hoping you would take part in our questionnaire for our forum http://www.westbrom.com - it worked very well with yourselves last season and was arguably the best edition of the season - I'll collate the answer and post them into an article which shall be provided to you later in the week.

 

Apologies to the forum administrators if this breaks any rules.

 

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

 

Very satisfying in the end. Survival was the aim, and we achieved it with a bit to spare even if we did cause ourselves a bit of needless panic by our pedestrian end to the campaign. No promoted team in history had started as badly as we did and survived, so in that respect a 14th place was a great achievement.

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

 

We should be pushing on towards the top half. We've made two very good signings in Lovren & Wanyama, and the squad all have a years experience of Premier League football under their belts now. With a far kinder set of fixtures to open with than we did last season, there's a real chance for us to get under way well and create some momentum, much in the same way yourselves did last season.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

 

With an 8th place finish last season, it is always going to be very tough for a club of West Brom's size to surpass that without major investment to go to the next level. You've hit a bit of a glass ceiling, but expectations will be high because of last seasons success. I don't think you'll repeat that finish this season, and Lukaku will be hard to replace (the best player I saw at St Mary's last season) but you've still got plenty of quality and won't be anywhere near any trouble. Comfortably mid table.

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

 

In terms of the 2 we've signed, absolutely. Can't really grumble when your club is signing players with Champions League experience. Centre back badly needed bolstering after our defensive woes last season, Lovren improves us greatly in that respect. Wanyama will add more bite and physicality to our midfield, something that we could have done with last season when coming up against the likes of Stoke, West Ham, yourselves...etc

 

I'd hoped we'd have done a bit more business to be honest, and think we still will before the transfer windows shut. We are still in need of a top quality striker to lighten Lambert's load, possibly a winger and if I'm being greedy another top quality centre back.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

 

See above.

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

 

Hmmmmm, I'm struggling to think of too many! - you've been a bit of a bogey team for us recently. The 1-1 draw in the Championship when you won promotion, and we nudged ourselves closer to survival was one of the most nervous nights of football I've experienced. The 3-2 win at St Mary's earlier that season was a good game, 2-0 up 1st half, you came back to 2-2 before we nicked it with a Stern John winner.

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

 

David Prutton's horror miss at the Hawthorns in the 04/05 relegation season. If he scored that, we'd have stayed up at your expense! Last season we didn't do our justice in either game against you, probably our poorest 2 performances of the season.

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

 

We couldn't get to grips with Lukaku at all, and your midfield totally bossed and overrun ours. We were very poor, you were very good. Easy and deserved victory.

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

 

West Brom 2-2 Southampton

 

Thank you to those which take part and I wish those traveling to the Hawthorns on Saturday a very safe journey.

 

Answers in bold above.

[Golden Balls]

I bet you tell all the opposition fans they were the best addition

 

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

 

Pretty much as I expected before the season started. I thought we'd be around 15th. However, after the first 10 games and some horrific defensive displays I was very concerned that we may be cut off before Xmas. Luckily, the teams around us had some awful started too and we managed to find our feet to pull away.

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

 

A steady improvement.

With 2 good additions on top of the experience gained I would hope for a push for top half with a good cup run.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

 

You'll do well to improve on last season, especially without Lukaku who I think most Saints fans would admit was the best player against us all of last season. I think you'll finish 11th

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

 

Happy with the signings and we seem to be going for quality over quantity which is prefer. One more addition and we're there in my opinion.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

 

Striker. Maybe a back up full back considering our recent injuries.

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

 

James Beatties wonder strike for a 1-0 in about 2003 was special. But for me it has to be Lallanas first senior goal in the 1-1 draw when WBA got promotion. We were a terrible side and that was so unexpected. Went nuts.

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

David Pruttons open goal miss in 2005. Still not as bad as Kanus open goal though.

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

 

Completely deserved. We were terrible and Lukaku was different class. Fans were decent too!

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

 

I'd definitely take a draw so will go for 1-1.

[SuperMikey]

Hi,

 

Hoping you would take part in our questionnaire for our forum http://www.westbrom.com - it worked very well with yourselves last season and was arguably the best edition of the season - I'll collate the answer and post them into an article which shall be provided to you later in the week.

 

Apologies to the forum administrators if this breaks any rules.

 

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

 

Started off appallingly, but really came into our own at the start of 2013. Was devastated when Adkins went but Pochettino has proven himself to be a good manager and wins against Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool were fantastic moments for us after all the sh!t we've endured over the last 7 or 8 years.

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

 

Somewhere between 8th and 12th would be great, but it's a very tough league so i'd be content with anything over 15th really.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

 

Less than last season, you'll miss Lukaku enormously. Clark is no mug though, so it's mid-table for me.

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

 

Both signings we've made have been really exciting, and really strengthened the spine of our team. A couple more and I think we'll be set!

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

 

Cover at LB, a striker and a winger.

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

 

Lallana grabbing his first goal for us against you in the Championship. Emphatic isn't strong enough a word to describe the celebrations!

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

 

The dreary game at your place in November was a real low point for us, we'd been on an appalling run and Odemwingie's goal (which was a handball by the way!) really compounded that misery.

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

 

You absolutely tonked us. Quick counter attacking football was something we struggled against last season, QPR and Newcastle capitalised on it too. Lukaku's performance was the best I saw against us all season.

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

 

1-1 for me, although we've had some very encouraging performances in pre-season so we may be able to pull off a result!

[Picard]

Should we give them a link to Bearsy's scouting report?

[pingwing]

Will gladly fill this out again after the fun of last seasons one.

 

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

 

Good fun, heart wrenching, frustrating and a reminder of what really competitive football is all about. A lot of our problems last year were of our own making but we seemed to take control of them much more decisively as the season went on (preventing all sorts of messes which was nice).

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

 

Little bit of progression, challenge for the best of the rest sort of area, good cup run and get a few more of the academy players into the first team. We have a good squad with a lot to show in a demanding and tight league. Having our new manager for the whole season should also be a massive boost really and I hope he provides that edge that can take us forward.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

 

More resilient (especially with a fully fit Foster in goal) but less goals (Lukaku was amazing for you last year and I think you'll miss him), which will leave you in a similar place as last year which as a minimum expectation is a good thing.

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

 

Really pleased, Wanyama I am expecting a lot from (for good reason) and I think Loveren should also be a marked improvement from Fonte/Hooiveld last season. A new striker would be the only other key signing but the way things are looking I am just happy to have sorted out a CB and a 3rd DM really. Shaw signing a long term contract along with a few other kids signing up longer term and pushing into the first team is as important as new signings these days which is a good thing for the club.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

 

One more striker would be ideal and a winger would be a nice luxury (as would an alright LB who can become 2nd choice in a few months), but really just a striker, don't see much point in getting loads of people in for only a few games as our current squad looks good.

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

 

Pass... Actually the friendlyness of the away game last season, along with the food around the ground. (not many good live memories of west brom for me)

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

 

Being completely torn apart last season at home, our most abject display at home that season really and every west brom player really just seemed on it.

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

 

As above really, everyone had a much better day at the office than our players and it was hard to watch (as a saints fan, as a fan of football it was good in the sense of a schooling of how to break our game plan properly).

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

 

No idea, heart wants a 3-1 win for us, head says probably a 2-2 draw

[The Cat]

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

 

We had an excellent mid season spell sandwiched between a dire start and a frustratingly half-assed finish. Adkins sacking was a surprise because he'd turned results around but Pochettino took the team to a new level and engineered fantastic home wins over Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool.

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

 

More fast paced, high up the pitch pressing leading to exciting forward play juxtaposed with hilariously erratic defending.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

 

Somewhere between 11th and 14th. You have a solid squad and decent manager who seems on the whole to get the best from his players.

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

 

Yes. We have bought 2 very good young players in positions that were in desperate need of strengthening. If we get in a decent striker in the next couple of weeks I'll be more than happy.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

 

A striker because an injury up front will leave us short, and maybe a left back if Shaw is out for a while.

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

 

Seeing your fans do the 'boing boing Baggies' thing for the first time at the Hawthorns sticks in my head. To be fair our recent form against you is best described as 'patchy'

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

 

Sat on the slip road off the M5 for 30 minutes last season listening to the first half on local radio while dying for slash. After finally parking a mile away I got in the ground at half time through the home end and was escorted round the side of the pitch to the away end thanks to some kind stewards. Saints were terrible but at least you only charged us £15 for the pleasure.

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

 

We were terrible. You by-passed our midfield and Lukaku was a beast. Danny Fox was an idiot.

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

 

An end to end 0-0 thriller.

[Bearsy]

Apologies to the forum administrators if this breaks any rules.

 

F*ck the po-po! We do what we want!

 

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

 

It was pretty sweet! We had got used to winning games in the lower leagues so it was a nice change getting beat all the time. It also made me feel nostalgic, like when you go home and find your mum listening to an actual radio.

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

 

In October we'll be talking about Europe, at Christmas we'll be talking about relegation and in March we'll be chatting about how next season we're really going to push on or something.

 

I also expect to get a boner in late September watching the Crystals shake their STD ridden crotches down at Selhurst Park.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

 

http://bearsyinvestigates.blogspot.co.uk/

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

 

I dunno if you've got big plans for Christmas, but there's a chance the world could end in October if Victor Wanyama and Yaya Toure go for a 50/50 ball. My dad works for Environment Agency and I know for a fact they're putting together nationwide evacuation plans.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

 

The retirement of club mascot, Sammy Saint, has left a massive void in the half-time gangman style dance entertainment. Little kids racing round the pitch and fat santas falling over can only do so much.

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

 

Danny Fox getting sent off was pretty sweet as it kept him out the team for 3 games.

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

 

The look on poor ole Nigel Adkins wee nerdy face. Tears glistening behind his wire-framed glasses. The dark spector of Nicola Cortese looming over him, ceremonial execution spoon in his wee podgy hand.

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

 

What game? I have no recollection of this game. I suspect you're making it up.

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

 

We're gonna rape you so bad all ur bumholes will be "baggies".

 

Thank you to those which take part and I wish those traveling to the Hawthorns on Saturday a very safe journey.

 

Get bent.

[SNSUN]

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

A giant learning curve but ultimately satisfied with where we finished. We knew before the season started that we had a first XI to potentially avoid relegation, but to pick up some impressive wins on the way and finish points clear in a reasonable position was satisfying.

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

Of course we all hope for more this season! Resting on our laurels and hoping for a similar position would be silly, and could even see us slip into trouble - this season I'm looking for a top half finish (or better!), a lovely cup run would be a nice bonus too.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

6 points for Saints! Seriously a season like yours last season was something all Baggies must have been so proud of, but it's also very hard to repeat without the resources. I've done a preliminary League table (which usually I'm loathe to do until the transfer window shuts) and I have WBA as finishing lower in the table. Sorry! No Lukaku will be tough for you, and the signing of Anelka will either be inspired or downright stupid. Is he past it? We wait and see!

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far? Yes. We've brought in a solid centre back that we needed last season in Dejan Lovren, and a powerhouse midfielder in Victor Wanyama. Defensively (which is what we struggled with at the start of last season) we look a lot stronger this season with these signings. Our biggest concern is that it's only these two, and we're still light in other areas.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

A striker, which will probably be a unanimous shout amongst Saints fans. Excluding Rickie Lambert who did so well in his first Premier League season and deserved his call up to England the other day, we only have Jay Rodriguez (who tends to play deeper in an attacking midfield role anyway) and an unproven Emmanuel Mayuka, who has yet to show in his few appearances that he can play up front on his own regularly. So we definitely need a striker brought in, although I think the club will get it done by September 2nd.

 

We could also argue we're another centre back light, a goalkeeper light, a left back light, a right back light, an attacking midfielder light and even a fifth striker light, but to be honest we're a club that only signs players if they're better than what we already have, and if we went out and signed all those, not only would it cost a fortune but we'd have an unhappy squad! (I personally think we need another creative midfielder though...)

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom? None really, I've never managed to get to a West Brom game against Saints. Not many memories either, although I vaguely remember Stern John score against you a few years ago in the Championship.

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom? Pffffff, probably Odemwingie tearing us a new one last season in our own back yard.

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game? Just that your class showed. You were clearly a level above us last season, as both results show - but we're more experienced and stronger this season! We won't lie down so easily!

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

 

I'd be happy with a draw from this game. We're a well built outfit but sometimes lack creativity and finishing, although under Pochettino we tend to fight for every ball high up the pitch. A draw would be an improvement on last season's results, and it would be a reasonable first game of the season result too. I'll plump for WBA 1 - Southampton 1.

[SaintNeil90]

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

I wasnt too sure what to expect but I thought we had a good enough squad and played the right football to stay in the league, which was proved correct. Adkins sacking was a shock but Pochettino has taken us to another level. I was more than happy with out season and wins against Liverpool, Chelsea & Man City proved we weren't just there to make up the numbers.

 

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

I'm expecting us to kick on from where we left off last season. I think we'll push on this year and finish in the top 10 with a good cup run too. We've kept the core of our young side together and built on it further, I'm confident this year of a more successful season.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

West Brom are one of those established sides. Theres no threat of you going down. I'd expect you to comfortably finish mid table.

 

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

We needed some strength in depth defensively. We've signed a centre back in Dejan Lovren & a defensive midfielder in Victor Wanyama, which will help.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

We could do with an international quality striker. We've been linked with Osvaldo & Damaio but nothing has yet materialised. We also need cover for Luke Shaw (who got injured on Saturday).

 

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

Adam Lallanas first senior goal at the Hawthorns.

 

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

Last seasons performance at St Mary's.

 

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

You played the one tactic that seems to be able to beat our pressing game, the counter attack. I hope Pochettino has a plan for this next season as you cannot press in every game, we need to adapt.

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

I think both teams will begin cautiously and it'll be a 1-1 draw.

[Doctoroncall]

Q1: What were your opinions of your first season back in the Premier League?

Considering the start, fixtures and defensive blunders quite reasonable. Also strange with a decent manager in Adkins being replaced but at least we got an upgrade and the football remains great to watch. The season tailed off at the end which was dissappointing but showed we missed having a player like Coutinho who we were after in January and a striker that can convert chances.

 

Q2: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

Mid-table 10-12th, if we get a decent striker then maybe up to 8th.

 

Q3: What are you expecting from West Brom this season?

More of the same as last season but not so good with only Anelka and Lugano as additions or is this Odemwingie chance? Will a 34 year old Anelka be able to score 20 a season?

 

Q4: Happy with the clubs transfer business so far?

OK, will be happy with a striker joining, ecstatic with a creative midfielder in addition. A couple of academy players have joined the first team so it'll be interesting to see how they do. It seems so much better to be able to produce your own.

 

Q5: What other positions need adding to before the close of the transfer window?

Striker really.

 

 

Q6: Favourite memories of games against West Brom?

3-2 win in 07-08 Championship season, John banged a brace in the season we stayed up and you went up as champions iirc.

 

Q7: Worst memories of games against West Brom?

Last season at home, poor performance all round and let Lukaku do the business, just when we should have started to climb the table a bit more.

 

Q8: The previous game between the sides finished 0-3. What were your opinions on this game?

see above!

 

Q9: And finally, score predictions

draw, 1-1.

[Liam_Baggies]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Most grateful.

 

http://westbrom.com/forum/index.php?topic=11837.0

[Colinjb]

Cheers Liam..... just a shame we have to register in order to see it!

[St_Tel49]

Cheers Liam..... just a shame we have to register in order to see it!

Yes - I cannot be bothered registering for something that I will view only once. Any chance of posting it on here Liam?

[eelpie]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Most grateful.

 

http://westbrom.com/forum/index.php?topic=11837.0

 

So that's Albion's team talk sorted then.

[Saint Garrett]

Sure you didn't have to register last season ?! Odd.

[Colinjb]

The Baggies really are desolate after today.

 

(Need to register to view.)

 

http://westbrom.com/forum/index.php?topic=11676.25

[Saint Garrett]

Wouldn't mind copying and pasting a few comments would you pal? We bossed it yesterday. Great performance

[saints_is_the_south]

Wouldn't mind copying and pasting a few comments would you pal? We bossed it yesterday. Great performance

 

+1. Too lazy to register myself.

[ozzmeister]

Dam u need to wait for admins decision even after u register!