MATCHDAY ONE - PREVIEW: West Bromwich Albion vs Southampton

[Saint-Armstrong]

VS

 

KICK-OFF: 15:00

 

 

First game of the 2013/14 Premier League season. I'm going to give this a trial go, and see how it goes and how it's received.

 

 

 

West Bromwich Albion - A Potted History

 

West Bromwich Albion Football Club, affectionately known as 'The Baggies', are a Premier League club and one of the founding members of The Football League. The club have been in existence since 1878 under the name of the 'West Bromwich Strollers'. They were founded by the workers of George Salter's Spring Works (now known as Salter - the company that make the kitchen accessories!). Just two years later they adapted their name to 'West Bromwich Albion', becoming the first club to be known as 'Albion'. The club were initially known as 'The Throstles' before adopting the nickname of 'The Baggies'. There are several alleged reasons for this nickname, one being that it was bestowed upon them by Aston Villa supporters, in reference to the baggy trousers of the foundry workers who supported the club. Another claim is that it grew to infamy in the area as a result of the bagmen who would carry the gate fees in large bags.

 

In March 1888, William McGregor (Director of Aston Villa), wrote to the top five clubs in English football in order to set up what we know today as The Football League. West Bromwich Albion were included in the invitation to join the league, which was issued later that year, and thereby became one of the twelve founder members. Albion won their only ever First Division title in 1920, when they smashed two records. West Brom scored more goals that season than any other team had previously (104), and amassed more points than any other in the process (60). After promotion in 1949, the club spent a club-record 24 years in the top flight of English football.

 

The club gained a reputation for being a cup team whilst under the management of Jimmy Hagan and Alan Ashman in the 1960s. They reached back-to-back League Cup Finals in 1966 and 1967, during Hagan's reign. In 1966 they were the victors, after defeating West Ham United 5-3 on aggregate over what was then a two-legged final, but in 1967 they came up short after a 3-2 defeat to Third Division side Queens Park Rangers. As a result, Hagan was replaced with Alan Ashman, who led the club to their most recent FA Cup victory at Wembley Stadium in 1968. Drawing 0-0 in extra-time, the game was decided by a single goal courtesy of club legend Jeff Astle just three minutes into the added time. It gave Astle the record of having scored in every round of the competition. Even today you can see 'the Astle gates' at the club's home, The Hawthorns. In the following season, the club reached the FA Cup Semi-Final and the European Cup Winners Cup Quarter Final.

 

 

 

Where do they play?

 

West Bromwich Albion's current home is The Hawthorns. Based in Sandwell, the stadium holds 26,272 and has been home to the club since September 1900. It was the last Football League ground to be build during the 1800s.

 

Until 1900, The Baggies had inhabited five grounds in 22 years. Their first home was Cooper's Hill, which the club remained at for just one year. Moves to Dartmouth Park, Bunn's Field, Four Acres and Stoney Lane. It was Stoney Lane that is perhaps most embedded in the history books. Stoney Lane played home to the club between 1885-1900, during which period the club won the FA Cup on two occasions, also finishing as runners-up three times during this spell.

 

Saints fans will be housed in 'The Smethwick End', which plays host to just under 6,000 fans. Built in 1994, the stand houses both the away and home supporters within the ground. It is here that the most vocal Albion support is found.

 

The stadium is served by 'The Hawthorns' rail station. This serves as both an overground rail station as well as a Birmingham Metro stop. The stadium is a 5-10 minute walk from the station. Trains depart every 10-20 minutes on a matchday in order to provide adequate transport for both home and away supporters. The Hawthorns is visible from the M5, and is situated under half a mile from Junction 1 of the M5.

 

POSTCODE: B71 4LF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

History of the Colours?

 

West Bromwich Albion are commonly associated with a navy blue and white strip, in a pattern of stripes. The club's most common away strip has been an adaptation of yellow and green stripes.

 

The stripes by which the club are known today were not used until after the First World War. During the Second World War the stripes were dropped, as rationing meant that having a striped shirt was deemed an unnecessary luxury. The club switched to plain navy blue shirts during this period. In their early years, the club experimented with many varying designs. They wore red and blue quarters, brown and blue quarters, yellow and white quarters and even red and white hoops.

 

For this game West Bromwich Albion will once again be wearing their navy blue and white stripes, accompanied by white shorts and navy blue and white hooped socks. Their kit, like Southampton's, is supplied by Adidas. Their away strip is currently red and black stripes with black shorts and black socks.

 

 

 

 

 

Recent Clashes

 

27th April 2013 - Southampton 0-3 West Bromwich Albion - PREMIER LEAGUE

5th November 2013 - West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Southampton - PREMIER LEAGUE

 

28th April 2008 - West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Southampton - THE CHAMPIONSHIP

6th October 2007 - Southampton 3-2 West Bromwich Albion - THE CHAMPIONSHIP

 

10th February 2007 - West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Southampton - THE CHAMPIONSHIP

12th August 2006 - Southampton 0-0 West Bromwich Albion - THE CHAMPIONSHIP

 

 

 

 

Match Details

 

 

This game is being played at The Hawthorns on Saturday the 17th of August 2013, and will be the first game of the season for both sides.

 

ADDRESS: The Hawthorns, Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands - B71 4LF.

 

 

 

Pre-match press coverage is expected on Thursday the 15th of August.

 

The game is NOT televised in the UK, but streams should be available.

 

 

 

TICKETING:

 

Our away allocation of an expected 3,000 tickets has SOLD OUT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a trial run, but let me know what you think and what could make them better.

 

Also, posted this one early in order to work out what works for people and what works best. If you have an idea on when to post, please do let me know.

 

(I was thinking a Friday morning?)

 

 

 

Thanks

 

SA

[The Kraken]

Good feature, hope it continues. Friday am seems a good time for posting.

[Glasgow_Saint]

Excellent..... Maybe add a player(s) to watch? V.good though mate.

[Saint Charlie]

Could add team news perhaps...injuries, suspensions, likely lineups?

[Saint Garrett]

Appreciated. Probable line ups, players to watch, 1 for the future....second time we play them maybe biggest threat last time?

[Olallana]

Cheers, great read as always!

[The9]

Cool, all the content is interesting - pics are a bit out of date though, those stands were Zoopla'd up last season with some uuuuuugleh purple sponsors.

[John Boy Saint]

Excellent as always: Thank you.

 

I will put my The9 hat on to say: you missed out that The Hawthorns is, at 600 feet above sea level, the highest league ground in the land.

 

Most folks would have thought that it was Oldham, Barnsley, Burnley, or Uddersfield going on the surrounding terrain, or even one of the Scottish clubs.