West Bromwich was first mentioned as Bromwic ('broom village') in the Domesday Book of 1086. A Benedictine priory existed in West Bromwich from the 12th century around which the settlement of Broomwich Heath grew. In 1727, the town became a stop on the coaching road between London and Shrewsbury and the beginning of its growth dates from this time. The prefix 'West' serves to distinguish it from the village of Castle Bromwich, around 8 miles to the east on the other side of Birmingham. The Queen's Head pub in West Bromwich is famous for its long-standing history. Legend has it that during the English Civil War, soldiers from both the Royalist and Parliamentarian factions frequented this very pub.
West Bromwich was a key player in the Industrial Revolution. The town was known for its iron and steel production, particularly for the making of nails, screws, and other metal goods. The factory-driven economy transformed West Bromwich into a bustling industrial hub. In the early 20th century, West Bromwich was also home to the British Motor Corporation's (BMC) factory. The factory produced iconic vehicles like the Mini and the Morris Minor, and it helped cement West Bromwich’s role in the history of British car manufacturing. West Bromwich is located in the Black Country, a region known for its heavy industrial past. The name is thought to have originated due to the thick smoke from coal-burning furnaces that once covered the area, making it look blackened.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, was formed in 1878. The club originally played in the nearby town of Wednesbury before moving to West Bromwich in 1900 where it has played at the Hawthorns ever since. The Albion suffix was adopted in 1880, Albion being an old poetic term for Great Britain. They have achieved a surprising number of silverware including five FA Cups in 1888, 1892, 1931, 1954. and 1968. Albion won the league in 1919-20 and also won the Football League Cup at the first attempt in 1966. SInce then, they've won Sweet FA.
West Bromwich has produced several notable footballers, such as Jeff Astle, who was a legendary striker for the club. Astle was affectionately known as the "King of the Hawthorns" after his prolific goal-scoring career with Albion during the 1960s and 1970s. Other players of note include Cyrille Regis part of the famous "Three Degrees" trio, alongside Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson. Famous managers have included Johnny Giles, Roy Hodgson. Ron Atkinson
WBA have not one, not two but three nicknames. The origin of "Baggies" is debated, but it is thought to derive from the distinctive baggy trousers worn by the club’s players in the early days. They are also know as often as "The Throstles" in reference to the thrush which is the club's emblem. "The Albions" is pretty obvious.
The Albions mascot is Baggie Bird who notoriously cheated by taking a short cut in a pre-match mascot race between Baggie Bird and the mascots from other teams, including Peacock from Newcastle United and Roy the Red from Liverpool. The team walk out to the Liquidator by the Harry J. Allstars, which is a bit trippy for me. Famously, local reporter, Malcolm Boyden, said 'the Baggies are boinging their way to promotion'
Famous celebrities who support WBA include
Frank Skinner
Cat Deeley
Eric Clapton
Adrian Chiles
Lenny Henry
Goran Ivanišević - apparently so
Julie Walters
Betty Boothroyed RIP
WW2 FIghter Pilot Ace, Ron Atkinson
United's form is imperious DWWWWW whereas WBA WLWLDW. WBA players to look out for include super striker, Joshua Erowoli Orisunmihare Oluwaseun Maja; attacking midfield sensation Tom Fellows; midfielders John Swift and former Leeds favourite Alex Mowatt. Manager Tony 'Mogga' Mowbrey is mean and moody and in his second spell as Baggies manager. Mowbrey's teams are always very attractive to the eye and he does give youth a chance. Their away form isn't great having lost 5-1 away to Bournemouth in the FA Cup then winning 5-0 at home to Portsmouth. I think this will be a clear cut win - 3-0 to the Peacocks. Goals from James, Bogle and an OG from Ron Atkinson.
"Boing Boing, boing boing, boing boing!
Boing Boing, boing boing, boing boing!"
Did anyone notice that Solomon and James looked desperate to score? Both all game snatched at every chance for shot when normally they would create or at least try to in the same situation during previous games. Also, notice that both Piroe and Tanaka seemed the exact opposite when both had zero couple of open chances just outside the box.
Something felt off today, nerves or hunger for the win seemed to be on show. Also Aarronson was off his game and looked energy depleted. Thought a Ramazani would have been better suited to the position today.