WBA Fan interview
WBA looked set to steamroll us at the Stadium of Light in October with a 2-0 lead early on, but we battled back to draw the game. A week away from the Derby, can we go into it on the back of a win down in the Midlands? I spoke to WBA season ticket holder Iain about 'The Other Side'....
When these two side met at the Stadium of Light in early October, Bendtner & Elmohamady spared our blushes after we went 2-0 down very early in the game. Who would have thought back then that about 4 months later Martin O'Neill would be at the helm, Cattermole playing the best football of his career and SAFC sitting in the last 8 of the FA Cup?
Last time out in the league we were cruelly beat at home to Arsenal whilst the Baggies destroyed their local rivals Wolves. A result that finally saw McCarthy get the chop at Molineux.
I spoke to WBA-MAD editor Iain ahead of our clash this weekend to get his thoughts on both clubs....
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Hi Iain. Thanks for taking the time to speak to us. Tell us a little about yourself and why you support WBA...
Albion is in the blood in my family. Supporting the Baggies has been passed down from generations. I didn't have any choice but to be an Albion fan - not that I'd change who I support anyway.
A score draw between the two clubs earlier in the season. Sum that game up in your opinion...
I suppose it was a decent point in the end - any one away from home is. However, we scored two really early goals and it looked like we were going to steamroller you at one point. If we could've held on to our lead a little longer, I think we probably won the game.
Have WBA exceeded your expectations this season or are you dissapointed so far?
I'd say this season has been pretty much what Albion fans expected. The home form has been a major disappointment, but we've picked up some decent results away from home. Villa and Wolves away, in particular.
Is Hodgson the man to continue taking the club forward? Has he got the backing of the crowd?
Yes, I hope so. His contract runs out at the end of the season, so hopefully we can tie him down for another year. He's probably the best manager the club could attract.
What is your outsider's view of Sunderland and their fans?
I've got a lot of respect for Sunderland fans. They travel all over the country in numbers and always seem a friendly bunch.
Will Odemwingie be at WBA next season?
I think so. The club tied him down to a long-term deal at the start of this season. It'd also take silly money for somebody to buy him from us.
And do you expect Ben Foster to stay at the club? How has he settled considering he is on loan from a local rival?
It all depends on how well Birmingham City do. There's an agreement in place that he'll go back if they get promoted. However, if they don't, Albion has first option to buy him. I'd like him to say.
What is your opinion of Sunderland's season?
It's been reinvigorated under O'Neill. Despite you buying a whole new team in pre season, signing O'Neill has been your best acquisition by far.
What is your opinion of Martin O'Neill?
I think he's a good boss. Whether or not he can achieve his own ambitions remains to be seen at The Stadium of Light.
Which SAFC players have impressed you most this season?
Larsson and Gardner seem to have done well.
Who would you like to see WBA target in the Summer?
There's a rumour we'd be in the running for Gardner, although we have a pretty strong midfield at present. We do lack somebody with creativity after the injury to Zoltan Gera. Maybe another winger would help.
Which WBA players have impressed you most this season?
Shane Long has done well when he's been fit. James Morrison has also caught the eye with his goals and performances from midfield. Gareth McAuley has also done well. Our player of the season so far has probably been Jonas Olsson. He's so committed to the cause and puts everything on the line. We miss him when he doesn't play.
What position do you expect both clubs to finish in the Premiership this season?
Sunderland inside the top-ten. Albion probably around 10-15th.
Who do you think will be relegated?
It's difficult to say at the moment. Wolves look in trouble, as do Bolton. I think those two will go down. Then, it's out of Blackburn, Wigan and QPR. I think Wigan will complete the three.
Who do you think will win the FA Cup?
I fancy Spurs. << I fancy SAFC!
How do you see the match panning out on Saturday and will you be there?
Yes, I've got a season ticket. It'll be difficult but we have to start winning at home, so hopefully it'll be this weekend.
Any advice to the travelling SAFC fans, and any local bars or pubs you would recommend?
The Vine welcomes away fans. Although get there early - it's not the biggest pub in the world.
Finally, any parting words for the readers of this interview?
Have a safe journey down to The Hawthorns and I hope you return with out any points!
Cheers pal
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Chestermackem's Conclusion: "A big thanks to Iain the Baggie who further confirms the WBA fans are not a bad lot. They have been a yo-yo club like us over the years so both sets of fans can probably relate to each other. Despite our good form of late, I expect a big performance from WBA who will be fired up from their derby success. A score draw for me. Great to see that a full allocation of SAFC fans are heading down to WBA, so safe journey to all and lets hope we come home with 3 points."
Photos courtesy of The Daily Mail & Fansonline.net