The Diary

02 April 2004: Supporters Club 'Do' Cancelled But Sutton Meet Compensates

I had originally planned to kick this instalment off by telling you all about Baz Plant and the forerunners of the present ?Boing? football team, but last night, a phone call from a mate of mine put that idea well and truly to rest ? and, no, before you think the obvious, to the best of my knowledge and belief, it?s not a poorly-executed April Fool stunt; even the official website are carrying the story today, and practical jokes just aren?t their style. To put it simply, what?s happened is this; the Player Of The Year function, due to be held around the end of April, has now been cancelled, the reasons cited being pressure due to fixture congestion around that time, and our ongoing quest to reach the top-flight ? I believe there will be three games still outstanding as of the scheduled date for the function.

While I can understand to a certain degree the need to get the players totally focussed on their bid for promotion, I do wonder what?s really behind this startling decision. After all, two seasons ago, when our chances of going up automatically weren?t anywhere near as clear-cut as they are at present, the function went ahead, as planned, and players attended, as usual ? so what?s changed? I didn?t go ? see below ? but the event took place the day we played Rotherham at our place and we drew 1-1. I was told that the players arrived with their tails very much between their legs owing to the result, and our denial of what was a copper-bottomed cert of a goal, but their spirits were subsequently lifted to a remarkable degree by our followers, who all expressed commiserations for not winning, and also reassured them all everything would come right in the end ? which it did, of course.

It?s not just the cancellation of the event; there?s all that hard work from the Supporters Club Committee totally gone down the swannee. There will also, no doubt, be a cancellation charge levied as per the room hire, money will have to be returned to all those supporters who have already stumped up, those branches who purchased trophies and made arrangements to present these to their heroes on the night will now have to put their plans on ice (how the hell do Malta Branch sort that one out?), and a lot of people on shifts who had to ask for time off, swops, etc .will be feeling pretty racked off by this decision as well. Sure, there are quotes on the official website from prominent SC folkies saying they support the club?s decision wholeheartedly, but I really do wonder. Are they just trying to put a gloss on the situation for the public, while seething mightily on the QT?

There?s another aspect of this which needs airing right now, and that concerns the players themselves. Over the past year or so, we?ve seen the gradual but inexorable erosion of what little remaining contact supporters have with their heroes; no longer are they allowed to attend outlying Supporters Club functions, getting autographs can be problematic, and more and more, whether by accident or design, they collectively seem to have retreated into a hermetically-sealed shell with naught but their peers for company. We can worship, it seems, but only from afar. A big mistake, in my book. The cancellation of this particular function, a Supporters Club highlight of the season, only serves to greatly exacerbate the whole issue, I?m afraid.

Looking at this from yet another angle, what is it they say about all work and no play making Jack (or Jason, or Andy, or Russell!) a dull boy? Traditionally, this function is always held at weekends, thereby giving our finest ample opportunity to get any falling-down water imbibed well and truly out of their systems before returning to the grind of training come the start of the week. I can?t believe for one minute allowing players to let their hair down just for one night is going to make that much difference to our promotion prospects. In any case, come the back end of April, the matter will probably be well and truly settled by then, one way or another. If we?re up, what a splendid opportunity this would have been for supporters to salute their heroes, and for players to relax knowing the job?s been well done.

And, even if matters are still unresolved by then, such a function would have given our finest a well-deserved temporary respite from the bump-and-grind of pressure football, and some rock-solid personal assurance from their followers they?d be cheered all the way no matter what the outcome. Oh ? one other thought. Just in case you might think this is a case of ?sour grapes? on my part, I don?t particularly care for Player Of The Year nights myself. The last one I attended was back in 1993, and I?m not about to start again at my age. It?s all those unsung heroes of the SC, who put in all that graft to make the whole thing possible, plus those who flashed the cash for tickets I feel sorry for. They didn?t deserve this last-minute change of plan. More and more, I?m left wondering why the SC committee even bother.

On to Supporters Club activity of a more harmonious kind, now, in this case, Sutton Coldfield branch, and their meeting tonight. As I mentioned in a previous offering, Mandy?s guests on this occasion were Don Goodman, one-time Albion striker, now fitness coach and part-time media-person with both the Express And Star and Radio Five Live, also Craig Shakespeare, who played for the club around the same time as Don, left for Grimsby in 1992, and is now our youth set-up head honcho.

Surprising to note, though, that we were without at least one familiar face at Sutton tonight ? Committee member Fraser Allen, who was ? and I quote Mandy, here ? erm ? ?stocktaking?! Is that the new expression for ?seeing my etchings?, Fraser? I think we should be told! Still, once all the usual announcements had been made by Mandy (there is to be a ?Farewell To The Throstle Club? function on the 29th of April, by the way, in which some of the memorabilia currently gracing the club?s walls is due to be auctioned off), it was then very much open to the two guests and their audience. As you would expect from this branch, the questions were intelligently put, and wide-ranging in scope. Both former players kicked off the proceedings with a potted CV of their respective careers prior to leaving football/returning to The Shrine. Don even has some involvement with our current Under 19?s, and it was his sad duty to have to tell three of them recently they weren?t going to make it at the club.

We kicked off with speculation about how we would fare in the Prem. Don thinks we?re stronger this time round, and was a little disappointed by the seeming lack of investment in the side during our previous Premiership season. Craig thinks there?s really three different Leagues within the Prem; the usual suspects at the top, then the also rans and the ones flirting with the drop. Of the latter two, they?ll always find things difficult, and how the money?s evenly distributed, he doesn?t know. Football is a business, and you need at benefactor to succeed at that level, plus good support. As Don said, the gap between the top three and the rest was vast; how you could possibly close that he didn?t know. He then went on to say that he thought we hadn?t played to our full potential this season ? and yet, we were in the top two. This then sparked an animated discussion centering around the dilemma facing our club ? playing attractive football or simply grinding out results. As you can imagine there were strong views expressed for both sides of the coin.

The Fart then put forward the view that on occasions, despite our outwardly strong League position, we had been outplayed by some clubs ? Derby, for example. Come next season, and the premiership, should we not change tactics and not get better quality players on board, we were going to get relegated once more. Don agreed there was a gulf, and the only way to bridge it was to get in players of a better quality. As Craig pointed out, however, the one person that mattered in all that was the manager ? he was the one who stood or fell by his results. The Fart also pointed out that seemingly good prospects had left our club and had gone on to make a name for themselves elsewhere.

The conversation then turned towards young players ? as I said earlier, Don had recently had the thankless task of telling three of ours they weren?t going to make it at our place. A difficult and horrible duty to perform, as Don said ? not only did he have to explain to them it wasn?t the end of the world, he had to cite genuine examples where players who had been discarded by clubs they?d been with from a young age had then gone on to make it somewhere else. As Craig pointed out, the pressures on youngsters to succeed were much greater than in his day; when he was in a similar position, he had the luxury of a spell in the reserves to develop as a player, but that didn?t happen now. Don chipped in at that point, saying that the recent influx of foreigners into the game had made things that much more difficult for home-grown kids. When this happened in the Scottish league, it caused all sorts of problems maintaining a flow of talented youngsters through the ranks. Don reckoned so much damage had been done by this, even the national side would have trouble should they ever have to play a Premiership side these days. From this, the discussion then enlarged to encompass the issue of how other young players at the club had been treated ? had they been given a proper chance to show what they could do?

Craig said this was something he?d like to see more of, but a big problem at present was our lack of Academy facilities. This meant we tended to lose promising young players to the bigger Midlands clubs e.g. Villa, Blues, Wolves. The other prerequisite for a successful youth set-up was support from above. Craig then told us that at Albion, they had a staff meeting at regular intervals where there was liaison between each section of the coaching staff, from first-team level downwards. Apparently, the only input currently required from the senior squad staff is an idea of who is likely to come through at that level. The emphasis is placed as much on fitness as upon skills; what Craig tries to do is play what he calls a ?flexible 4-4-2? type game. They do practice such things as set-pieces, but kids are given guidelines only, and not strict instructions, as such.

The room absolutely rocked when one member, commenting on the three-way dialogue going on between The Fart, our old mate Tim, and tonight?s guests, described it as being stuck between Michael Parkinson and Terry Wogan! Still, normality reasserted itself when someone asked whether there was a question revolving around top players being deterred from coming to our club by our current manager?s reputation. Yes, said the guests, it?s all down to man-management; there are some players you put an arm around to motivate them and others you kick up the a*** to get results ? and Don reckoned he was most certainly of the latter persuasion! Another intriguing statement from Don ? in his own way, you might regard Megson as a mini-Alex Ferguson! Enlarging the discussion somewhat, Craig then went on to suggest it might be productive to go down the American coaching route ? having specific coaches for specific positions.

On to things past, now, and Don?s praise of the work Stuart Pearson did when he was first ?team coach during his time at the club; Don reckoned he took the trouble of taking him for private coaching sessions, two or three afternoons a week, after training proper had finished, and this resulted in him becoming a better player and striker. In fact, Craig also stated that Stuart was one of the biggest influences on his career. After being passed over for the permanent gaffer?s job proper after Brian Talbot got the push, it turned him off management completely. Of his move to Sunderland during the reign of Barmy Bobby, Don reckoned Gouldy was absolutely flabbergasted when it happened; all the arrangements had been done behind his back. Albion had financial problems at that time, and they were very grateful for the 900K or so they got for Don at the time. As Craig then pointed out, the money then brought Bob Taylor to the club, but it would have been lovely to see both playing for the Baggies at the same time.

Another take on our former manager?s now-legendary eccentricity; as Don said, whatever you might say about him now, he brought psychologists, fitness coaches and nutritionists into the club, something that was unheard of at Third Division level at that time ? and not a few First Division outfits as well. As Don reminded us, everyone does it now. Of course, there were many occasions when his barmier ideas got the best of Gouldy: on one occasion, he took a leaf right out of the US Marine ?boot camp? concept, by having Adrian Foster ? remember him? ? stand on a bench in the dressing-room and bawl out at the top of his voice, ?MY NAME IS ADRIAN FOSTER, AND I LOVE WEST BROMWICH ALBION!!? Trouble was, the first time of asking, it wasn?t loud enough for the lunatic, and the poor sod had to go through the whole rigmarole a further three times before it was deemed loud enough to satisfy our demented leader! And how?s this for ?man-management?? As you probably know already, Barmy Bobby had a bit of a spat with our then-striker, Colin West. In order to clear the custard, the looney one brought a bag onto the training pitch, and told the first-team squad to stand in a circle around it. Once they?d done that, he then produced a pair of boxing-gloves from said bag, and invited Westy to put them on, gouldy doing the same. Then, he invited Westy to take a swing ? which he did. The result was one helluva lot of blood and snot on our manager?s face and a sudden transition from vertical to horizontal ? but, daft as it might sound, it put a stop to the trouble!

Another story revolved around our former leader?s penchant for having a system when taking corners/free kicks, etc. The idea was, whenever this happened, a number would be shouted from the bench, and upon hearing this, our lot were to supposed to adopt the tactics signified by that number. The whole thing hinged, of course, upon players learning carefully what each number reperesneted; as you might guess, some had more far enthusiasm for learning than others, which could result in confusion on those occasions set-pieces were awarded. One example was at Bolton, where we were given a corner. At that time, we played at Burnden Park, where the players? bench and dug-outs were situated some way back from the touchline. As per usual, Gouldy surreptitiously flashed one of the old numbered substitute boards in the direction of our players; trouble was, because of the dug-out?s position, no Albion players could see it! There was an awkward pause while the players tried to work out what was required of them, and the home crowd interpreted this as us stalling for time. Finally, someone realised what was wrong, and slowly walked some distance away from the corner-flag ? almost halfway up the pitch, in fact ? until that pesky board finally came into view! The number ?three? was showing, and in the confusion, Graham Harbey interpreted this as meaning he was subbed, and began to walk off the pitch! Happy days?..

Don made mention of his time at Hiroshima, and said he?d loved every minute of this time there, especially the chance to live and breathe another culture. He really loved the city, and the artefacts and memorials left in the wake of the American atomic bomb gave him ample food for thought while he was there. The emphasis was very much on peace, which wasn?t that surprising considering what happened to the place; much had been rebuilt, of course, but the city still was a very beautiful and peaceful place.

Both guests were certain that the situation where players dictated to clubs had now changed; these days, outside the Premiership, players no longer have the advantage when it comes to negotiating terms. Of all those players released at the end of last season, only 5-600 managed to get themselves fixed up with another club. This was indirectly down to the fall-out from the collapse of ITV Digital. In the Premiership, the ability of players to dictate terms still holds, but elsewhere, the opposite was now true. There was a wage-cap now in place at Conference level, and this was due to come into the Football League very soon. As far as financial astuteness was concerned, it was widely reckoned Charlton were the ideal role-models for other aspirant clubs, but even they were now having to fork out millions for players.

As far as our prospects in the higher division were concerned, Craig reiterated the need for investment in quality players should we do it. As he pointed out, there must have already been meetings about what course to adopt should we do it, or, conversely, should we not make the grade this time round. Enlarging the subject for discussion somewhat, both agreed there was currently a double-standard operating as far as clubs in financial trouble were concerned. Exeter City ? Don had played for them until comparatively recently ? were really hounded by the tax-man, but in the case of Leeds, they were sufficiently flexible to move the goalposts regarding repayment of the Inland Revenue arrears outstanding, which amounted to considerably more than those owed by the Devon club!

Another question from the floor? when the Academy was up and running, would we bring players through to sell, or would we bring them through with a view towards having them in the first team? Craig wondered whether there were difficulties as regards other clubs in the cost-effectiveness of Academies. ?2m invested in an academy would buy a decent player for the same amount. Again, the presence of foreign players had exerted a negative effect on younger players. It was suggested that Lloyd Dyer, who broke into the first team at the age of 21 could have done it at 19 or 20 had it not been for such an influx, perhaps. Craig was of the opinion that youngsters derived more benefit from playing in the same side as older kids, but for short periods only. An example was a 15 year-old having 20-30 minutes in an under 19 outfit. In his opinion they learned from the experience. And became stronger, and, eventually better at what they did. Yes, Craig acknowledged things at the club weren?t as they should be, but since recruiting more people to be involved in the youth set-up, things had improved.

The parting shot came from Don, in answer to the Fart?s query as to how other clubs and the media perceived us. We are, apparently, seen as a club with potential and a good fan-base. Everyone connected with the game loves Albion and their supporters. Could we stay in the top-flight this time round? There needed to be a decent turnover of players, for one thing, to ensure survival. Don thought we made mistakes the first time round, and in order to make a good fist of things this occasion, we had to learn from these mistakes and use what we?d learned to move onto the next stage.

And, with that, the whole soiree drew to a conclusion. A rapid munch on sandwiches provided, as per usual, by Mandy?s mum ? with the crusts cut off, naturally! ? a quick natter with some of the other members present tonight, a quick check of the old raffle ticket, and that was it, Tine to return the Old Fart back to his bijou residence, and yours truly to the old PC, to type out what you?re reading right now. As usual, a good night was had by all, and as the parent SC body won?t be able to send guests to outlying branch meetings next year, it?s good to know that Sutton are already one step ahead of the game, by asking their members tonight who they?d like to see guesting at future branch meetings. Knowing Mandy?s undoubted ability in charming footballing celebrities to appear as guests, next season could see absolutely anyone taking to the Sutton ?hot seat?. Of one thing I?m certain ? dull their meetings certainly won?t be!

And finally?.. One. For those of you living in the Black Country and likely to be looking for Viking gear pretty soon, my little feline-lovin? chum Michelle has pointed me in the direction of one such supplier that can meet your every need. Horny helmets, blonde plaits (for those ladies desirous of the full-on Wagnerian operatic touch!), face-paints, full monty Viking outfits, swords, shields ? they?ve got the lot. The name of this establishment? ?Fantasia?, and the address is: Gorsty Hill Road, Rowley Regis. Tel: (0121) 559 5800 to place your order. I?m told the helmets cost ?2.99, and the proprietors have been warned by Michelle to expect an influx of eager Baggies to their emporium before too long! Oh, and a rumour has reached my ears that one group of enterprising away-travellers is planning on making a cloth ?Viking Longboat? for the occasion, complete with human ?figurehead? on the prow ? which will be a certain Mr. Giraffe!

Two. Apparently, the FA want the use of The Hawthorns for the Iraq-Trinidad and Tobago friendly international come the 23rd of May. There?s even talk of us touring Iraq when the political situation is more stable ? ooer! There?s got to be a joke hidden away somewhere in that; it?s just that I can?t think of one right now! Personally, though, I?d be very happy indeed (and so would our nervous players, I?m sure!) with an invite to the other half of the bargain, Trinidad and Tobago, and be done with it!

Three. I know he wants to remain anonymous, so I?ll respect that, but a bloody big ?well done? to the Baggie who informed me tonight that earlier this season, he made the long journey from Bristol to Newcastle and back for our League Cup tie there ? but by car? That?s supporting totally above and beyond the call of duty, if you ask me. For people like that, it really is a case of ?Albion ?till I die?, so why do the club kick them in the teeth by cancelling the Player Of The Year Night? I really do despair, sometimes.

Four. A little bird tells me tonight that the problem regarding alternative Supporters Club pre-match premises next season is now within sight of being resolved. Negotiations are still under way to secure the use of the place, but most of the potential hitches have been sorted out, now, and it only remains for the SC to finalise the deal. I can?t reveal too much at the moment, but more when I finally get the nod to tell all. Just one little hint, though; the proposed venue isn?t all that far from the Shrine ? and the beer?s cheaper than in the current premises!

 - Glynis Wright

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