I never thought I would come away from Hawthorns disappointed at our failure to get a point against the Champions, but I guess it shows how far the football club has come under Roy Hodgson. We suddenly look a competitive Premier League outfit on the pitch, something I never felt when Bryan Robson and Tony Mowbray were at the helm. We did have to survive an early onslaught I grant you, but I felt we more than found our feet and were more than a match in the last hour.
The new boys fitted in well and Shane Long in particular looked the real deal and should Odemwingie move onto Spurs, as reported today, then we certainly have the ideal man to lead the frontline this season. It would be great to see them paired together, although whether it happens remains to be seen. Ben Foster also looked assured between the sticks and it is nice to have a keeper who commands his area, given our past record of goalies. I know it is early days, but my blood pressure will seemingly remain at a safe level this season, especially when a cross or set-piece comes in. I would still like Roy Hodgson to bring in one or two new faces and utilise the Bodog money now to ensure that we banish the perennial relegation fears every season.
Talking of the sponsors did anyone else notice the blackout on the boards at the Hawthorns yesterday – embarrassing or what? I don’t know what it is at our football club, maybe we are cursed with sponsors, given our inability to attract them from time to time (No Smoking Campaign anyone?), but one thing is for sure is that the likes of Bodog aren’t going to be happy if their names aren’t being seen on the perimeter boards, especially on a LIVE game against Manchester United. It is pretty amateurish and given that these deals gives us the money to enable us to break transfer records, like we did with Shane Long, then we need to ensure we get these matters resolved before the sponsors start looking elsewhere. I mean I was at Loftus Rd on Saturday and if a newly promoted Premier League team like QPR can have it sorted, then why can’t we? It don’t look very good on our part and needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.
So anyway onwards and upwards from here and although the result wasn’t the ideal way to start a season, the performance showed we will certainly be no walkovers this season and we will be holding our own in the Premier League this year. Outside bet for the Europa League spot? We can all dream I suppose.
Written by Jim Kelly for FootballFancast.com.
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
Click here to have a look out our predictions for the 2011/2012 Premier League Season!
Or have a look at the ten strikers that we think will lead the race for the Golden Boot next season