View From the Opposition - WBA fan

[dave.woodhall]

They were 80 minutes from bringing out another dvd.

Still might, that's the best 10 minutes they are likely to have. A few interviews thrown in and you have a DVD. Could even put 2-0 on the front

When did they start caring about us more than they do the Dogheads? I seem to re-call 1988-2012 they were obsessed by the Wolfs.

From when they were founded. Their Wolves rivalry is a relatively modern development.

[LeeB]

They were 80 minutes from bringing out another dvd.

Still might, that's the best 10 minutes they are likely to have. A few interviews thrown in and you have a DVD. Could even put 2-0 on the front

When did they start caring about us more than they do the Dogheads? I seem to re-call 1988-2012 they were obsessed by the Wolfs.

From when they were founded. Their Wolves rivalry is a relatively modern development.

A hatred of convenience, if you like.

[Tayls_7]

The gobby young fuckers in our pub were puzzled once again.

All mouth about how great they are and how crap we are, how they are going to destroy us etc etc.

They go on about it so much they convince themselves, then when it doesn't pan out that way they are really rather stumped.

They leapt around like monkeys for their goals, I managed to restrain myself to a glance and knowing nod in their direction when we scored. They hated it.

Did you point out that they didn't need to be watching their big game from the pub as there seemed to be plenty of spare seats in their stands.

Ha ha, that would've been awesome. My rapid wit picks out the appropriate retort about 20 mins after the event on average. 24k for a floodlit derby makes Birmingham's 14k at the weekend seem more impressive now. Perhaps he could have mentioned Wolves had 19k against Brentford on Saturday. You are what you are.

[Liam_Baggies]

Where have all the Albion supporters gone?

Got home last night and went to bed.

Been at work all day and haven't had chance to post on our forum until now.

[cheltenhamlion]

I think that was more aimed at some of the morons from late last week.

A question for you though. One of your lot who goes home and away said to me yesterday that the gloss was taken off last season by your failure to beat us.

That isnt intended to take the piss, or be a loaded question, but is that a fair representation of feeling amongst your mob who go regularly?

[Liam_Baggies]

I think that was more aimed at some of the morons from late last week.

A question for you though. One of your lot who goes home and away said to me yesterday that the gloss was taken off last season by your failure to beat us.

That isnt intended to take the piss, or be a loaded question, but is that a fair representation of feeling amongst your mob who go regularly?

I don't share that view, however, beating you would have added to what was a very good season for us.

[Liam_Baggies]

When did they start caring about us more than they do the Dogheads? I seem to re-call 1988-2012 they were obsessed by the Wolfs.

Villa vs Albion has always traditionally been the Midlands Derby.

It was only after we sold our best assets, suffered financial mismanagement that our derby with Wolves was born as the fixture became more regular.

Here is a blog which best sums up the situation: http://coachdaveblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/the-two-big-wba-rivalries.html

[Glenn Peen]

Good piece, that - well written, well argued and not unduly negative. I enjoyed that. Thanks, Liam.

[Legion]

Decent article.

And as for 'hate', is it healthier not to hate anyone, whether it be Wolves, Villa or Albion? Banter yes, rivalry yes, dislike even, yes. But hate? It's a sad individual who defines their love of them self or their club by how much they hate another.

[cheltenhamlion]

Liam, another question if I could.

At some point me and the chap in question will talk again but, he isnt in the mindset for a sensible debate at the moment, and I am not there to goad him.

He did get his retaliation in early yesterday about attendances though. He justified why you didnt sell out before I opened my mouth.

The justification was Monday night, on the telly and 42 quid. Sounds reasonable. BUT then said:

"For a start, you woudnt sell them in the same circs" and then "and anyway, how are people to make it from further away considering the kick off time?"

In part I agree. But those travelling a distance wqould likely be committed to a ticket anyway and I cant see 2K walk up business from the Shires.

I dont pretend to know your support at a geographical level however. Does that argument hold water?

I think not but want to play fair if you can throw some light on it.

PS Apologies for being a pain. You seem a reasonable chap and I hope you can appreciate I am not doing this to take shots at you.

All the best for the rest of the season. I hope you get a good hiding in February mind!

Ta again.
Stu

[AVH87]

I think the Baggies have hit their glass ceiling at 25k, but the majority of them don't claim to be a big club.

[Liam_Baggies]

We have a considerable number of supporters who are based in Devon. They catch a mini bus to our home games. Due to the timing of games, they are therefore unable to make the evening matches which knocks a bit off the attendance - think our supporters club in London has plenty of members who are unable to make night matches, also - they then watch our matches in the Albion pub based in London.

I thought we would have sold out but we tend to have a large element of supporters who have turned into casual supporters. It is much easier and cheaper for them to watch the game with their mates in the sportsman, eating a lovely bit of chicken tikka with a pint, able to have a laugh than to pay £39 to be treated like an animal. I personally wouldn't pay more than £30 to watch a football game and many others feel that way.

Attendances are dropping across the country and that is down to greed from clubs and their insistance on removing fun from the game. In a period where football clubs should be encouraging young kids to come to football matches, we're forcing them away and that's happened at the Albion until we had no choice but to reduce season ticket prices - a rarity in this day and age.

[Clampy]

We have a considerable number of supporters who are based in Devon. They catch a mini bus to our home games. Due to the timing of games, they are therefore unable to make the evening matches which knocks a bit off the attendance

Bloody hell, how big is that mini bus? 

[Tayls_7]

We have a considerable number of supporters who are based in Devon. They catch a mini bus to our home games. Due to the timing of games, they are therefore unable to make the evening matches which knocks a bit off the attendance

Bloody hell, how big is that mini bus? 

I am no authority on the matter but I am led to believe mini buses are not as big as buses. You're welcome.

[Liam_Baggies]

Haha.

I've seen around four of them on match days previously which have traveled from Devon.

Of course, not all of our southern based Baggies travel to the games.

In-fact, whenever I've been down that way, I've tended to see more Albion fans there than I do in West Brom.

Truth be told, I'm thinking of joining them.