2 hours ago
New year, new manager: a situation that feels strangely familiar. Mercifully, this time the club have acted quickly and decisively to replace Ryan Mason, and so with a handy cup win under our belt to buoy the mood around the club, newcomer Eric Ramsay can at least approach tonight's baptism of fire with a dash of positivity.
He may need it, because even on home soil, second-placed Middlesbrough are liable to be a tough nut. Although Kim Hellberg struggled over the festive season to maintain the red-hot form Boro had enjoyed before the departure of Rob Edwards, beating Southampton 4-0 was the perfect start to their year, and having Ipswich hard on their heels will doubtless be all the motivation they need to keep the momentum going. Albion's best hope lies in Boro's makeshift defence, immensely depleted by injuries and perhaps vulnerable to a forward like Heggebo, but realistically we ourselves also have to be tighter at the back than we've been for months, and for that reason a draw is probably as good as we can hope for.
No such leeway can be afforded when Norwich visit on Tuesday night, where Ramsay has to aim for his first win and give Albion a little bit of breathing space for the remainder of the month. Anything less, and it'll be tough times ahead.
He may need it, because even on home soil, second-placed Middlesbrough are liable to be a tough nut. Although Kim Hellberg struggled over the festive season to maintain the red-hot form Boro had enjoyed before the departure of Rob Edwards, beating Southampton 4-0 was the perfect start to their year, and having Ipswich hard on their heels will doubtless be all the motivation they need to keep the momentum going. Albion's best hope lies in Boro's makeshift defence, immensely depleted by injuries and perhaps vulnerable to a forward like Heggebo, but realistically we ourselves also have to be tighter at the back than we've been for months, and for that reason a draw is probably as good as we can hope for.
No such leeway can be afforded when Norwich visit on Tuesday night, where Ramsay has to aim for his first win and give Albion a little bit of breathing space for the remainder of the month. Anything less, and it'll be tough times ahead.
"I would rather spend a holiday in Tuscany than in the Black Country, but if I were compelled to choose between living in West Bromwich or Florence, I should make straight for West Bromwich." - J.B. Priestley