[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

Cyrille Regis takes the match ball with a hat-trick, Albion vs Swansea, 5th September 1981

Now the Pardew Circus has mercifully driven its last clown-car honking away into the wide blue-and-white yonder, there is at least a chance that Albion might be able to see out this season with some dignity. Big Dave is in an impossible position where survival is concerned, but this is no Terry Connor situation for the Albion hero, because most fans have already accepted the inevitable. The most that can be expected is a decent performance or two, and maybe to dodge our worst-ever Premier League points haul. Even if we don't get either of those things, no one will Blame It On Big Dave this time round, as he's been left with the mess of countless other people.

And so with little in the way of expectation, this Saturday is a pretty risk-free opportunity for the big man to set out his stall and see what, if anything, can be done with this side. Fill your (sizeable) boots, Darren.