[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

In the end, Premier League Syndrome does for every club without billions in the bank. You go up, you survive your first season through guts and grit and your second season through careful signings, but then comes the comfort zone. The players who were never really good enough get shipped out and replaced with talented journeymen. The players who did prove themselves simply find their level, and stop striving to be better. The real gems who could potentially fire you further up the league either get poached by the elite clubs, or throw a tantrum because you won't let them get poached. Soon, the only guys in the dressing room who really care what happens to the club are the long-time stalwarts, and there's never enough of them to change fate when the writing's on the wall.

Back in May, Premier League Syndrome finally caught up with us, and if we're truly to turn over a new leaf under Big Dave then we have to start with three points against visitors who suffered the dreaded PLS back when Albion were still swashbuckling our way into the Prem. It's been over six years since we last faced Bolton, and eight years since we locked horns with Forest, who are our first midweek opponents of the season. If we can renew these old acquaintances with four points, then in the circumstances I think we'll have done okay.

[betterthanbaird]

Wonderful opening post as ever Ska'd, think we'll have an enjoyable season although i'm not neccessarily expecting promotion or even the play-offs (obviously depending on how the end of the window goes). Fairly positive for Bolton, think we're stronger than them on paper and being at home should be a big boost, forest is a bit more interesting with all the new signings they've got and them trying to do a wolves. Hopefully we'll be replacing Derby at the top of the league. Got to say I'm always giddy for the first day of the season, come on you baggies

[Beefy 1965]

It's a sell-out...

Thank you for your magnificent support!

#WBA
https://t.co/kBHFhbog1H

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Home end sell out. People queuing around the car park to get a new shirt. Demand for our away travel going up and up and selling out every coach.

xxxx off Pulis. xxxx off Pardew. This is the Albion we love.

All behind Big Dave ??

[drewks]

... that's brilliant!

[valpayne]

I'm interested to see the team sheet today. Potentially still a few wantaways? Does BD go for a team with traitors in the ranks or play what he thinks we will have left after the window shuts Hmm!

[drewks]

I'm interested to see the team sheet today. Potentially still a few wantaways? Does BD go for a team with traitors in the ranks or play what he thinks we will have left after the window shuts Hmm!

Didn't I hear that Dawson had been training with the kids? I think BD will be able to assess who's up for playing for the club and who isn't..... I reckon character is just as important to BD as ability
(..... within reason!)

[WBA-Josh]

Johnstone
Nyom - Bartley - Hegazi - Gibbs
Livermore - Brunt
Phillips - Rodriguez - Barnes
Robson-Kanu

Subs
GK - Myhill
CB - Adarabioyo
LB - Townsend
DM - Barry
CM - Harper
RM - Burke
AM - Morrison

BD has picked a good side but I’d rather see Morrison instead of Rodriguez.

---

As for what Beefy said, I think there is a real sense of optimism around the club now. A club legend as Head Coach, a younger squad that blends experience and potential and three kits which are superb.

My last competitive Albion game was in our last Championship campaign under RDM and I’m considering driving up north from Cornwall to watch the QPR game in two weeks. I never considered doing it in the Prem but now I am. That’s what optimism does to supporters.

[betterthanbaird]

Think that could/should be a fairly strong starting 11 in the championship other than Robson-Kanu, hopefully Johnstone, Bartley and Barnes can all have good debuts to give them some confidence for the season.

[Dingle-Dingle]

According to BBC (LR) Rondon is not at the ground. Sat in a Costa shop somewhere. DD

[Stairs]

We talk about people earning the right to wear the shirt, that show loyalty and knuckle down.

Robson-Kanu deserves some respect. I have not heard a whimper from him. He has trained all summer, scored goals in the warm up games and I have a few pennies on him scoring again today.