18-08-2016, 18:26
Astle shoots past Brian Labone to give Albion the lead against eventual league champions Everton, the Hawthorns, 8th November 1969
Typically for Albion, when everything pointed towards disaster last week, we somehow came up with a decent performance and a result to match. Although those three points may have calmed a few of the early-season jitters, the fact is that the situation hasn't improved on the personnel side, and this weekend we're heading into our second match of the season still looking threadbare.
There are a few positives for us; Matty Phillips showed signs of promise at Selhurst Park, and it also looks like Rondon has settled in and is looking forward to a good season ahead. However, they'll need to be at their best on Saturday, because it's been four years since we last beat Everton at the Hawthorns, and for a couple of seasons running we've been reminded of exactly what Lukaku can do when he's in the mood.
I won't start on about the transfer situation because frankly, it's all been said, and there's nothing new to add. I only hope that the spirit of the players we do have will be enough to carry us over the line again. It won't help us come November or December, but for now, it'll have to do.
In his sole appearance for the club, Jack Russell is Albion's man of the match against Everton with one assist; 27th November 1976
"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