In the last nine seasons at the Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion has been like a yo-yo of heartache and delight for the supporters.
From being promoted in 2001/2002, to being relegated the following season, back up in time for the 2004/2005 and staying put for the 2005/2006 by a single point before going down again at the end of the 2005/2006 campaign. They stayed the following two seasons in the Championship before returning yet again in 2008/2009. Relegation followed in 2009/2010 and you guessed it, back up for 2010/2011. They remained in the league last season and that brings us to now. After twenty-two games, they sit in 15th in the league.
At the beginning of the 2009/2010 Tony Mowbray was in charge of the Baggies, leaving on June 16th after agreeing terms to manage Celtic. In came Roberto Di Matteo who secured the club at least a season in the Premier League by finishing second to high-flying Newcastle United in The Championship.
In the 2010/2011 season, Di Matteo tried his best to meet the expectations set upon him at the start of the season. Obviously, that was to keep West Brom in the Premiership. During the months of December and January a run of ten games with only one win, took its toll with the West Brom board and inevitably he was sacked. Even though it was evident that the majority of fans were still loyal to Di Matteo those ten games were just too much.
Last than one month after Di Matteo’s sacking, Roy Hodgson was brought in to replace him. Roy was under incredible pressure at Liverpool and was rather promptly relieved of duties after a far from ideal time as manager. He was never likely to be given time at Anfield to prove his qualities as manager. At a club like West Brom, it’s fair to say that’s where he can show just how good a manager he is. You only need to look at the job he did at Fulham – their highest ever league finish and an appearance in the Europa League final.
When he came to West Brom, there was only one challenge and that was stay away from the relegation zone. No problem for Mr Hodgson, as he finished not only in 11th but a point above Newcastle who they gained promotion alongside. The other team who had gained promotion, Blackpool, were relegated.
The 2011/12 season started rough for West Brom, with only one league win in seven, scoring just five goals and conceding double that amount. Their two opening games didn’t do them any favours – at home to Manchester United and away at Stamford Bridge saw them beaten on both occasions 2-1. They then started to find their feet. With back to back wins against Wolves and Aston Villa, they were knocked back down to reality by back to back losses at the hands of Arsenal and Liverpool. They then only picked up 14 points from an available 36 in the following 12 games, just as many as they managed to pick up in their opening ten games.
After 22 games, more than half way through the season they sit with 22 points.
If the last ten years of the Premier League is anything to go by, then Roy Hodgson’s men need at least 38 points to be safe -the average is about 37.9 so something better than that. Let’s just say 38 though, to be safe. That’s 13 points needed in their next 16 matches, just as little as four victories and a draw and they stay up.
With Roy Hodgson in charge, I firmly believe that they will yet again be safe and for the first time in their entire existence will be back for a third consecutive season in the Premier league next season – since it’s revamp. It’s a long ride away but with Roy Hodgson sailing that ship I feel West Brom fans can relax a little easier at night knowing that, Roy’s at the helm.
Photo courtesy of wabsport.
