Club News

Baggie Shorts 24.10.14

Behind the scenes at the Baggies

PLEASE give a rousing round of applause to welcome the second edition of BAGGIE SHORTS, our fresh sideways-look behind the scenes at all things Albion.

To kick matters off, take our word for it – this is a Baggies star like you’ve never seen before. But who?

And why?

Find out next week



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If nothing else, Neil Warnock understands just how football works.

Back in the promotion season of 2001/2, some four months before the ‘Battle of Bramall Lane’, Warnock brought his Sheffield United side to the Albion. It was a grim encounter, enlivened by the dismissal of Albion old boy Shane Nicholson ten minutes from time with the scores at 0-0.

Even then, there was still time for us to get ‘Warnocked’, Carl Asaba duly popping up with an injury-time winner.

Back then, the press box was in the midst of the seats in Halfords Lane, the back row occupied by the radio stations. We had the aisle seat in that row and after the game, publications editor Dave Bowler was typing out a match report. 

Dave became aware of a figure hovering over his shoulder. 

“United were fortunate? Bad refereeing decisions?”

It was Warnock, on his way to talk to Radio Sheffield.

Dave stopped and looked up. “It’s for the Albion website. And Gary Megson reads it.”

Warnock looked at Dave and a flicker of compassion flashed across his face.

“Fair enough lad. Carry on.”

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The Albion Foundation threw a celebration to mark the second year in their school premises on Brasshouse Lane - just half a mile away from The Hawthorns.

The BBC cameras were in town to film the events on the day, with the final product due to be aired on Match of the Day 2 at 10.30pm this Sunday.

Make sure you tune in to see how Liam O’Neil handled the pressure of taking on a Guinness World Record and also what fun activities Craig Gardner was asked to participate in.

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Cardiff fan John Bullock will be attending tomorrow's game against Crystal Palace.

Why, we hear you ask?

John was taken ill during last season's game between Albion and the Welsh club.

He was treated in the away end before being transferred to the treatment room and tended to by paramedics Jon Wonnal and Ruth Hill after suffering a cardiac arrest and artery collapse.

John, who will be at the game with partner Debra Lewis and Dr Derek Connelly, will meet the paramedics who saved his life and also be a guest in the Tony Brown Suite.

We also welcome John Sadler, who came to his first game in 1938 as a 14-year-old and celebrates his 90th birthday. Many happy returns to John.

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Cyrille Regis was back in town yesterday. The Albion legend was at The Hawthorns to speak about the forthcoming Laurie Cunningham biopic.

The film is still awaiting funding but the producers Roker37 – who produced ‘The Class of 92’ -  are hopeful of the project being greenlighted.

Perhaps Jason Roberts, involved as an associate producer, could assume the role of uncle Cyrille?

Ron Atkinson? None other than James Corden has been mentioned. 

But what of the main man? Rapper-turned-actor Ashley Walters has expressed an interest to play Laurie Cunningham, as has US actor Anthony Mackie.

Regis’ interview with BBC Midlands Today, who also spoke to Brendon Batson today, should be screened tonight.

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A big shout-out to our ladies team for their big derby clash against Wolves this Sunday (kick-off 2pm).

Sporting Club Albion Ladies will be taking on the old rivals at Halesowen Town’s ground, The Grove.

Entry for adults is £3 and £1 for concessions. Albion are seventh in the FA Women’s Premier League, with Wolves currently bottom of the table.

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And last but certainly not least, the answer to Brendon Batson’s broken toe tale in the Wednesday’s inaugural edition of BAGGIE SHORTS.

It was a) Martyn Bennett.

Congrats to those of you out there who got it correct. Give yourselves a pat on the back.

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See you all next time! BoingBoing