Closer to home in week five
WELCOME back to My Albion, the fans’ feature on wba.co.uk where their Baggies stories, new and old, are retold.
We have clocked up over 15,000 miles so far visiting supporters from the USA, Norway, Italy and Australia.
This week, we are making the mammoth trek of… five miles to Great Barr.
Lizzie Hayward, you are now 22-years-old, but how long have you supported the club for and what made you become an Albion fan?
I have grown up in a family of Albion fans and I was taken to my first game at the age of seven. I didn’t take much interest in football when I was younger. I only really caught the bug when Tony Mowbray took charge in the 2006/07 season. We haven’t had the same thrilling style of football since then but once you are hooked there is no going back.
How often do you get down to games?
I became a season ticket holder at the start of the 2013/14 season and I have only missed two home games since. This year I have been to plenty of away games too.
Who is the best player you have seen at The Hawthorns in your years supporting the club?
I’m obviously not old enough to remember the greats such as Tony Brown, Jeff Astle or Cyrille Regis, so I am going for my all-time favourite player, Gareth McAuley. He exceeded expectations from the off and has been possibly our most consistent player in the Premier League era.
Do you have a favourite game?
My favourite game is the 4-0 win over Sunderland under Roy Hodgson, the game after we beat Wolves 5-1. Even though I was lucky enough to be at the 5-5 game against Manchester United and the 3-0 win over Chelsea, the Sunderland one sticks out because the atmosphere was electric, we dominated from start to finish and, of course, we scored four goals!
What makes Albion fans special in your opinion?
Our ability to moan even when everything is rosy is second to none! In all seriousness, on our day, our fans can be the loudest and best in the league. It’s definitely a special feeling when that happens.
It’s fair to say that you enjoy posting plenty of Albion related tweets. Would you consider yourself to be one of the most active supporters on social media? Do you like debating matters with other Albion fans via social media?
Famous, aren’t I? Haha! I would consider myself THE most active supporter on social media! I have even had people come up to me at games asking if I am Lizzie off Twitter. I wouldn’t say I like debating so much on social media. It can get a little bit out of hand sometimes, but airing my own opinions and hearing those of others is always enjoyable.
What is the best Albion goal you have seen at The Hawthorns?
Morgan Amalfitano’s against Cardiff a few seasons back. Simply no contest.
You have met quite a few of the players after games haven’t you? Which one have you enjoyed meeting the most?
That’s a tough one because they are all such nice lads! Probably Gareth McAuley because he is my favourite but special mentions to his younger twin, Craig Dawson. James Morrison is really nice as well.
Finally Lizzie, what does West Bromwich Albion mean to you?
Albion feels like a second family. Because of this club, I have met and made friends with some incredible people. I love the whole matchday experience too.