Interviews

Field on ballboy experience

SAM Field harks back to Albion's infamous 5-5 draw against Manchester United in 2013, a game which saw him play ball-boy for his boyhood club.

It's been quite a rise for Sam, whose Premier League journey will come full circle should he feature against United on Sunday. Indeed, the fairytale of 'ball-boy to first-team Baggie' is one oft untold.

The youngster, and boyhood Albion supporter, joked he was "more fan than ball-boy" as the Baggies snatched a 5-5 draw against the then Premier League Champions in what was Sir Alex Ferguson's last game at the Red helm.

"I was probably more fan than ball-boy to be honest!" Sam smiled. "I think I was in the Brummie Road End. But I don't remember collecting the ball, just cheering along when we scored so it's a great memory."

The notion of being starstruck by Manchester's finest was laughable for Field, who admits he was "more in awe of the West Brom players" - one of whom, Romelu Lukaku, makes his return to The Hawthorns at the weekend.

"I was more in awe of the West Brom players to be honest. I'd always wanted to play for West Brom so I remember it was Lukaku, Mulumbu, players like that.

"It was probably the best game I've ever witnessed live! It was unbelievable - I think we went 3-0 down, then 5-2 down and we came back twice. I don't think many teams have done that against them. The atmosphere that day was just great."

Could he reach the heights of those much-decorated United stars? Many are tipping Sam for a glittering career in the Game. But the man himself insists he'll remain "mellow" in his quest to reach the top.

"I don't read much into that. I'm pretty mellow and pretty dull in my eyes! I'd like my career to go as far as I can push it but I just take it day by day and keep working hard to try and improve."

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