Historic Albion News & Woodman Corner Scoreboard details for Hawthorns anniversary match

Details for the Woodman Corner scoreboard appearing on the big screen, as well as the special Hawthorns-dedicated edition of Albion News, have been finalised ahead of Saturday's anniversary fixture. 

What they would’ve given in the 1900s for the modern, technological amenities we utilise today when operating scoreboards at football stadiums. 

Well, to provide a sense of what it was like when smart phones weren't around to check the scores of games elsewhere, Albion will display a replica of the old scoreboard on the big screen in the Woodman Corner, where it stood until the mid-1990s. 

This will remain on show throughout the match and the state of play in other games will be updated live as the goals go in - in-keeping with the modern world but maintaining the visual aesthetic present in the early days of our home. 

It may seem odd to see letters on the screen as opposed to the names of the teams playing, but this was common practise during the early days of the Baggies’ main venue, football as a whole, and part of the reason why everyone prioritised buying a matchday programme. 

Each letter between A-S relates to a game taking place on Saturday afternoon, while H and V (home and visitors) is, of course, focused on events at The Hawthorns. 

This weekend's Albion News has insight from past and present players, as well as plenty of nostalgia centred around the Shrine. 

Northern Ireland and Baggies legend Chris Brunt recounts his first experience of The Hawthorns from 2007 and how, after eventually being granted access to the stadium, he went on to enjoy three promotions in B71 and make a number of unforgettable memories at Albion's home arena. 

Chief among those being the roar he received from the Brummie Road End after netting that famous Southampton equaliser in 2007 which secured promotion to the promised land. 

Another left footer in Alex Mowatt has been speaking about his, and the current Albion players' motivation levels ahead of Saturday's "special" anniversary clash with the Rams. 

Like Brunt, the Yorkshireman has enjoyed positive moments in front of the club's Brummie Road stand since his move to the Black Country in 2021 - bagging his first goal in navy-blue-and-white against Sheffield United there under the lights during a memorable 4-0 win on home soil. 

The 30-year-old tells Albion News he's excited to experience the atmosphere when the ball gets rolling at The Hawthorns this weekend, and is determined to try and make it a memorable one for supporters. 

Groundsmen Rob Lane and Dave Beard, who are responsible for maintaining the pristine condition of the Baggies' home, are also involved - looking back on their astonishing 70 years of combined service in B71 and the evolution of the ground. 

While plenty of focus remains on the here and now, the Shrine's early days and history couldn't be ignored in this 100-page bumper edition of the programme. 

Pieces vary and intrigue regarding several characters and poignant historical moments which have shaped the club's home stadium; including the first goalscorer at The Hawthorns (Steve Bloomer), the opening game against our upcoming opponents back in 1900, the league history of our stadium, and so much more!

Albion News will be available in all the usual places around the Shrine ahead of Saturday's anniversary match (outside the Astle Gates, Halfords Lane and Smethwick Road End) on matchdays, as well as in the Club Shop at the price of £5 per copy).

Supporters can pre-order a copy ahead of the match from the Curtis Sport website here.