Childhood Albion fan Izzy Green always looks towards matches at The Hawthorns with an incredible amount of excitement.
Whether playing on the pitch or watching from the terraces, the 21-year-old knows there’s a lot to love about the Baggies’ home, where the club will continue its 125th-anniversary celebrations with a dedicated match at the stadium on Sunday against Derby County.
Green was part of that first Albion Women team to play at the Shrine over four years ago now, in which they also played against Derby, and after leading the team out as captain in their most recent game there against Sporting Khalsa - she’s excited for another “memorable” occasion.
She said: “It’s always a massive occasion for the players and coaching staff. I’m a massive Baggies fan, so it’s always an honour to step out onto the pitch in front of all of the fans - it’s a special day for us all.
“My family and I go and watch the men’s team play at The Hawthorns. I remember walking up the steps, taking up our seats in the stands, and it’s always special.
“There’s always been players I’ve enjoyed watching. I loved watching Chris Brunt, then slightly more recently, Dwight Gayle and Harvey Barnes when they were both here on loan. I loved all of those players when they were here.
“When we first played at The Hawthorns all those years ago, it was so surreal, a real pinch me moment. I couldn’t believe that it had happened, even after the game.
“To get the win and the three points was really good. The first goal was incredibly special; we wanted to win the game and give the fans something to cheer about, who came down to support us.
“It’s an amazing memory, and it’s something that’ll stay with me for a long time. It didn’t feel like it was happening; we couldn’t believe we were going to play there. Until we actually got there and we walked out, we didn’t see it as real.
“Most recently, it was an honour to lead the team out at The Hawthorns. It’s a proud moment for my family and me.
“We were all so proud, and I was lost for words when I was told about leading the team out. To do it at The Hawthorns was a massive honour for me.
“It’s another special occasion to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the stadium, both the women's and the men’s team played their first games there against Derby. We want to mark it with three points on Sunday.”
