The next match sees the boing boing Baggies visiting Goodison. We asked the questions to Glenn, a baggie that visited www.theevertonforum.com. Glenn gives an assessment on all things Everton and WBA.
1. How did the pre-season go, results wise and performance wise for West Bromwich Albion?
Our pre-season went especially well , we played seven first team games in total and ran out winners on five occasions, the most notable victory`s coming against Derby County ( Away 2-0) and a victory against Italian outfit Bologna ( Home 2-0 ). We totalled eighteen goals scored and conceded just three, impressive statistics by anyone`s standards.
2. How do your fans feel about your activity in this summers transfer window? Are you expecting any more in or out?
This area is a major bone on contention amongst us Albion fans. I guess 34 year old Nicolas Anelka is the stand out signing, but we have also added Vydra on loan and Centre Half Diego Lugano. But the squad is still plainly thin and it is hoped that we can add some extra quality, especially in wide attacking positions, before the transfer window closes, we have been linked with Scott Sinclair for some time now and it`s our understanding that particular deal has been tied up. Victor Moses on loan is another name that is currently getting air time with Baggies fans, these two additions would be welcomed and indeed would come as a relief.Our main target this summer Soloman Kalou now appears to be dead in the water, we just don`t do 70K a week wages at the Hawthorns. I`m not expecting any other out goings and that includes Odemwingie.
3. What is the general fan consensus on your manager Steve Clarke?
Old Charlie Brown, well, it was felt last season that the Albion hot seat was Bullet Proof , some would go further and say idiot proof, because of what Roy Hodgson had achieved the two previous seasons.The jury is still out, but fans are starting to question everything – formation , tactics, team selection, new signings. He is very much under the microscope now.
Fans opinions divided on Clarke
4. After a poor result last week, can we expect a positive reaction, making for a difficult game on Saturday?
I hope so, of course, but I somehow doubt it. It wasnt just a poor result last week, it was an abject display. At Goodison and with it being your first home game, I`m expecting a backs to the wall performance from us right from the word go, I fear once you get that all important first goal, the flood gates may well open.
5. Who is going to be your key player/s for the performance of the Baggies this season?
The ubiquitous Yousseff Mulumbu. A player that come win, lose or draw without fail puts the hard yards in time and again.A lot will also rest on Ben Fosters shoulders, a keeper worth his weight in gold over the course of a season. Those two for me.
Mulumbu works hard for the team
6. Your and other fans expectations of the season?
Expectations are low, and have been for a while now, despite the good pre-season form. In fact most Baggies I speak to would be happy just to avoid the drop this season and I’m sorry to say I`d go along with that.A couple of fresh faces could of course change this and raise expectations, but that remains to be seen.
Moving on to Everton…
7. What do you make of our new manager Roberto Martinez?
Yes, I like him very much, a certain kudos about the man dare I say. A good speaker about the game, a manager that speaks with clarity. I also like his work in the technical area during the 90 minutes, always encouraging and cajoling the troops, a performance in itself.
8. How do you think we’ll fare this season and where do you reckon we’ll finish?
Can you hang onto Baines and Fellani? the million dollar question. If you can I see a finish around 7th for you, along with a new brand of football under Martinez.
9. If you could have one member of the Everton squad in your West Brom side, who would it be and why?
A bit Leftfield I know, but I like what I see of Victor Anichebe. Pace and Power, looks a real handful and raw with it , any chance of a loan?
Glenn would like Anichebe at WBA
The match…
10. Which Everton player/s do you think will trouble your team the most on Saturday?
Well, you`ve a few, but the way Baines can influance a game so much and so positively from Left Back is a credit to him.I dont see any other Left Back doing what he does in the League and I include Ashley Cole in that comment.
11. And who should we be watching out for from the visitors?
If we are going to get anything from this game, then Mulumbu will be the player to steer us in the right direction.His never say die attitude is the heart beat of this Albion team, a player that can grab a game by the scruff of the neck and drag the rest of the team kicking and screaming with him – in footballing terms, he has balls bigger than King Kong.
12. Finally, predictions?
A poor away day for The Albion. 3-0 Everton, and the early season pressure starting to crank up an extra notch on our Charlie Brown…Opps, I mean Mr Clarke