Oppositions Season Thoughts: West Brom

Last updated : 12 June 2009 By Dan Buxton

How did your season go? Did West Brom finish where you expected them to?
Our season was a nightmare. From the end of last season when the club turned down a civic ceremony and a parade to celebrate our first league championship for 80-odd years; on to Phillips and Gera - arguably our best two players - and finally on to finishing bottom it's been one to forget.

Before the season started the majority of fans believed our 'style' under Mowbray would be better suited than our previous attempts at survival. However once again our Chairman failed to back the manager and the rest they say is history.

Who was West Brom's player of the year?
There's not too many to be honest. Gianni Zuiverloon started really brightly but faded. Morrison and Koren were probably our most consistent players, although Chris Brunt finished really strongly when he was shifted to the right flank.

Who were the best players you saw play against West Brom?
All of the stand-out players really. John Carew caused us all-sorts of problems at The Hawthorns and our ex-keeper, Chris Kirkland, single-handedly - excuse the pun - helped Wigan to a win when we battered them for 80-odd minutes.

Which, if any, Stoke players impressed you this season?
Fuller had a pretty good campaign.  Scored some valuable goals for you.  We lacked a goalscorer throughout and his, and Beattie's goals towards the end of the season, easily kept you up. 

What are your thoughts on Stoke City?
You are our boggy team so I'm not going to give you too many plaudits!  However you stayed up and we didn't so congratulations.  You may find it more difficult if ever Rory Delap is injured though...

Where do you need to strengthen this summer?
It all depends who goes. We certainly need a true goalscorer and could do with a right sided midfielder, a centre midfielder, new left back with Robinson and Cech departing, a right back, possibly a centre-half/right back. All over.

Who'll be on their way out?
Tony Mowbray for a start! It seems likely he'll leave for Celtic now so that'll be a major loss. Our chairman reckons we don't have to sell anybody so hopefully our 'star' players will still be with us starting next season. I can see Olsson, Brunt, Morrison and possibly Koren being sold to strenghten.

West Brom's best 11 of the season?

Kiely (although he only played 3 games)
Zuiverloon - Olsson - Martis - Cech
Brunt - Dorrans - Koren - Morrison
Bednar - Fortune

Iain Bate is editor of West Bromwich Albion Mad