Nickname(s): The Baggies, The Throstles, West Brom
2008/2009 Position: 20th
2007/2008 Finish: 1st (Championship)
Coach: Tony Mowbray (England)
Stadium: The Hawthorns (28,003 capacity)
Key Players: Scott Carson, James Morrison, Roman Bednar
History:
The Baggies were founded in 1878 as the West Bromwich Strollers and they have played at the same venue, The Hawthorns, since 1900. They have only captured one championship in England’s top tier (1919/1920). In addition, they have struggled greatly since the 1980s. However, their recent stint of good play has vaulted them back in the Prem.
Being promoted is somewhat bittersweet, as your team goes from being the best in its league to one of the worst. West Brom has been bad too, dropping to the bottom of the league table and looking like this year’s Derby. Tony Mowbray, who was a legendary player for Middlesbrough, must now get the most out of his overwhelmed side.
The Baggies “club anthem” is Psalm 23, which is both odd and inappropriate for a scene where grown men are likely cursing their manager’s decisions with the Lord’s name. The team’s supporters are also known for bouncing up and down after the team scores while chanting “Boing Boing”. Even odder. Oh yeah, and they once all showed up for a game dressed as Vikings. West Brom’s fans sound fun, but strange.
Legends: W.G. Richardson, Tony Brown, Ronnie Allen
American Sports Doppelganger: The Detroit Lions
2008/2009 Prediction: 20th
