What are your memories...?

Stuart Hudson
In traffic driving into Bradford I put Faithless on full blast and realised that almost every car was #wba. Boinging away! Hard to believe it was 10 years ago. Was there, side stand level with the penalty spot. Tense, very tense

Dudleyredcowfc
how long was it for that peno to be taken i was panning it so god nose what went through igor balis head great day memories

Dave Chall
remember drivin bck Baggie bird head out sunroof wouldn't happen now though more professional & no sunroof in car anymore

Mark Meddings
Remember watching Soccer Saturday. Ran out of the house when Jeff said it was a #WBA pen. Wife appeared mins later.......and told me we'd scored. Heard huge cheers from the street!

Mike Baggies
First game was in 1967 & this was the best and most nerve racking 5 minutes I've ever spent watching my BAGG1ES #magic

Stevelknievel
My Mum couldn't bear to watch it so was facing the other way. Know she wasn't the only one - never known tension like it. 1 of best moment watching Albion over last 30 odd years.

Tommy Farr
I inexplicably missed this as I was in Amsterdam for my 21st! Watched it in a freezing cold Dam Square on TV!

David Homer
I was there and the first one on the pitch. Any possible fine or repercussions were not considered at this time!

David Rowberry
Was in top tier directly behind goal. Perfect view of pen. Spent most of last 10 mins looking over at the clock! #wba #igor

Alex Woolridge
I was at the hawthorns watching @Slates10 and ole playing footie!! They played the pen over the loud speakers!!What a day!!

Nikki Timmis
this has to be I think my favourite #WBA memory!!

Daniel Hewitt
My favourite Albion moment. Never fails to make hairs stand on end

Dorothy Lepkowska
I was in a aisle seat and was flung to the ground by an enraptured fan in a sheepskin coat as the pen went in.

Fabrize Tracanna
I still shake everytime I see that.One of the best memories ever whilst watching the Albion.Don't remember the night though!

Stuart Painter
still makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck what a day ..Get Igor back for 1 more chant of his name Igor Igor Igor

Andrew Freeman
remember it like it was yesterday, unbelievable day, my dad couldn't bring himself to watch the penalty been taken

Parsnip
Big Dave Afros,sat in a queue of over 60 coaches after match,still wearing the same socks when we need the points! Igor!!! I still get butterflies when I watch the penalty on you tube!

Dean Walton
great memories, apparantly Igor had never mentioned that he took the penalties for Slovakia!!

Neil Williams
wasn't there sadly but remember my celebration being so loud & profanity filled I upset neighbours - from a detached house.

Adam Townsend
I was sitting in a car park in Lowestoft with my dad listening to it on radio. Me and my dad danced round the car park! Oddly, I'd never watched that goal until just. Dunno why, probably had some superstitious reason to it. My heart's pounding!

Al Sherwood
yep I was there in the side stand, mom had asthma attack, guy in front fell and broke his nose and I invaded the pitch!

David Bowater
I remember us missing penalty after penalty and then finding that Balis took penalties for Slovakia

Keith Jasper
unbelievable memory and that iconic flat cap

sarahlucyWBAprice
still turns my stomach. (Never watch penalties). Spilt my hot choc over the back of the guy in front of me.

Jane Young
one of my greatest football memories ever. Grown men crying. So emotional!!

Marshall McDonald
As a seven year old I didn't understand what it fully meant although I shook all through the game on my seat...So as Balis got the penalty my dad and cousin couldn't actually bring them self to watch. Best ever season with the Albion.

Rajiv Desai ‏
Living in Oxford at the time. Not a religious man as you well know but I actually asked for spiritual help before Igor took the penalty (in other words got on my knees and prayed!!!) Only told that to a few people given my atheist leanings

Mike Reed
listening on interweb & phoned mate when pen awarded. "why are you putting me through this?" "WHO?!" Then screams of joy x2!

Will Mann
Brings tears to my eyes. Was an agonising wait for the pen while Super Bob was being treated. #igor #wba

Nick Elvins
Great memories of the game, which still give me goose bumps and we've come a long way since then as well. Boing boing!

Ally Allen
first WBA goal I can remember, will always be my favourite one too.

RichHolly68
was in the home end, me & my pal can be seen dancing in the aisle at full time

Hitendra
I had to turn my back and pray when Ivor stepped up given how many we already missed that season

Sam Newbrook
running down the street to my mates playing football and trying to explain to all the Man Utd fans how much it means

Hannah B
Was in the upper tier. Cried as soon as we were given the pen & didn't stop for the rest of the day!remember it like yesterday. Dad was tearful before the game even started, let alone when the pen happened!Has it really been 10 years..

Chocker Chumpy
Sat with my gob shut for 91mins in their main stand only to find out that those around me had been similarly mute #allwba. That was the day we really went up. Palace was just a formality.

Ashley Smith
I can safely say I didn't end up in bed early. I did however fall asleep on the bar of a nightclub at about 1am

Jack Wheatley
my uncle stood up in the middle of a quiet restraunt and shouted 'IGOR IGOR IGOR' and boinged as he was asked to leave

Richard Anderson
still got the Bradford shirt purchased from JJB sports to go in the home end!

Andy Holt
I ran out of the back of the stand as I couldn't watch the pen. Bob took so long to get treated I did see it though! I was that drained after the game that although I was planning to drink I ended up home and in bed early doors!

Alex Butler
I was in the top tier that day, panicking slightly as we'd already missed like 8 pens that season. Longest 7 mins ever #igor. The wait to take it while super bob was down felt like forever

Matt Carter
that was the best away game I've ever been to!

John Eley
at the end of the Bradford game I scooped the penalty spot into my pocket. I still have it in a dish now #igor

Igor Balis speaks about that day here and you can see the goal again here

Stuart Hudson
In traffic driving into Bradford I put Faithless on full blast and realised that almost every car was #wba. Boinging away! Hard to believe it was 10 years ago. Was there, side stand level with the penalty spot. Tense, very tense

Dave Chall
remember drivin bck Baggie bird head out sunroof wouldn't happen now though more professional & no sunroof in car anymore

Mark Meddings
Remember watching Soccer Saturday. Ran out of the house when Jeff said it was a #WBA pen. Wife appeared mins later.......and told me we'd scored. Heard huge cheers from the street!

Mike Baggies
First game was in 1967 & this was the best and most nerve racking 5 minutes I've ever spent watching my BAGG1ES #magic

Stevelknievel
My Mum couldn't bear to watch it so was facing the other way. Know she wasn't the only one - never known tension like it. 1 of best moment watching Albion over last 30 odd years.

Tommy Farr
I inexplicably missed this as I was in Amsterdam for my 21st! Watched it in a freezing cold Dam Square on TV!

David Homer
I was there and the first one on the pitch. Any possible fine or repercussions were not considered at this time!

David Rowberry
Was in top tier directly behind goal. Perfect view of pen. Spent most of last 10 mins looking over at the clock! #wba #igor

Alex Woolridge
I was at the hawthorns watching @Slates10 and ole playing footie!! They played the pen over the loud speakers!!What a day!!

Nikki Timmis
this has to be I think my favourite #WBA memory!!

Daniel Hewitt
My favourite Albion moment. Never fails to make hairs stand on end

Dorothy Lepkowska
I was in a aisle seat and was flung to the ground by an enraptured fan in a sheepskin coat as the pen went in.

Fabrize Tracanna
I still shake everytime I see that.One of the best memories ever whilst watching the Albion.Don't remember the night though!

Stuart Painter
still makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck what a day ..Get Igor back for 1 more chant of his name Igor Igor Igor

Andrew Freeman
remember it like it was yesterday, unbelievable day, my dad couldn't bring himself to watch the penalty been taken

Parsnip
Big Dave Afros,sat in a queue of over 60 coaches after match,still wearing the same socks when we need the points! Igor!!! I still get butterflies when I watch the penalty on you tube!

Dean Walton
great memories, apparantly Igor had never mentioned that he took the penalties for Slovakia!!

Neil Williams
wasn't there sadly but remember my celebration being so loud & profanity filled I upset neighbours - from a detached house.

Adam Townsend
I was sitting in a car park in Lowestoft with my dad listening to it on radio. Me and my dad danced round the car park! Oddly, I'd never watched that goal until just. Dunno why, probably had some superstitious reason to it. My heart's pounding!

Al Sherwood
yep I was there in the side stand, mom had asthma attack, guy in front fell and broke his nose and I invaded the pitch!

David Bowater
I remember us missing penalty after penalty and then finding that Balis took penalties for Slovakia

Keith Jasper
unbelievable memory and that iconic flat cap

sarahlucyWBAprice
still turns my stomach. (Never watch penalties). Spilt my hot choc over the back of the guy in front of me.

Jane Young
one of my greatest football memories ever. Grown men crying. So emotional!!

Marshall McDonald
As a seven year old I didn't understand what it fully meant although I shook all through the game on my seat...So as Balis got the penalty my dad and cousin couldn't actually bring them self to watch. Best ever season with the Albion.

Rajiv Desai ‏
Living in Oxford at the time. Not a religious man as you well know but I actually asked for spiritual help before Igor took the penalty (in other words got on my knees and prayed!!!) Only told that to a few people given my atheist leanings

Mike Reed
listening on interweb & phoned mate when pen awarded. "why are you putting me through this?" "WHO?!" Then screams of joy x2!

Will Mann
Brings tears to my eyes. Was an agonising wait for the pen while Super Bob was being treated. #igor #wba

Nick Elvins
Great memories of the game, which still give me goose bumps and we've come a long way since then as well. Boing boing!

Ally Allen
first WBA goal I can remember, will always be my favourite one too.

RichHolly68
was in the home end, me & my pal can be seen dancing in the aisle at full time

Hitendra
I had to turn my back and pray when Ivor stepped up given how many we already missed that season

Sam Newbrook
running down the street to my mates playing football and trying to explain to all the Man Utd fans how much it means

Hannah B
Was in the upper tier. Cried as soon as we were given the pen & didn't stop for the rest of the day!remember it like yesterday. Dad was tearful before the game even started, let alone when the pen happened!Has it really been 10 years..

Chocker Chumpy
Sat with my gob shut for 91mins in their main stand only to find out that those around me had been similarly mute #allwba. That was the day we really went up. Palace was just a formality.

Ashley Smith
I can safely say I didn't end up in bed early. I did however fall asleep on the bar of a nightclub at about 1am

Jack Wheatley
my uncle stood up in the middle of a quiet restraunt and shouted 'IGOR IGOR IGOR' and boinged as he was asked to leave

Richard Anderson
still got the Bradford shirt purchased from JJB sports to go in the home end!

Andy Holt
I ran out of the back of the stand as I couldn't watch the pen. Bob took so long to get treated I did see it though! I was that drained after the game that although I was planning to drink I ended up home and in bed early doors!

Alex Butler
I was in the top tier that day, panicking slightly as we'd already missed like 8 pens that season. Longest 7 mins ever #igor. The wait to take it while super bob was down felt like forever

Matt Carter
that was the best away game I've ever been to!

John Eley
at the end of the Bradford game I scooped the penalty spot into my pocket. I still have it in a dish now #igor

TEN years ago today football, as we know it, was soiled. Horribly.

The Battle Of Bramall Lane.

On March 16, 2002 a professional football match involving two clubs from England's second tier was abandoned because one team ran out of the required number of players.

Five were eventually rendered unavailable, meaning six would have been left to run round the pitch, being humiliated, starved of dignity and grace. Referee Eddie Wolstenholme shook his head, blew his whistle and left us all scratching our heads.

Wolstenholme, haunted or not, quit less than two months later (Albion vs Crystal Palace was his last game in charge).

3-0 it had ended in Sheffield. Was it a result? Would it stand?

So what happened?

Goalkeeper Simon Tracey was dismissed for handling the ball outside the penalty. No complaints there.

And then Neil Warnock remembered that Georges Santos was one of his substitutes. Santos you say...That name rings a bell.

That'll be the Santos who, one year earlier, was caught by Andy Johnson's stray elbow during an aerial challenge when Sheffield United had faced Nottingham Forest (where Johnson was playing at the time). Santos suffered a double fracture of the eye socket.

The Frenchman underwent a five-and-a-half-hour operation at a Sheffield hospital to have a titanium plate inserted in his face.

Santos, having considered legal action, opted for a slightly more medieval and rudimentary retribution. No solicitors necessary.

Scott Dobie had already scored, Derek McInnes scored the best goal of his career to make it two. Dobie would net the third.

And then United made a double substitution. Off went Michael Tonge and Gus Uhlenbeek. On came Patrick Suffo and Santos.

Johnson was handed a poor pass across the box. He didn't have time to control it. Across came Santos with a two-footed lunge. The Sunday Mirror asked the next day: 'Is this the worst ever tackle?' Perhaps it was.

As players of both sides argued, Suffo launched himself into McInnes' face. Both subs red-carded within seconds of entry.

Eight versus 11 it was. Michael Brown walked off the pitch, also seemingly injured. Keith Curle, Sheffield player-coach, was making some ferocious challenges, notably on Dobie and Danny Dichio. Why? You decide.

Rob Ullathorne suffered back spasms.

In the end, Wolstenholme had no option but to call time.

Neil Warnock, who took the best part of an hour and a half to attend his post-match press conference, tried to make light of the afternoon.

One reporter, overcome with stress due to the overwhelming chaos, was physically unable to file his post-match copy. For once a 'Championship' game (or whatever the division was called back then) was making headlines. Had Twitter been around, #bobl would have been trending. It was that kind of day.

Elsewhere, tempers frayed between a Midlands-based broadcaster and a Sheffield United employee. This, for goodness sake, was the press box.

There were allegations of racial abuse towards Albion player Adam Chambers.
Again, it was that kind of day.

A memorable day. But not for the reasons you'd normally associate. No trophies, no promotion, no relegation. Just carnage. Chaos. Anarchy, even.

For those who witnessed, were involved in, or worked during the Battle of Bramall Lane, it was an amazing football match. One which lingers in the memory. It needs no spin.

Richard Littlejohn, hosting 606 on Radio Five Live, asked for fans of both clubs to call in. Forget Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and co.

Clive Stapleton, Albion vice-chairman, went on air to express his disgust. Gary Megson, strident and bullish, had no intention of a replay.

United's board members were apologising, or, at least trying to justify the behaviour. Derek Dooley, ex-Sheffield Wednesday player and a close friend of the Megson family, was chairman of the Blades. Those close to him claim the relationship between the two families was never the same again.

One United coach called Megson to apologise for his side's behaviour. Santos and Suffo were moved on.

The three points were awarded to Albion.

Baggies chairman Paul Thompson, who spent a good 10 minutes trying to find FA headquarters - amusingly PT could not find the actual building and wandered from one office block to the next, cupping his hands against windows to try to establish his bearings - finally found out that Albion's 3-0 victory would be rubber-stamped.

Warnock was eventually cleared of a charge of improper conduct by an FA disciplinary panel.

He was found guilty, though, of a minor charge of misconduct pertaining to the match, in relation to his behaviour towards the fourth official, and given a reprimand of a £300 fine.

United were fined £10,000 with Curle, Santos and Suffo all punished individually for their parts in the debacle.

Santos was found guilty of a reckless tackle and handed a two-match ban, on top of the four matches he missed as a result of his sending-off. However, allegations of a tunnel bust-up involving Santos were not proven.

Curle admitted improper conduct in an incident involving a match official and was fined £500 and given a two-match ban. Suffo was found guilty of violent conduct. He was fined £3,000 and banned for three games in addition to the three-match suspension already completed.

And then came the final twist. United offered Albion, by then newly-promoted to the Premier League, a chance of a pre-season friendly in summer 2002.

One would imagine Albion boss Megson, shy and retiring as he was and still is, probably offered a two-word reply to that request.

By the way, here's another thought: the BOBL game was called off on 82 minutes, with an 'angry' Albion leading 3-0 against a depleted United side. Just imagine how much injury time and how many more goals Albion might have rattled in....

Want to know what the fuss was about? Check it out for yourself here .

IT all started back in October when two Wolves fans Christened the Hawthorns pitch in their own classy manner.

In the return fixture dozen or so men clad in Albion kit then took the proverbial to give Mick McCarthy one giant final flush.

So quite what Wolves fans make of their club's actions during the past fortnight is perhaps beyond comprehension, or words. Certainly words suitable for publication.

But what of Albion?

Let me jog your memory.

"The average lifespan of a manager or head coach is 13 months...so if you're not prepared for the possibility of change, you're not really taking your responsibility seriously."

Remember this?

It's an extract from an interview with Albion's sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth in the club's matchday programme back in October 2009.

Ashworth added: "All through last season, I identified and tracked some potential candidates and did reports on them, similar to the way in which we do player reports.

"We looked at how their teams set up, their results, was their style of play conducive to the players we've got and the way the supporters expect us to play? We didn't want to go from one extreme to the other."

At the time, the very suggestion that Albion might be already looking for Roberto Di Matteo's successor was derided by some, implying that it undermined the Italian.

Balderdash.

It's called forward planning - the kind of forward planning lacking elsewhere. Witness the hapless pursuit of a Villa manager back in the summer. Steve McClaren not popular with the fans? Ok, so let's appoint someone even less popular - after the bloke at Wigan (yes, Wigan) has turned us down.

And as for Wolves... well.

Bruce, Curbishley, McDermott have been spoken to. Walter Smith has been asked. Even Dave Jones has been sounded out.

So what are Wolves looking for? A firefighter? A modern-thinking coach? A pragmatist? An innovator? A senior statesman? Or even someone who failed them ultimately - Jones was sacked remember - when he was last manager at the club?

Who knows?

Meanwhile, over at B71 the search for Hodgson's successor continues. That replacement might be needed this summer. He might be required beyond. Preparation is key.

The managerial job of any football club is its nuclear briefcase. You need someone ready and willing in case the President gets lost at sea - not just those within his own team, but candidates outside too.

It's about due diligence. And Albion, by doing their homework now, are ensuring there should be no slip-ups when that day comes.

Jeremy Peace has got it right in recent times. He's looked outside of the box and got the right man, whether by design or not.

Not many would have replaced a manager of the gravitas of Bryan Robson - the fans might not have rated him, but the players did very highly - with a guy who had done a decent job at Hibernian but was raw and new to English club management. Tony Mowbray did more than ok. Ironically, the alternative was Alex McLeish.

Alan Irvine was close to replacing Mowbray when he left in 2009. Albion had a lucky escape there.

Roberto Di Matteo, however, more than fulfilled the brief. From memory he was about 40-1 when the market opened after Mowbray's exit to Celtic.

Again, a break from the norm - but it came from within the club, as Ashworth explained.

Back in October 09, he continued: "Once we knew Tony was going, we were well ahead of the game, we had a list that we'd been tracking for any months and Roberto was amongst those names. I saw MK Dons two or three times last season, a 0-0 draw at Peterborough where they played 4-3-3 playing open, attractive football.

"He got a lot of plaudits last season for their success on a low budget, reaching the play-offs, and he was very much in our minds as we set about what was an interesting process to find Tony's successor. I'm convinced we got the right man for the job in the end. He's made a great start but we're still less than a quarter of the way through the season so nobody is getting carried away with anything."

Let's hope Ashworth allowed himself to get slightly carried away by the time Albion got promoted a few months later. I would like to think Albion's sporting and technical director did the odd cartwheel at the Emirates when they won 3-2.

Hodgson's appointment was fortuitous in many respects. Albion had a decent selection to choose from. Sam Allardyce was a non-starter but, nevertheless, was available. Chris Hughton was close but wanted to bring his entourage. Expensive. Ashworth, meanwhile, did enough to keep Hodgson sweet following an initial first round of talks between the eventual manager and the club's board. The veteran boss was convinced Albion was the right job, the Baggies sold him a package which suited all parties and the whole process was rubber-stamped with great efficiency and utter professionalism.

The Baggies might not always land their first choice, but there is a clear structure in place.

The success of Albion's model has been noted elsewhere - it has emerged that one Championship club is looking into a similar structure having been inspired by the Baggies' Modus Operandi.

So while dithering continues elsewhere, Albion continue to lead the way in the West Midlands.

Albion will know what to do should Hodgson leave this summer.

Even if he doesn't go just yet, you would imagine they'll be prepared for when he finally does.

BOBBY Gould.

Yes, that one. The ex-Albion boss. Former Wolves (and Albion) striker.

You might bump into him this Sunday.

The extrovert 65-year-old is the latest VIP participant for the pre-Wolves vs Albion March To Molineux.

But with a difference.

The 'Gouldfather' won't so much be walking...more running the entire 10.5miles, to be exact.

And he intends showing allegiance to both clubs, wearing an Albion top for half of the course and a Wolves shirt for the remainder.

Gould said: "When I heard about this walk and thought back to the happy times I had at the two clubs, I just decided on the spur of the moment that I wanted to be there.

"I know I've been living down here in Portishead for the last 30-odd years and had better make all this conditional on us not being snowed in this weekend. But I'm looking forward greatly to joining in.

"You would struggle to find a better cause than the Acorns Children's Hospice and I will love being among the fans of the two clubs again.

"I plan to run the first half of the course in an Albion top and the second half in a Wolves shirt. And I will be staying on to watch the game afterwards.

"I run most days of the week anyway. It will be brilliant to have an extra purpose this time with something at the end of it all.

"I'm old enough for my bus pass now, so I'm not sure what my time will be."

The former Welsh boss wasn't the most popular manager at The Hawthorns - kids, best ask your dad - but was well received when he returned in November, 2010, for a meeting with Albion Supporters Club members following the launch of his autobiography 24 Carat Gould.

Also due to be taking part in Sunday's walk, which is being started from The Hawthorns' Astle Gates at 9am by Brendon Batson MBE and former Wolves and Albion striker Cyrille Regis MBE, are Mel Eves and the former Baggies duo of Ian Hamilton and Derek Monaghan.

Fans from both clubs are taking part and anyone else who wishes to do support the effort either as a sponsor or a walker can make contact with the organisers by ringing Kieren Caldwell on 07548-748959, by emailing him at walkforacorns@gmail.com or through
http://www.facebook.com/events/318434308197578 and
http://www.justgiving.com/teams/MarchToMolineux

For more information on Acorns Children's Hospice, please go here

ALBION or Wolves.

There will be only one winner this Sunday.

It will be masterminded by Baggies fan Kieren Caldwell and assisted by a group of 50-or-so football supporters - from both sides of the A41 divide -and aided by at least six ex-footballers.

You might hear or see it referred to as the March To Molineux.

Kieren and friends will be marching from The Hawthorns to Molineux on the morning of this Sunday's 1.30pm kick-off.

Ceremoniously collecting the matchball from the centre circle, at 8.30am, the walkers will be joined by ex-heroes of both clubs, notably Cyrille Regis, Brendon Batson, Mel Eves, Ian Hamilton and Derek Monaghan.

On a serious note, there is good reason for this 10.5-mile trek.

Kieren is raising money for Acorns Children's Hospice.

His daughter Emma was diagnosed with a brain tumour at 13-months old.

The nature of the tumour has necessitated 18 months of chemotherapy and at least five operations.

Emma is now three-years-old and making progress.

Kieren now hopes the occasion of a local derby will bring fans together to help raise funds.

"This is a unique event and for a great cause," said Kieren.

"Acorns provide vital care for kids with life threatening or life limiting illnesses but also offer parents' respite care.

"When something like this hits you, you're running around, trying to do this, that, and rushing all over the place.

"Everything else takes a back seat. But Acorns looked after Emma on an occasional basis to give us some normality in our lives.

"We wanted to put something back and this is a great chance - a big derby game, it's good to do something positive than can unite both sets of fans."

The walkers will also be joined by Ian Marrey, whose son Jude has also received care from Acorns.

So if you do see the fans marching from B71 to WV1 then please give them your backing and support.

And let's hope their limbs aren't aching too much by the time they reach Molineux - not least as they have the matchball...

Anyone wishing to join: walkforacorns@gmail.com

To make a donation: www.justgiving.com/walkforacorns.

For more information on Acorns: http://www.acorns.org.uk/

HAPPY New Year. And so it should be.

For Albion, 2012 could be one of the best 12 months of their modern history.

But, let's face it, this one has not been bad either.

A highest top flight finish for some three decades, the appointment of Roy Hodgson, victories over Wolves and Villa (twice). If it isn't remembered fondly now, then it will one day.

But what next?

This coming year Albion can move onto new levels.

And the first stage of that must begin from Sunday - not the visit of Everton, more the opening of the transfer window.

I, like others, was critical of the club's decision to allow certain fringe players to leave during the summer.

I felt it left Albion vulnerable once injuries kicked in. But the cynics like myself have been proven wrong. So far, at least.

Billy Jones and Gareth McAuley have been inspired finds based on what we've seen - a nod to Dan Ashworth's excellent and diligent scouting network.

Ben Foster and Shane Long have improved the team - Zoltan Gera would have too. Craig Dawson definitely will.

And has anyone seen Owen Hargreaves since he smashed one in against Blues in a Carling Cup game? No loss there.

Recent games have seen the Roy Hodgson stamp. Organisation, shape, defensive drills.

Players may not always be inspired by repetition, re-visiting the same old scene but it's working. Let's face it, there are worse ways to earn your money.

I challenge anyone to pick out a more disciplined performance this season than Albion's against Manchester City. Even Alan Shearer was moved to comment.

And what Hodgson didn't do throughout the year is neglect the materials left by Roberto Di Matteo. He simply took a cloth and a tin of Brasso to certain bits.

Yet 2012 is pivotal for different reasons.

In the coming weeks, Albion can put down a marker for their immediate future.

Football's New Year sales are a notoriously difficult market place. Prices go up, Jim White's make-up starts to run down his face and the chairmen of certain clubs terrified of losing their Charlie Adams tend to drop their phones into their bath before unplugging the fax machines. The word 'understands' becomes a password used in a vain attempt to validate any given gossip from an agent (the old password was 'Willie Mckay', by the way - case sensitive where appropriate)

The Baggies traditionally top up with low-fee signings, free-transfers and loan deals.

Their last signing for cash during a January was Nigel Quashie in 2006 - and don't we remember that fondly? - though they were close with Victor Moses in 2010.

Yet with a little calculated and measured investment, Albion could still recruit wisely. The recent run of good form shouldn't mask the fact that Albion are still a little shy in certain areas.

This period is crucial to all at B71.

Villa's decline over the last two years and Wolves' slow progress presents a wonderful opportunity for Albion to establish themselves as the leading light in the West Midlands.

This, by the way, shouldn't be deemed merely as a cosmetic gesture to wind up your friends down the pub.

There are huge potential commercial spin-offs from being the region's top-placed club. We live in difficult times. Austerity and gloom continues to choke us all. At a time where Albion are considering the feasibility of stand redevelopment, the potential to bring in more supporters on lower priced tickets is considerable. The areas along the Midland Metro route have seen a rise in Eastern European immigrants - indeed some have already tapped into their new 'local' club judging by some of the barstool language I heard from a group of middle-aged Poles after a recent Baggies match. All were decked out in club merchandise of some sort. It's four more supporters than Albion had before 2004. And there could be more out there, waiting to decide where their allegiance should lie.

But, most importantly of all, and this is what it's really about, that extra little push in January might just be enough to convince Roy Hodgson that Albion is a project worth sticking with - not least as he enters the final few months of his current contract. That would surely be the best outcome for all.

Happy New Year to you all.

The outpouring of raw emotion was understandable.

Five games, three points.

Twitter, hashtag wba, was overcome on Saturday teatime.

The call for 451, 4231, 4411 - call it what you like - has prompted much nodding of the head in agreement.

But let's step back and consider the facts.

Did Albion look better playing the 4231 which served them so well last season? Undoubtedly, yes. Albion's strengths lie in midfield. They perform with a fluid-like cohesion when they play with a No10 sat behind a striker. It suits the defensive midfielders, it helps the wingers. It's a formation made for Graham Dorrans or a Somen Tchoyi to fill that attacking midfield role. (This season, when used, Tchoyi has occupied a territory further up the field).

All of this is true. Or, at least, it would be if we were to play football from a text book. In practice are we being a little too simplistic?

Did Albion really lose four of their first five games because of their formation, shape or system?

- The Manchester United defeat came from the failure to close down Ashley Young. Two unlucky deflections later and Albion have conceded a late own-goal.

- At Chelsea, was it the failure to play a five man midfield when Somen Tchoyi failed to reach, and convert, Shane Long's cross when Albion were 1-0 up? Not really. Nor was the formation to blame for James Morrison and Nicky Shorey allowing Nicolas Anelka to nip past them en route to Chelsea's winning goal.

- Again, versus Stoke, if Ben Foster claims the ball and isn't subjected to a high leg from Shotton, then Albion should pick up a decent point. No formation issues there. Was Ben Foster tested otherwise? Not really.

- Finally, versus Swansea? Would a five man midfield have made a huge amount of difference when the goals came as a result of a reckless challenge, dreadful marking and two players combining to get the better of Jonas Olsson and Nicky Shorey? Maybe a different formation would have changed the landscape of a game - the Baggies were certainly static and lacking sparkle. It was like watching Capello's England lumbering around the field in South Africa last summer. Hindsight will prompt endless discussion and debate, but given that eight/nine outfield Albion players turned out such awful individual performances then you'd have a compelling argument to argue that the system would have been irrelevant, either way.

When the fixtures came out in June, I made a somewhat downbeat prediction that Albion would struggle to gain more than 4-6 points from their first five matches. But for Ben Foster's error against Stoke, they could have four points. To play the two best sides of last season in the opening games, followed by a Stoke side who perennially overachieve against Albion and to conclude that batch of games with away trips to two of the promoted sides (still euphoric from last season) was a tough ask. There were no home bankers, no games against last season's mid-table fodder to ease them into their rhythm. Villa and Wolves - they had a decent set of matches to call upon. Albion, not so. On paper, this was probably Albion's hardest start to any Premier League season.

In any case, the questions over a four man/five midfield will continue, certainly until results improve. Roy Hodgson, who knows his players better than most, has generally preferred playing four men in midfield and two strikers - although he did recently admit that he was aware of Albion's strengths in the middle. Whether he continues with that system remains to be seen. They looked more convincing last season, no arguments there.

In the meantime, while Albion players continue to make fundamental individual errors (as against Man Utd, Chelsea, Stoke, Swansea) and produce flat performances (Norwich and, more so, Swansea), the tinkering of the team's shape will make minimal difference.

One thing is clear, Albion's poor form is down to just more than team shape.

Players, ultimately, decide games.

HE arrived on this very day 10 years ago.

Big Dave.

Like Bomber or Super Bob before him there is a certain exclusivity attached to the name when you're in or around the Hawthorns.

Full names, let alone surnames aren't necessary - you know exactly who I'm on about.

Whether or not he was Gary Megson's best-ever signing for the club is one to discuss over a pint. But surely nobody epitomises that Albion era better than Moore.

A warrior, a footballing and defensive giant.

On his arrival, Moore could have been excused for bringing along some symbolic scissors to perform the ceremonial unveiling of a team which was to eventually win promotion with such an emphatic finish to the season. Moore's signing meant that Megson's side was no longer 'under construction'.

A Baggies defence has seldom dovetailed as well since.

Moore marshalled a record-breaking defence which was to keep 27 clean sheets and thrust him into the PFA divisional team of the year.

Big Dave - his name taken from character in a Pot Noodle TV commercial at the time - made only 106 appearances for Albion. But it was the charm, grace and dignity he brought, and still brings, which makes him different to other players.

Albion fans will, of course, have their own Moore memory.

It might be the opening goal in the 2-0 promotion-clinching win over Crystal Palace or the manner in which Wolves' Shaun Newton was bounced out of a heated melee by Moore during a Black Country derby in November 2001.

There are others - a 45-yard consolation strike in a defeat at Rotherham, his remarkable restraint when baited by young Evertonian scamp Wayne Rooney (though I suspect he would get his own back in some form or shape), or the very fact that he was the first player to score an Albion winner in the top flight for 16 years.

Mine, personally, comes after he left. Moore showed class and used restraint before and, especially, after the 2007 Championship Play Off Final when, as a Derby player, he applauded Albion fans before the game and refused to indulge in any celebrations after the Rams' victory. While the white shirts around him danced, cheered and joined in festivities, Moore kept his thoughts low-key.

He revealed several months later in a Birmingham Mail interview that he was somewhat anguished by the occasion and had not enjoyed the build-up to that game. He had mixed feelings after the match.

On what should have been a special day for him, he was still thinking of others.

Typical.

Ten years have passed since he pitched up for £750,000 from Portsmouth.

These days, Moore is afforded iconic status by Albion. He's an Albion institution - he even has his own bar at The Hawthorns.

And then there is all of his charity and community work. He's an ambassador, not only for football, but for common decency.

His presence might be gracing Burton Albion these days, but his heart remains very much at another Albion, much closer to home.

You do have to wonder what Roy Hodgson is thinking this morning.

Albion yesterday took a gamble with their immediate future.

Three defenders out - one who can be recalled after 28 days - with no players arriving.

A few years ago Albion gambled too. They lost. Robert Earnshaw missed the team bus to Charlton because he had agreed a move to Norwich just three hours before the January window shut in 2006. Geoff Horsfield was waved off to Sheffield United a few weeks later. The two strikers were not replaced.

Yes, there were other reasons for the club's demise. But, in essence, those departures didn't help. Albion were struggling for goals at the time- it was a weakness.

Which makes it all the more bizarre that the Baggies should skim three members of their defence when the backline deficiencies are an issue.

James Hurst was understandable. He can return after 28 days should Albion want him.
Pablo Ibanez and Marek Cech less so. They're gone for good.

First-teamers, no, but they're able, willing members of a Premier League squad. They know the League. If Jonas Olsson or Nicky Shorey get injured who comes in?

The last time Olsson missed any length of time Albion were relegated. Last season he was within a second opinion away of missing three months of action. Again, his fitness was crucial.

Peter Odemwingie's goals or not - it would have been a close call between survival and relegation. Olsson is key to Albion's progress.
Alongside him Gabriel Tamas wasn't deemed good enough to be picked ahead of Abou Meite at the tail end of last season. Either Hodgson has had a major change of heart about the Romanian's attributes, or his elevation reflects the decline in standard of available players.

Perhaps the context needs twisting around. It's not so much what Albion are losing, but what they haven't gained.

Owen Hargreaves isn't a major problem. He wasn't a priority and Hodgson never gave the impression that he had completely bought into the idea.

It's the defence that remains a problem.

Albion sought two players last night. Nedum Onuoha had long been on the wishlist. The second was Chris Baird who only really came onto the front-line radar late on, when time was against the club.

Neither arrived. Both have been available all summer.

Albion have, in effect, weakened an already weakened area of the squad.

Let's not forget that Albion have kept two clean sheets in 41 League games.

And yet the club decide to decimate the defensive department.

Craig Dawson, Gareth McAuley and Billy Jones might be able competitors. But can Hodgson call on them for a sustained Premier League assault? Are they ready? Maybe. Let's hope so.

Hodgson was diplomatic about not necessarily wanting any more players last week, but his message lacked conviction.

The Albion boss wanted three specific players: Zoltan Gera, Shane Long and Ben Foster. Three ticks.

The Baggies have a midfield of steel, experience, invention and, in some cases, pace.

Their attack has been boosted by Long's arrival.

Ben Foster is a better goalkeeper than Scott Carson. Likewise Marton Fulop.

But the defence...

Dan Ashworth, an excellent member of the recruitment staff, does his best. But he remains an employee who is restricted.

The problem remains at the top. In summer 2005, Jeremy Peace handed just under £12million for Bryan Robson to spend. The players brought in were generally on low wages compared to this current squad. But the money was available. Robson simply invested badly. But the point is that Albion were no poorer financially then than they are now. They've gained prize money, even if they've also accumulated a bigger wage bill along the way.

There is no excuse for Albion to not flex a little to accommodate a player or two. Nobody was expecting them to shell out £22million as the Peter Coates-bankrolled Stoke did yesterday. But a loan player should not be beyond them surely?

This summer they signed one player for money - Long, £4million and counting - with the rest arriving on free transfers or loans. They have recouped in excess of £1.2million (with add-ons) for Ishmael Miller, Scott Carson (circa £2million), call it £1.5million for Marek Cech and Pablo Ibanez collectively (though it might be more). That's Long's transfer fee accounted for.

And then there's Borja Valero - about £4.5million if we're being conservative. And the prize money for finishing 11th in the Premier League. Then there's the cash from Sky and media partners - let's settle on £40million. They have also removed the wages of two international defenders overnight.

Wages need to paid, the stadium has been improved and yes the training ground is getting bigger. All good.

But why the sudden restriction on player recruitment?

Back in May this year, Jeremy Peace talked about the 'financial insanity' of increasing the Hawthorns capacity by building a new stand.

Since making that statement at the end-of-season dinner, Peace has shied from further comment. He hasn't revealed which stand, or when such work would be carried out. We're told it's the Halfords Lane stand. We've requested interviews. He's unwilling to comment. What's the big secret?
Surely there was more 'financially insanity' in filleting out that stand two years ago only for it to be rebuilt again?

Would it be too cynical to suggest that he perhaps was trying to divert from the more immediate needs of improving a Premier League squad?

On the plus side if things go wrong they won't go into financial meltdown.

In football such rightful prudency is regarded as a heroic achievement due to the awful mismanagement of other clubs who have spent beyond their means.

Being careful with money within a business model is no achievement. It should be the bare minimum - it's called good book-keeping.

On the pitch Albion continue to make it hard for themselves, whether it's Megson, Robson, Mowbray, Di Matteo or Hodgson patrolling the touchline.

They are intent on doing it the hard way.

Some of those brought in will boost the first-team. Others remain raw and inexperienced.

There will be little grace. Suspensions, more so injuries, to any defenders will have a significant impact on Albion.

The club's whole model for this season is stacked on a thin, creaking base.

In the meantime, good luck to Roy Hodgson and his players.

They will need it.