AT long last the new Premier League season is upon us with our beloved Reds kicking off their campaign against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns this Saturday.
Continuing the build up, and to get the opposing fan’s view ahead of the game, Live4Liverpool spoke to Mark Thomas; co-editor of Albion Till We Die (an independent West Brom fansite), who kindly answered the following questions on what lies ahead for the season…
L4L: How long an Albion fan?
MT: Lifetime, first game was 1981/82, had a season ticket since 93.
L4L: Why Albion?
MT: My Dad and most of the family are all Baggies so it came naturally.
L4L: Favourite all-time Albion player
MT: Cyrille Regis – At least twice the player of the likes of Heskey, Bent, Zamora etc, Regis was the Albion star of the late 70s to mid 1980s. Possessing pace and power as well as packing a shot as powerful as any I’ve ever seen, he would be worth a fortune in the Premier League era.
L4L: Thoughts on last season?
MT: Our highest league placing for 31 years and another season of ‘hoodoo’ busting. Long overdue wins at Liverpool, Stoke and Aston Villa, and a 10th place finish, made it another very enjoyable season, although it was marred at the very end by the departure of boss Roy Hodgson to the England job.
L4L: Happy with new manager, Steve Clarke?
MT: It’s a case of wait and see with regards to Steve Clarke. Highly regarded as a coach, and he has worked under some top managers, but the forthcoming season will be a totally different challenge for him.
L4L: How’s your pre-season form been?
MT: So-so. Performances have been a bit uninspiring, as have results, but nothing really to get too concerned about at the minute.
L4L: Happy with summer transfer dealings?
MT: All Albion fans were relieved that we completed a deal to sign Ben Foster permanently. The keeper had a fantastic season last year whilst on loan from neighbours Birmingham City, winning numerous player of the year awards.
Another big coup for the Baggies is the loan capture of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea. Christened the new Didier Drogba, Lukaku is probably the most exciting signing we’ve made for quite some time.
The rest of the club’s summer signings are probably unheard of amongst most fans. Argentinean international midfielder Claudio Yacob has built a good reputation in his homeland but is untested abroad, likewise Belgian winger Yassine El Ghanassy. Swedish striker Markus Rosenberg has plenty of experience and a good goalscoring record but again is untested in the Premier League.
As for outgoings it’s been as expected really with just fringe players being allowed to leave.
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L4L: Prediction and thoughts for the coming season
MT: After 10th and 11th place finishes over the last two seasons the hope amongst Albion fans is that we can push on even more and aim for a Europa League spot. Realistically though, and with a new and inexperienced manager in charge, we’ll settle for avoiding a relegation battle.
L4L: Baggies Player to watch
MT: Claudio Yacob – Our new Argentinean international midfielder, signed on a ‘Bosman’ free, has in the past been likened to Javier Mascherano. The comparison maybe a bit over the top but hopes are high that he might just be one of the bargains of the season.
L4L: Prediction and thoughts on Liverpool’s forthcoming season
MT: Very much like Albion and Steve Clarke, it’s going to be a case of wait and see with regards to how Brendan Rodgers settles in at Anfield. He probably needs a good start to the season to avoid a ‘Roy Hodgson’ scenario. I’m not convinced the squad is good enough for a Champions League placing but should be among the clubs fighting for a Europa League place.
L4L: Liverpool player you admire
MT: Steve Gerrard, one of the best players of his generation. Sadly never really recreated his Liverpool form for England but still a top, top player.
L4L: Thoughts on Liverpool fans and Anfield?
MT: Unlike most Premier League grounds, Anfield has actually managed to keep its character. The Hillsborough Memorial, Shankly statue and gates are all must see on any visit to the ground.
The fans I’d still consider to be as fanatical as any in the country although I think some fans did over step the mark with their treatment of Roy Hodgson who in most neutrals opinion was not given a fair chance at Anfield.
L4L: Premier League Champs?
MT: Manchester United. In signing van Persie I don’t believe anyone, including neighbours City will stop them. Even without RVP I think they will be determined to reclaim their crown from the ‘noisy neighbours’.
L4L: Teams for the drop
MT: Swansea City, Wigan Athletic and Southampton.
Swansea may find life a lot harder this season especially after losing their manager and star player. I can’t see Wigan doing anything but struggle again this year, and with Victor Moses likely to be off, goals may be even harder to come by.
Of the newcomers from the Championship I feel Southampton may find life the hardest. Reading and West Ham will have the advantage of recent Premier League experience just giving them the edge over the Saints.
L4L: Prediction for Saturday’s game?
MT: 2-2
A big thanks to Mark at Albion Till We Die for taking part, and you can see Live4Liverpool columnist Dan Thomas returning the favour on their site here.
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