True - the outcome of the game at Ewood Park tomorrow effects neither the top or the bottom of the table.  But the suggestion that Albion have nothing to play for is nothing if not farcical.

Being a Wolves fan writing about all matters West Bromwich Albion has presented its challenges over they years.  There was the season of two league games, one FA Cup game and a set of first leg play off games to report on, during which Wolves were on the receiving end of some serious thumpings.  Last season's Promotion for Albion as champions of the Championship wasn't much easier.

This season should have been a different story - Wolves promotion to the Premier League as champions followed by an inevitable (in the long run) West Bromwich Albion relegation, should have made for easy pickings.  But even now it is near impossible to come out with a list of endless jibes directed to our near neighbours.  But why?

Albion picked up in the Premeirship where they had left off in the Championship.  Playing football.  State the obvious you may well be thinking.  Yet how many sides in either of those leagues, particulalry those in West Brom's position, have played proper football?  First season survivers and battlers Stoke City certainly didn't arrive with the same approach.

At times, a shakey defence, almost none existant midfield and the far too often solitary striker have failed to achieve this.  Although who present at the Hawthorns last weekend for the defeat to Liverpool and impending relegation could possibly have anything negative to say about the way they played that particular afternoon?

The idea that Albion have nothing to play for tomorrow is insulting at its very roots.  The spirit (and here comes another challenge of being a Wolves fan) amongst Baggies fans this season has been second to none.  Tomorrow Albion fans will keep up their long tradition of making the last away game of the season a party for all.  Over 2000 travelling supporters will wear Tony Mowbray masks in support of their manager.  Where else in the country I ask you would you get that?

Was there a mass exodus at the Hawthorns last week, despite the defeat and relegation, or any other week for that matter, similar to that at Newcastle? - a team who the TV pundits inform us still have everything to play for.  Will there be a carnival atmosphere at any of those grounds tomorrrow?  Well maybe, although you get the sense that nerves will be the over riding theme of the day.

The point made here is very clear and simple.  This away day party had been arranged at Albion before any fate had been sealed, when Albion still had everything to play for, no matter how slim the chance.  The team and management know that they have something to play for tomorrow.  Pride, yes of course, but more than that the fans - who as far at the club at least are concerned, simply cannot be matched for loyalty and passion anywhere in this country.  What a pity that the press fail to see football in the same light - that is afterall what the sport is all about, is it not?

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon