2008: Can Albion repeat the fortunes of 1931?
By Jemma Tappenden
February 20 2008
It’s not been a bad season for Baggies fans so far. A long spell at the top of the Championship table and an even longer spell in the top two has left fans with a feeling of optimism akin to the year of the great escape. Recent league form has seen Albion drop to 4th, but the hope of promotion has not faded, and now the baggies have something else to dream about too, an unbelievable FA Cup run.
Captain Jonathan Greening is certainly dreaming of a visit to Wembley in the FA Cup final, it would be his second. But his first visit in 1999 when he was a Manchester United player ended in disappointment when after being named in the squad the now Baggies ace was not selected for the starting eleven, or even a place on the bench for Ferguson’s side which eventually saw off Newcastle United 2-0 to lift the trophy.
Greening will be hoping for better luck this time around, although there is still a long way to go before any of those dreams can be realised. With the news that the Semi finals are almost certain to go ahead at Wembley, Albion could be just 90 minutes away from their second trip to the national stadium in less than 12 months. After the disappointment of their last trip, it will be fingers crossed all around. But Greening has warned fans that overcoming Bristol Rovers will be no easy task.
It is not out of disrespect for their League One opposition that Albion fans showed much jubilance at the draw. More out of sheer relief for having missed to remaining Premiership sides. But the dressing room will be all too aware of the potential banana skin this fixture provides, Bristol Rovers have home advantage, and they have already swept aside Championship opposition in the shape of Southampton. The Baggies will approach this one with caution, well aware of what is at stake. Their last encounter together was a 3-3 pre season draw.
But superstitious fans may well be more relaxed about this one. A number of coincidences seem to be a sign of good fortune for the Baggies. Firstly is Albion’s luck associated with the number 8, having reached the semi finals in 1978, and lifted the trophy in 1888 and 1968 (As well as on 3 other occasions) everyone will be wondering in 2008 will hold the same fortune.
Perhaps the oddest of coincidences happened on Saturday, when for once non football related events will have Baggies wondering if this year really might be theirs. The winner of the 3.20 race at Uttoxeter, and aptly named Boing Boing, came in at odds of 14-1. Exactly the same odds as the Baggies have been given to lift the trophy at Wembley in 2008.
So, many a reason to have faith if you’re an Albion fan. But one thing that is for certain is that whatever will be will be, and no amount of superstition or past experience will count on the day. We shall all have to see what the 9th March holds in store, the day that ironically West Brom should have been visiting local rivals Wolves in the league. But with Albion well and truly carrying the Midlands flag this year, they may just acquire some extra support along the way.
Can the Baggies repeat the fortunes of 1931 and win promotion and the FA Cup in the same season?
