Credit to the Chairman

The end of season club honours will shortly be upon on us with all focus being on the playing awards where Odemwinge, Mulumbu, Olssen et al will be the leading contenders. If we manage to stay up, there will also be plenty of plaudits for Roy Hodgson and the excellent job he has done since taking over in February. However quietly sitting behind the scenes will be one man who probably made the most vital season defining decision and he will be smiling quite contently as others get their well earned praise.


Chairman Jeremy Peace divides opinion amongst many fans ranging from appreciation of steering the club through to solvent waters to that of an owner who refuses to take expenditure to a level enjoyed by most Premier League clubs. Yet in February, he decided to remove Roberto di Matteo from his role, a brave decision in light of the fairly unanimous opinion of the decent job he had done in his short time at the club. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but there is a growing widespread thought now that without the change, the semi post Christmas decline would have gathered pace to such an extent, that in a season where the basement team will probably exceed 35 points, we could well have been doomed by now.

So with 4 games to go we have now reached the mystical 40 point mark, thanks to our 2 all draw at Champions League chasing Tottenham. While safety is still not mathematically assured, relief and optimism is now beginning to soar. This point was achieved on one of the hottest April days in living record. While London temperatures headed into the upper 20's, Albion battled back from surrendering a early 5 minute lead, to fruitfully equalise 10 minutes from time. Simon Cox deservedly opened his Premier League account with a sublime curled effort, while Peter Odemwinge's 13th of the season, added a few more pounds to his value, should we wish to trade a little in the summer.

While Odemwinge's goals and general play have thrilled fans this season, he does give you the impression of having a nomadic career, and we all know the past history of Jeremy Peace's astute and very profitable transfer activity. Although let's not be too negative on this Easter weekend and enjoy the praise that is beginning to filter our way from the national footballing establishment.

As well as the 42 point target set by manager, Roy Hodgson, there is still plenty to play for in the remaining weeks of the season. First up is a derby game against traditional rivals, Villa, a team we have not beaten since 1985. Soon to be followed by a massive game at Molyneux, with a possible chance to relegate our bitter Black Country neighbours. It's definitely a good time to be a West Brom fan.