Carrick announced that Glover is ahead of Dieng in the pecking order and will start tonight 🤔
I mentioned yesterday that I recalled West Brom's blue-striped shirt had something to do with soap - anyway, looked into it this morning and discovered this image on the WBA Chronicle that suggested Reckitt's Bag Blue soap was both the basis of their club colours and Baggies nickname.
There certainly is some similarity with the early club badge which first appeared around 1890.
Anway, they put forward the following argument that may or may not be the reason they are called the Baggies...
In 1878, at the time when West Bromwich Albion was being formed, there were already a few large companies in West Bromwich... the Hudson soap factory, who at the time, were probably the largest employers in the town and in a small way were a reason behind the Baggies nickname.
Sponsorship had not been thought of; however, many of the newly formed teams chose the colors of the founding churches or works’ colors. Albion still did not have a regular strip; they had used six different colors from 1878 – 1883. Around 1885, funds had dried up, and collections began taking place around the town to try and keep the club afloat — even Aston Villa chipped in with a small loan!
Reckitts were now advertising all over the country as the leaders in Blue soap, which washed clothes whiter! It may have been suggested as part of a sponsorship deal to help Albion out of financial difficulties, promoting Reckitts blue bag, that Albion adopted the wearing of Blue and White stripes, signifying the Blue and White stripes of the Reckitts Blue bags.
Thereby not breaking any rules in the amateur sport for payment or a financial inducement. The new strip was then open for a bit of banter from the local rivals Villa and Wolves. A bit like Wolves call Albion Tesco Bags today, to shout “here’s the Baggies!” However, it was quickly picked up by the Albion faithful as Baggies.
Of course, it's just another theory but maybe one that perhaps has some resonance - though we will never know for sure...
@werdermouth I like that theory better than the three I found.
Sorry to hear Glover is thought ahead of Dieng by MC. I thought Dieng was his number 1 with Brynn as Number 2. For me the pecking order when fit has to be Brynn, Dieng, Glover.... but what do I know, I was only a goalkeeper whenever I played ...
I think these days only conspiracy theories have traction - though secret sponsorship deals through a soap company could be made to sound like a money laundering conspiracy...
Presumably if Boro brought in more midfielders then others will need to be moved on if the squad isn't to become so large that all the players can't make the squad.
A bit like the strong rumour of Giles arriving while we already have 3 left-backs and McCormick - just how we sell anyone of them is perhaps the tricky part and all are contracted to Boro for several more years.
Borges arrived for £1.3m on a 3-year contract in Aug 2024
Bangura arrived for £1m on a 4-year contract in Sep 2023
Engel arrived on a free but signed a 5-year contract in Aug 2023
😅I think these days only conspiracy theories have traction - though secret sponsorship deals through a soap company could be made to sound like a money laundering conspiracy...
Or, as me mam liked to say wherever secretive activity took place, don't worry, it will all come out in the wash.
Smashing interviews with Tony Mowbray and Bernie Slaven and the Sky interview with Tony Mowbray.
What comes across is what a wonderful guy he is and it says everything that other managers, former players he’d coached and even some players he hadn’t coached contacted him during his difficult time with serious health issues.
I hope he can get WBA into the top 6 at the end of the season but hopefully not at the expense of the Boro.
As for tonight, part of me would want him to win his first game as the new coach but I will settle for a draw.
Philip of Huddersfield 👍😁
Looks like Carrick is ringing the changes with goalkeepers and getting rid of Dieng this month.
I would guess that there has been a falling out behind the scenes and Dieng has spit his dummy out !
OFB
Have a read of this and tell me you wouldn’t have Tony Mowbray back at our club in a heartbeat.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6067852/2025/01/17/tony-mowbray-west-brom-cancer-middlesbrough-interview/
@werdermouth I think more than anything, money, as in the wage bill, must be a big influence on sales and buys or loans.
As I said previously, we are back to last season and the continual injuries and the number of long terms ones. It has cost the club a lot of money, just in Smith, Lenihan, Bangura, Forss and now Brynn.
As to the final 25 squad and spaces needed, what are the first two going to give us even if they get to match fitness before the season ends. I believe that they have to be ditched if we do finally require spaces.
As to Dieng being behind Glover. Well seeing will be believing tonight. But not if Glover delivers another one or two howlers as is normal.
@pedro. I think the defence must be having nightmares with him playing behind them. I know I am just watching.
I accept that he made a great save to spare RvDB's blushes on Saturday but also made three howlers where he was fortunate that Pompey did not score.
I was of the view if Dieng was fit enough for the bench then he was fit enough to play and should have done so; as the evening draws on I am becoming more uncomfortable as to what could unfold to night. I hope my pessimism is misplaced but "Typical Boro" remains alive and kicking. 😎
can’t open it Martin
Nor can I.
It it's a paywall problem, one way round it would be to archive it here:
& then post the link that comes up at the top of the archived copy.
P.S. I'm intrigued that The New York Times should take an interest on the Champo!
CJ:
George Edmundson
Just to note, there's a report from Ipswich saying that the Tractor Boys have recalled the defender from his loan at Boro.
We're waiting to check that one out and will update as soon as possible.
Two changes: Ayling & Morris for Barlaser & GE:
@stircrazy I found it on Google where it took me straight in to the article.
Confirmed on Ipswich Town twitter/x. Possibly so that we up our bid to buy as most say he won't get in their first team.
CJ:
George Edmundson
Just to note, there's a report from Ipswich saying that the Tractor Boys have recalled the defender from his loan at Boro.
We're waiting to check that one out and will update as soon as possible.
Confirmed on Boro's web site, according to CJ:
George Edmundson has been recalled by Ipswich Town.
The defender’s loan spell was brought to an end by the Premier League club ahead of Boro’s clash with West Bromwich Albion.
The 27-year-old made 20 appearances for Boro after joining the club on loan at the end of August. George is out of contract at Ipswich at the end of the season.
Everyone at MFC would like to thank George for all his hard work during his time with us and wishes him all the very best for the future.
Sounds a bit final to me!
Ipswich Star, the newspaper is reporting, that due to the fact he (George Edmundson) came on for Ipswich at Man City early in the season, the 27-year-old cannot play for anyone other than Ipswich or Boro for the remainder of this season.
"Town's recall is likely to be part of a bargaining tactic, as was the case with Tyreece Simpson when he was recalled from Swindon in 2022.
"The club put out a two-line statement on his recall this evening."
Let's see what Carrick will comment after the match. Up the Boro!
..that is definitely not cricket. I would also have thought it sounds like them (Ipswich) restricting his ability to ply his trade, a questionable employment practice to say rhe least.Ipswich Star, the newspaper is reporting, that due to the fact he came on for Ipswich at Man City early in the season, the 27-year-old cannot play for anyone other than Ipswich or Boro for the remainder of this season.
"Town's recall is likely to be part of a bargaining tactic, as was the case with Tyreece Simpson when he was recalled from Swindon in 2022.
"The club put out a two-line statement on his recall this evening."
Let's see what Carrick will comment after the match. Up the Boro!
SG has form (and quite right) for not dealing with dishonorable partners, so if that is really Ipswich's strategy, I suspect they will lise out and it is George E that will suffer for it.
Perhaps we should agree a pre contract with him now and wait to sign him for nothing in the summer.
HH gives Boro the lead in the 29th minute, assisted by Borges of all people! 🙂
CJ:
What a hit! Borges with a good drive forward, He then plays inside to Hackney. There's not much on for him, around 25 yards out, so he just goes for it. Executes it superbly. Directed to the far bottom corner, bouncing just in front of the keeper. Peach.
Looking better tonight, although we need another to settle things down. A couple of misses from ELL, but overall we look as though we deserve the lead at HT.
Well. There wad I saying no Borges please and who makes the opportunity for out of form Hackney to score?
Shows how much I know about things, doesn't it 🤔
A good first half. WBA is pressing very well but we have not made many mistakes in opening our game.
A change for better when Ayling and Morris are playing well. Especially Morris has been excellent, but also Hackney playing well again.
A good game for the eye. Bring on the second half. Up the Boro!