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Baggie Shorts ALBION LONDON SUPPORTERS CLUB ISSUE 20

The Africa Special Second Edi�on01 contents 07 Albion’s Africans 03 Jon Want 25 View from Peter Osaze the Chair Odemwingie Steve Watts 17 Glenn Hess An East African Adventure 05 Laurie Rampling 29 A letter from African Players the editors Survey A wonderful picture by Laurie Rampling of two African Baggies, and . Glenn Hess 24 Aidan Rose Where are They now? the other africans Laurie Rampling Peter Odemwingie is one of a number of Albion players who have represented African na�ons in interna�onal football but weren’t born in that country. This edi�on was inspired by a conversa�on Aidan Rose had with

his local pharmacist, Nalin Shah. Nalin was raised in Kenya and (, born in ) remembered the tour as a young boy. Thanks to him for conveying (Senegal, born in ) his memories. Abdoulaye Méïté (Ivory Coast, born in France) Allan Nyom (Cameroon, born in France) Email us at: BaggieShorts@b�nternet.com @LondonBaggies Pelé (Cape Verde, born in Portugal) We always appreciate submissions, from match West Bromwich Albion Supporters Peter Odemwingie (Nigeria, born in Uzbek SSR, ) Club London Branch reports and photos to op-eds and think pieces. (Mali, born in France) @LondonBaggies Thanks, as always, to Laurie Rampling for supplying Georges Santos (Cape Verde, born in France) so many photographs W londonbaggies.com Sam Sodje (Nigeria, born in England) 01 02 season on the pitch even if it is reappear i.e. average points per behind closed doors. game might be accepted as a default view from the if the 2020-21 season is cut short. Whilst recognising that the current situa�on is unprecedented, we all All of this football talk fades into a entered the season with a certain degree of insignificance when lives set of assump�ons, hopes and are being lost and families are losing chair expecta�ons in that we would play their loved ones. Of course, we, the 46 league games and 3 EFL teams London Baggies, are a family would be promoted to the Premier ourselves and will remain so during League. The rules of engagement these challenging �mes. If there is Welcome everyone to our very require all sorts of makeshi� were clear from the start and that is anything we can do for each other special Africa edi�on. I have solu�ons based on sta�s�cs and why I hope, with some adjustments, during these awful �mes, I’m sure promised that I will not steal the assump�ons – even though it that we can play that scenario out. we will rally round and do it. If you (African?) thunder from my seems most of the suggested feel the need to speak to someone, colleagues on this special thema�c op�ons might work in Albion’s What we then decide to do next or drop them a text, or send an e- edi�on of Baggie Shorts - so more favour. seasonisupforgrabsbutatleastwe mail, have a Zoom/Teams chat then of that wonderful con�nent would know at the outset what the I’m sure that few minutes will be elsewhere. I’m really not sure if it will be new “normal” was and could appreciated by your fellow London possible to finish the season, respond accordingly. We’d all be on Baggies. My message is related more to the although I do hope that is the case, the same page as to how the season (African?) elephant in the room – but it s�ll leaves many ques�ons would operate and what the rules Above all else, stay safe and I hope and apologies for those dreadful unanswered. What do fans do? were on promo�on/relega�on. We you and your loved ones remain puns! What about season �cket holders? could hopefully also agree fall back buoyant, healthy and well during What do we do for next season? posi�ons if we found ourselves in a these trying �mes. The current pandemic and the What division might we be in? Will similar posi�on should COVID COVID-19 situa�on is affec�ng all of there be any games next season? us and has all but ended the Might the next season be curtailed? Steve Wa�s, Chair London Baggies football season early – albeit there Will London Baggies ever have is s�ll a poten�al for games to be another social event? Etc. Etc. TLIMS - The Lord Is My Shepherd played behind closed doors which would at least give us a footballing On a personal level, I believe it denouement. The alterna�ves would be be�er to complete this

03 04 a letter from the about the virus “the support to Peter George by all Europeans are worried about the players and Slaven, the us but we are worried about statement by us that we were them”. not going to furlough any of our staff whilst Newcastle editors My favourite African player United, Spurs and was Roger Milla who was so were happy to do that to their amazing for Cameroon in the people. EVEN Piers Morgan 1990 World Cup finals and took �me to praise us on TV. HELLO FROM BAGGIES football firsts, including the was at least 105 years old. SHORTS VIRUS FREE trip to the Great Wall of China, I’m really surprised that In this issue, Jon Want reviews HEADQUARTERS and the Africa tour was also a Arsenal fan knows who we the Albion African-born first visit for a Bri�sh team. It are! I’m delighted to advise that players while Aidan reveals was a series of tough games It’s going to be tough for a we, your intrepid Baggie the results of the poll “Best that were not for the faint- while but when the fog clears Shorts team, are all safe and Albion African Player” - no hearted and a lot of the we will hopefully be in the well and we very much hope surprises there. There is the tackling would result in red Premiership, we will be you are too. latest quiz from Adam - get cards today. It was certainly watching at and going to The your thinking caps on (it ain’t Thanks to the amazing Laurie an eye opener and a culture Shrine easy) and I’ve penned some Rampling, this issue is built shock. facts and figures on the I’ll sign off by saying we are around his help on taking us Africa represents 17% of the magnificent Peter O. Also, s�ll finishing our promo�on back to our 1968 tour of east world’s popula�on and some many thanks Steve for his issue which will follow this Africa a�er our fantas�c FA 1.3 billion people live there. update on the state of play at shortly - you lucky boys and Cup success. Ray Wilson, our No one will be surprised by London Baggies. girls. Sco�sh le� back from that mesayingitisalso thepoorest Keep well, stay safe. Good �me, provided Laurie with The way the club has handled con�nent. However, it hasn’t luck. shots of our players and we itself during this pandemic has had much of a problem with ask, “Where are they now?” been nothing short of Glenn COVID-19 and I read while which Laurie answers. exemplary. From the researching for this editorial telephone calls by players to Our club has been involved in that Felwine Sarr, a our older supporters, the a lot of unique historical Senegalese academic, said 05 06 Born: 4 Aug 1993 (age 26), Burundi At Albion:2004-2017 Albion’s Africans Appearances:75+46 Goals: 36 Berahino needs no introduc�on to While a number of Albion players have won international caps for Baggies fans. His early life was a tragic story when his father was killed in the African countries, there are a select number of those who have Burundian civil war. He travelled to worn the famous blue and white to have been born on the Dark England alone at the age of ten and Continent.Jon Want takes a brief look at their Albion careers. was eventually reunited with his mother and sisters in Birmingham. A�er becoming one of the most Born: 23 Apr 1988 (age 32), Nigeria At Albion: 2013-2016 talented youngsters to emerge from Appearances:31+32 Goals: 9 the Albion academy, burs�ng into the “Big Vic” was signed from Everton at na�onal consciousness with a goal at the end of the transfer window in the , he ended up at the Picture by Laurie Rampling summer of 2013 in a deal that was centre of a transfer saga that although he has not reached those poten�ally worth £6m. ul�mately cost him a promising heights since. career. If there was a goals element in that Interna�onally, he rose through the fee, I suspect it was never ac�vated as This season has seen something of a England youth setup to earn a senior the -born striker managed just recovery in his career as he moved to call up in November 2014 although nine goals for the Baggies over three Belgian club, Zulte Waregem, scoring didn’t win a full cap. He has since three �mes in his first four games, seasons. Born: 7 Oct 1977 (age 42), Mali At Albion:2003-2005 He had the remarkable sta�s�c that Picture by Laurie Rampling Appearances:3+1 Goals: 0 Albion never won a Premier League moved to China the following January Perhaps one of the more forge�able game in which he scored, but he to play for Beijing Enterprises. of Albion’s Africans, he was signed by played a significant role in the run to He le� the club that summer a�er from Troyes as the FA Cup quarter-final in 2016 allegedly being told “not to try” and defensive cover but rarely provided it. scoring in round three and notching a has been in a legal dispute with them decisive brace at St Andrew’s in round His contract was terminated in 2005 ever since. four. a�er two seasons in which he made He won 11 full caps for Nigeria, just four appearances. A�er leaving on a free scoring once, and also scored for U23 transfer that summer, he signed a one A�er a year without a club, he spent Picture by Laurie Rampling team that played in the 2008 year contract with Sunderland but three seasons with Greek club Panionios before finding himself out Olympics. of contract once again. 07 08 Born: 19 Apr 1998 (age 22), DR Congo to Norwich City in January 2006. At Albion: 2019-present following the death of his father from Appearances:18+4 Goals: 5 He was born in Mufulira, Zambia, typhoid, his mother, once a This West Ham loanee has been a key where his English-born father was professional footballer in Zambia, factor in the Baggies success this working as a mining contractor. The opted to se�le in Bedwas, near season. He made his league debut Pontypridd in Wales. from the bench at Kenilworth Road in family moved to Malawi but, August and turned the game with a Born: 25 Jan 1991 (age 29), At Albion:2017-present brace that won all three points for Appearances:93+4 Goals: 3 Bilić’s team. Born in Ismalia on the west bank of Grady was born in the Democra�c the Suez Canal, Hegazi moved to the Republic of Congo but moved to Hawthorns from Cairo side, , in England at the age of four, growing up Picture by Laurie Rampling 2017 having previously played for in Woolwich in south London. He If football does resume this season, Fioren�na and Perugia in Italy. joined the West Ham academy at the the break will have given our exci�ng He scored on his debut, the only goal age of 12 and has represented winger the chance to recover from the in a home match against England at U20 and U21 level. injury that has hampered him in 2020. Bournemouth and was soon Born: 6 Apr 1981 (age 38), Zambia established as a first team regular. He At Albion:2004-2006 was linked with a move a�er Picture by Laurie Rampling Appearances:27+23 Goals: 17 relega�on but stayed at the captained the side for a World Cup Signed from Cardiff City on deadline Hawthorns. qualifier against Chad in 2015. day in September 2004, Robert He has become a mainstay of the He was also named in the Team of the Earnshaw’s Albion career lasted less Egyp�an na�onal team having made Tournament for the 2017 Africa Cup of than two seasons and he will best his debut back in 2011. He now has Na�ons when Egypt reached the final, remembered for the hat trick he 59 caps and 2 interna�onal goals and only to lose 2-1 to Cameroon. scored off the bench at the Valley in Born: 10 Oct 1988 (age 31), Nigeria March 2005 that helped the Baggies At Albion:2014-2015 Appearances:19+12 Goals: 7 achieve the Great Escape. That treble Picture by Laurie Rampling Much was expected of the Nigerian a spell in which he scored four �mes Despite becoming Albion’s leading also meant that Earnie became, and striker when Alan Irvine signed him in a week in February 2015 including a goalscorer with 14 in 2004/05, he was remains, the only player to have from Dynamo Kyiv («Динамо» Київ) brace in what was a rare goalfest notched a hat trick in all four �ers of never really trusted by for a club record fee of around £10m. under , a 4-0 defeat of West the English league, the FA Cup, the and he made just four league starts in In what was a difficult season for Ham United in the fi�h round of the League Cup and at interna�onal level. the following season and he was sold Albion, Ideye failed to impress barring FA Cup. 09 10 He was sold on for about half his fee Born: 1 Aug 1976 (age 43), Nigeria At Albion:2004-2006 to Olympiacos the following summer. Appearances:41+16 Goals: 9 A�er two decent seasons in Athens, Few could quite believe it when the he moved to China for a less news emerged that Kanu was signing successful spell with Tianjin ending for Albion in the summer of 2004 from with a six month loan spell with the Premier League champions. Málaga. While at �mes a joy to watch, the fact Last summer, he moved back to that he is probably best remembered Greece to play for Aris, based in for a remarkable miss against Thessalonika. Middlesbrough is, perhaps, indica�ve Born in Yenagoa, Ideye has played 27 of his impact at the Hawthorns and he �mes for Nigeria scoring 6 goals. played only a minor role in the Great Picture by Laurie Rampling Escape. He did star in one of the few high points of the following season Born: 30 Aug 1971 (age 48), Angola when he celebrated a goal against At Albion: 2000-2003 Appearances:52+19 Goals: 8 Spurs with a ball boy! Jordão is probably best remembered He moved to Portsmouth and scored for scoring the winner in a crucial the winner against Albion in the FA in Albion’s Cupsemifinalin2008andsawoutthe rest of his career at Fra�on Park 2001/2 promo�on season, although Picture by Laurie Rampling his “goal” against Rotherham United re�ring in 2012. later that season also s�cks in the He played 87 �mes for Nigeria scoring Cups and three Premier League �tles memory. It didn’t cost the Baggies, 13 goals, and also won an Olympic with Arsenal and, unfortunately, one but Crewe were relegated as a result. Gold Medal in Atlanta in 1996 bea�ng FA Cup with Portsmouth. He spent three seasons at the a Brazil team with Ronaldo and He is now a UNICEF Goodwill Hawthorns having joined from Braga in the semi-final. Ambassador and owns an internet TV in the summer of 2000. Picture by Laurie Rampling He is Albion’s most decorated African company in Nigeria called Kanu Sports TV. A�er being released in 2003 having He was born Adelino José Mar�ns having won a Nigerian Premier League made just three subs�tute Ba�sta in Malanje in what was then �tle with Iwuanyanwu Na�onale, He is apparently s�ll only 43 although appearances in the Premier League, the Portuguese Overseas Province of three Eredivisie �tles, the Champions his age has been subject of much he returned to his first club, Estrela da Angola. He played once for the League, the UEFA Super Cup and the debate and he may have been as old Amadora in Lisbon before re�ring in Portugal U21 team but never won a Intercon�nental Cup with Ajax, the as 35 when he played for Albion, 2007. full interna�onal cap. UEFA Cup with Inter Milan, three FA rather than the reported 28! 11 12 Born: 25 Jan 1987 (age 33), DR Congo Born: 12 Dec 1981 (age 38), Senegal At Albion:2009-2015 At Albion:2003-2004 Appearances: 184+27 Goals: 15 Appearances:3 Goals: 0 Youssouf Mulumbu ini�ally moved to Any Albion fan could be forgiven for unimpressive season, he was sold to the Hawthorns on a trial basis from saying “Who?” when asked about Troyes. He returned to the Black St Germain in January 2009 Alassane N’Dour. He was one of Gary Country to play for for the first making his Premier League debut Megson’s defensive summer signing half of 2008. against Portsmouth in April. a�er relega�on in 2003 but made just He signed for The deal was made permanent in the three appearances, albeit remaining Greek club Doxa summer for what turned out to be a unbeaten, with the final appearance Dramas in 2009, bargain fee of £175,000 as the coming in a 2-1 win at Bramall Lane in before re�ring in Congolese turned into one February 2004. 2010. of the most consistent performers for He was on loan from French club the Baggies over the next six seasons. Saint-É�enne and, a�er that Picture by Laurie Rampling Highlights included a goal and red Born: 1 Sep 1962 (age 58), South Africa card in the 4-1 win at Goodison and a At Albion:1988-1989 crucial winner at Swansea City in Appearances:15+13 Goals: 5 2014. John Paskin holds the honour of being Blues, Shrewsbury, Wrexham and He was one of the first names on the the first African to play for Albion Bury before returning to South Africa team sheet for a succession of Albion when he made his debut at Filbert finishing his career in 1998. managers un�l Tony Pulis’s arrival at Street on the opening day of the the Hawthorns saw his chances 1988/89 season scoring the equaliser restricted. in a 1-1 draw against Leicester City. Much to the despair of many Albion A striker, he moved to the Hawthorns fans, Mulumbu was released in 2015 Picture by Laurie Rampling from Belgian club KV Kortrijk having and moved to Norwich City. was released in the summer and spent his early career globetro�ng Injury restricted his �me at Carrow remains without a club although he from his home town of Cape Town to Road and a�er just 24 appearances in was on trial with Birmingham City just Hong Kong via NASL ou�it, Toronto two seasons, he moved north of the before the lockdown. Blizzard. border to Kilmarnock to rejoin former He won 39 caps for DR Congo His Baggies highlight was to score a Baggies boss, . He then although played for France at both brace in a 6-0 win over Stoke City, his made a surprise move to Cel�c, but U20 and U21 level having grown up in last goals for Albion before he moved ended up being loaned back to Killie the Paris suburbs moving to France up the road to Molineux. He stayed in for the second half of last season but from Kinshasa at just 12 months old. England with spells at Stockport, Picture by Laurie Rampling 13 14 Born: 1 Jun 1984 (age 35), Benin At Albion: 2013-16 Appearances: 74+18 Goals: 8 Baggies fans a�er impressing in 2½ seasons on Wearside. He scored his first goal for the Baggies ina3-0victoryoverhisoldclubbuthe never quite reached his poten�al at the Hawthorns frustra�ng more o�en than deligh�ng illustrated by the sta�s�c that he was subbed off more o�en than not. He moved back to France in 2016 where he had spent much of his early career to play for Montpellier but now Picture by Laurie Rampling plays for Gençlerbirliği in Turkey. Signed from Sunderland in 2013 for a In his na�ve Benin, he is something of He played 15 �mes for Cameroon, his debut in 2008 against a Cape then club record fee of £6m, “Sess” a hero holding the record for the most scoring twice, with the first coming on Verde side featuring Albion’s Pelé. was greeted with excitement by most caps (83) and goals (24). Born: 21 Jul 1980 (age 39), Nigeria At Albion:203 Born: 29 Mar 1983 (age 37), Cameroon Appearances:7+4 Goals: 0 At Albion: 2010-12 Appearances: 17+30 Goals: 8 It was perhaps a case of nomina�ve determinism, but “Iffy” Udeze was Born in the port city of Douala in Probably best described as an enigma, another African signing that le� much Cameroon, Somen Tchoyi moved to Tchoyi was at �mes unplayable but to be desired. Signed on loan from the Hawthorns in the summer of 2010 frequently frustra�ng and was most Greek side, PAOK Salonika, in January from Red Bull Salzburg having o�en used on the bench by both Di 2003 he never tasted victory in any of previously played in Norway. Ma�eo and Hodgson. his 11 appearances for Gary Megson’s His first goal for the club was the He scored just once in his second side being on the losing side nine equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford season at the Hawthorns, and moved �mes! He returned to Greece in October but he will be best to Augsburg in Germany in the finishing his playing career with PAOK remembered for the final day of that summer of 2012. He finished his in 2008. season when he bagged a hat-trick in career back in Mozart’s home town at Despite his apparent limita�ons, he a remarkable 3-3 draw away to the other club, Austria Salzburg. won more than 30 caps for Nigeria. Newcastle United. Picture by Laurie Rampling 15 16 an east african adventure Laurie Rampling recalls a unique piece of Baggies history when Albion embarked on a little-reported tour of East Africa in 1968

On May 18th 1968, Albion skipper Graham Williams hoisted alo� a gleaming piece of silverware at , bringing a conclusion to a momentous season Asa Har�ord, , Stuart Williams, Ray Wilson and Dennis Clarke at Svaro that, at the �me, to many Albion fans Park, Kenya in May 1968. Picture courtesy of Ray Wilson did not seem possible. This was marred by a career-affec�ng and, Travelling via Rome and Nairobi, the especially true given the great probably, career-ending injury to one squad arrived in Dar-Es-Salaam, then disappointment of the previous of the club’s finest ever players, and the capital city of Tanzania, at 11am campaign, when ’s men pivotal performer in the previous on Wednesday 22nd May. The next snatched defeat from the jaws of season’s campaign, Clive “Chippy” day, the team took on the local side in victory in the League Cup Final at the Clark, who was seriously injured in the front of a 25,000 capacity crowd; it very same stadium against Third game against a Ugandan XI. was a game played in tremendous Division Queens Park Rangers. heat with temperatures close to 100 It was indeed a gruelling tour, which degrees Farenheit, which severely One year later, Hagan had been started in Dar-Es-Salaam on the 23rd affected many of the Albion players, replaced by Alan Ashman, whose May 1968, just five days a�er the Cup especially given the long and �ring calming influence and methods had Graham Williams in “ac�on” in east Africa Final, and ended sixteen days and six outward journey. Having said that, re-built a confidence within the making but, in all honesty, li�le- games later in Kenya with the final despite some “strange” refereeing dressing room, resul�ng in Albion’s men�oned tour of East Africa. game of the tour, a victory against the decisions, the team kept it together fi�h FA Cup triumph, a ground Kenyan na�onal side wrapping up The tour was sponsored by the Bri�sh and ’s goal was enough to breaking chapter in the club’s long and what was results wise a hugely Export Council and organised on their earn those gri�y ‘Throstles’ a one-one illustrious history. successful and unbeaten venture into behalf by the Guinness Overseas and draw. what was then very much the A week later the team would gather Na�on Newspapers but it would be unknown. According to club “journalist” for the together again, to embark on yet more one that would court controversy Sports Argus, John ‘Yorky’ Kaye, the ground-breaking ac�on with a history- from the outset, and be seriously 17 18 match was followed by a recep�on in to the local culture, including tribal Down to ten men, Albion dug in and the Oyster Bay Hotel, a sun-seeking dances and music. refused to give up their advantage, Haven on the Indian Ocean Coast, which was par�cularly pleasing for At least with their first two opening which pre-empted sun-bathing and John Kaye, who would have strong games of the tour completed, the swimming……a few drinks as well words to say about Albion’s second Albion players would now get a few knowing ‘Yorky’ as I do! game in Kampala against an East days’ rest before moving onto African XI. On Saturday 25th May, just one week Kampala to play their next game a�er Wembley, Albion faced a against a Ugandan XI. Manager, Alan Before that, however, Albion gained Tanzanian XI and, according to Kaye, Ashman, was reasonably happy with their second victory of the tour with a played very well despite yet more his side’s performances given the fine 2-1 win over the Kenyan na�onal strange refereeing decisions. That condi�ons, especially being without side at the Nairobi City Stadium. It man Astle yet again came up trumps Bobby Hope and Doug Fraser, who was a game that manager Ashman ne�ng in another one-apiece draw, were in Holland with the Sco�sh declared was the best his side had which everyone within the camp was na�onal side, and John Osborne and played so far on tour, both goals being hugely sa�sfied with, given the John Kaye who were on the injured Dennis Clarke and Asa Har�ord at Svaro scored by Tony Brown in the last six condi�ons, the heat and, of course, list. Ashman did, however, reserve Park in Kenya, May 1968. minutes of the game, Albion coming the players’ con�nued �redness praise for his team’s opponents for Picture courtesy of Ray Wilson from behind a�er Kenya had opened which, thankfully, was off-set by a their bright a�acking football. experience in Kampala, would be less the scoring in the first ten minutes of post-match recep�on given by the so, with Albion’s game against the the game. As pleasant an experience as Tanzania Tanzanian team introducing the lads Uganda XI on 29th May being filled had been, the up-coming Uganda with controversy and incident, which one local newspaper billed as “Brutal football on behalf of the hosts!”. Asa Har�ord’s 65th minute goal would win the game for the Baggies but that was just part of the story. Referee, Mr Bukenya, was apparently the cause of so much frustra�on for the players from both sides causing many heated arguments, one of which ended with Mr Bukenya sending off Albion skipper Graham Williams a�er a mid-field collision with Baraza just before Har�ord grabbed the winner, a decision that even the local press Ray Wilson and Jeff Astle at Kiliguni Ron Po�er and John Osborne sightseeing in Kenya, May 1968. ques�oned, given Baraza was the Lodge in Kenya, May 1968. Picture courtesy of Ray Wilson offending culprit! Picture courtesy of Ray Wilson 19 20 Brown’s first goal was scored from the another incident and was also sent off, equalised from the spot. Kadenge put penalty spot a�er a foul on Albion’s a decision that local journalist Guy the home side ahead just a�er the winger Ronnie Rees. The spot kick had Spence considered very harsh, but hour mark, bea�ng keeper Sheppard to be re-taken because ‘keeper Siang'a predictable given the referee’s bias in at his far post. Following the Har�ord was adjudged to have moved, but favour of the East African side. The and Baraza dismissals, Albion ‘Bomber’ cool as you like just stepped decision almost resulted in the en�re con�nued to be the far be�er side up again and banged it home in the Albion side walking from the field of and, with fourteen minutes same corner of the net. The winner play only for the calmness of manager, remaining, Ronnie Rees, in full stride, came a�er terrific movement by John Alan Ashman, to prevail as he brilliantly brought the ball under Kaye which flat footed three convinced his team to see the game to control and lashed it past Massajjaige defenders, the ball falling to the its end. Kaye, himself, received a kick in the Kenyan goal for the equaliser. Albion striker who swivelled and in the face resul�ng in a hairline It was a scoreline that the Albion crashed the ball home. fracture, and a prominent black eye players, given the circumstances, were for a few weeks to come! On 5th June, Albion would par�cipate happy to protect, even with fourteen in their most controversial match of As for the match itself, Albion took the minutes of injury �me! the tour, the penul�mate game, again lead through Jeff Astle on fourteen The final match of the tour, against the in Kampala, against an East African XI. minutes, only to be pegged back two Kenyan na�onal side again, at the John Kaye, repor�ng in the Sports minutes later when Dennis Clarke Nairobi City Stadium, turned out to be Argus, was highly cri�cal of biased John Osborne on safari, June 1968. handled in the area and Oundo refereeing and, perhaps more importantly, the inadequate protec�on afforded by the official, Mr William Ngaah, for the Albion players. Kaye also highlighted one par�cular foul on mid-fielder Ian Collard that he described as one of the worst he had seen in his career. Skipper, Graham Williams, and Asa Har�ord were so incensed that they rushed to the assistance of Collard which resulted in an ensuing melee, which eventually saw the culprit, the East African captain Baraza, being sent off for the foul on Collard. Ray Wilson and Graham Love� at Kiliguni Lodge in Kenya, May 1968. A short �me later, Asa Har�ord, s�ll John Osborne on the bench in east Africa, June 1968. Picture courtesy of Ray Wilson incensed by the tackle, was involved in 21 22 the best and the cleanest by far. An area. Dick Kryzwicki Put Albion ahead absorbing game, brilliantly refereed by for the third �me and Ian Collard the east africa tour team John Awanda, burst into life in the added a fourth for the Baggies before sixth minute when the best player on Kadenge reduced the arrears scoring the field by far, Asa Har�ord crashed from the spot for the Kenyans, but the where are they now? home a 25 yarder to give Albion the day belonged to Albion with a lead. Kajo equalised in the twel�h convincing 4-3 win to end the tour on Our top man,Laurie Rampling, uses his encyclopaedic minute before Tony Brown restored a high. knowledge of the Baggies to tell us the stories about the squad Albion’s lead midway through the first It was a tough and demanding tour, that went to Africa. half. Kenya equalised again on the which Secretary Mr Alan Everiss hour from the penalty spot when Ron summed up as an “enjoyable but Tony Brown, as you know, is very much a near Hull. Po�er brought down Ambazi in the exhaus�ng visit!” member of the Albion media team, Dick Krzywicki lives in Huddersfield. He working for BBC radio and does a regular was working for the PFA as an area column in the Albion News programme. representa�ve, but I believe is now Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania He lives in Walsall with his wife. re�red. rd 23 May 1968 Dennis Clarke is happily re�red and is a Alan Merrick is a highly successful Dar-Es-Salaam 1 Albion 1 (Astle) regular a�endee at The Hawthorns. He is businessman in the USA having set up a a member of the Former Players 25th May 1968 collegiate system for football in the States Associa�on and is very well. and is currently living and working in Tanzania 1 Albion 1 (Astle) Ian Collard is re�red and living with his Minnesota. He played one interna�onal Kampala, Uganda wife in Ipswich, and I see them regularly. game for the USA versus Hai� in 1983. 29th May 1968 They are both very well. Ronnie Rees is alive and well, and lives in Uganda 0 Albion 1 (Har�ord) Doug Fraser is re�red and living with his a re�rement home in south Wales. He wife and family in No�ngham. had his cap presented recently. Nairobi, Kenya Asa Har�ord is re�red and living in John Talbut lives in Mechelen, Belgium st 1 June 1968 Blackburn. He has nothing to do with with his wife and daughter. Kenya XI 1 Albion 2 (Brown 2, 1 pen) football anymore but is as happy as Larry. Graham Williams is s�ll living in Oswestry 5th June 1968 I met up with him in November 2019 and and is also very well. spent several hours cha�ng with him. East Africa 2 Albion 2 (Astle, Rees) Bobby Hope is now very well a�er an Sadly, team managerAlan Ashman and 8th June 1968 illness and a�ends Albion matches his assistantStuart Williams are no longer Kenya 3 Albion 4 (Har�ord, Brown, regularly. He lives in the Bromsgrove area with us. if I'm not mistaken. Krzywicki, Collard) The following players have also passed

John Kaye is also re�red and another aaa8 aeVre9 eiAaiadAmdHgz 0 rw Ideye Brown 10. Hegazi Ahmed and Ajayi Semi 9. Verde Cape 8. Kamara away: Jeff Astle, Clive Clark, Percy

staunch member of the Former Players

.Yusu uub .MrkČc,Rbr oe,GnaoJr,CrsWo .Doas Diomansy 7. Wood Chris Jara, Gonzalo Koren, Robert Čech, Marek 6. Mulumbu Youssouf 5. Freeman, Graham Love�, John Osborne

akn3 ad eaio4 iei Aihb,Aai dy,Kn,Oewni,Sde dz) Udeze) Sodje, Odemwingie, Kanu, Ideye, Ajayi, (Anichebe, 7 - Nigeria 4. Berahino Saido 3. Paskin Associa�on, living with his wife in Kirkella, and Dick Sheppard.

a oBgi:NakoKn .SmnThy n ee dmige2 on John 2. Odemwingie Peter and Tchoyi Somen 1. Kanu Nwankwo Baggie: to Bag Answers: Quiz 23 24 Peter Osaze ODEMWINGIE

Glenn Hess pays tribute to an Albion legend

He came to us from Lokomo�v I confess to being a tad Moskva (Футбольный клуб disappointed at this signing not "Локомотив" Москва) actually knowing anything about the from nowhere as far as I can player. remember. We had no inkling that He went straight into the team and this transfer was happening, no scored his first goal for us in the Picture by Laurie Rampling idea who he was. Thanks to our 81st minute in a 1-0 win against classy manager, Roberto di Sunderland. My love affair had winner on his debut. promoted Newcastle, he scored a Ma�eo, and his pleasing style of started - he was so classy - fast, brace to take his tally in the football, we a�ributed this signing slick and skilful. The press showed In one of those games never to be Premier League to 10, only two to his worldly knowledge and pictures of Lokomo�v Moskva fans forgo�en we beat Arsenal at goals behind Earnshaw’s club pulling power. As I write this, it holding up racist banners including Highbury 3-2 totally against the record Premier League season strikes me that Slaven Bilić is one of a banana in celebra�on of odds. We were 16-1 to win and I tally of 12. similar in these respects, if not Odemwingie’s sale and one read had a lickle bet on that! The game th more impressive. “Thanks West Brom”. Well, we was outstanding from our point of On 9 April away at Sunderland, So, on 20th August 2010, Peter showed them in a classy banner view as we were magnificent and Peter got another goal in a 3-2 Odemwingie signed for us. We had being unfurled in our match PO scored again. There was talk win. A�er the game he said that he just been promoted back into the against Spurs in September saying then of Wenger asking to sign our wanted to score 15 goals for the Premier League and we were all “Thanks Lokomo�v” with a clear Peter who had a super game. Albion in his first season for us. excited about the new season, but picture of Peter celebra�ng his In the home game with fellow A reported bid came in from

25 26 Juventus and Peter dispelled talk with Peter opening the scoring, a conver�ng a penalty to rolehewasjeeredbysomeofour of leaving us sta�ng that he’s really result that put the Baggies into contribute to a 3-0 win over fans. A very frustrated happy at Albion. He scored his 13th 10th place. Liverpool on the opening day. He Odemwingie then unwisely then goal of the season with a beau�ful One of the best wins in my life then scored a brace against a�acked the club on Twi�er and le� footed curler against Spurs followed in February at Molineux Saints and a headed goal to beat that was the beginning of the se�ng a record of 4 goals in 5 when Peter got a ha�rick and we Chelsea making that our sixth win end. He told the press that QPR premier matches an Albion that demolished them 5-1. So many from 7 home games to start the already had a shirt with his name th s�ll stands today. And his 15 goal stories to tell of our visit - please season. on it ready and prepared. was against the Vile! Well that ask Max or me and we will tell you And now onto the controversial Ul�mately, he was bought by was a fantas�c season for Peter of Mr Smelly breath, the sack Mick �me when Odemwingie was seen Cardiff City in August 2013. and us. chants, the hiding in the car, and on the transfer window final Despite his many successes So, into season two for Peter and the screaming with happiness on a night Sky programme si�ng playing for us, his �me will always 2011-12 officially. It was kick- joyous day. outside Lo�us Road seemly be soured by that unfortunate started by the signing of a new Odemwingie won the Premier wai�ng to sign for ‘Arry. incident outside Lo�us Road on improved three year contract but Player of the Month for the third There is a lot of dispute about the final day of the January 2013 he had a slow start by his �me. Ques�on:Which other this with Mr Peace saying he transfer window. standards due to some injury Albion player in recent �mes has acted unprofessionally. He was Peter has a book coming out problems. won that award? sent home from training on his shortly and I believe he will be He opened his account with the By the start of 2012-13, Roy return and was disciplined by the spending a lot of �me explaining winner at Carrow Road, his Hodgson, arguably the best club and became a boo figure for his take on that. second of the season was against some fans accusing him of being modern day manager we ever had, Nonetheless, he was a great the Dingles and his third at Mr Moneybags, very unfairly in had moved on to managing player for Albion and one of the Blackburn on 17th December my view. England and Steve Clarke was now very best strikers of the �me. I helping us to a 0-2 win. in charge. A very underrated guy He did apologise publicly but hope that his reputa�on is one We then beat Newcastle 3-2, the wasourStevebutitwasdifficultto when Steve Clarke tried to play day re-instated because he was a first �me we had beaten them at follow “Woy”. him as a subs�tute and more as a joy to watch. theirs in the league since 1977, Odemwingie started well winger than his natural striker

27 28 During the last fi�y plus years, I have seen a number of remarkable central defenders at the club. We all know the names: Talbut, Kaye, Wile, Robertson, survey Benne�, White, Olsson, GMac, Dawson, Evans - the list could go on. But when you are up against the best, things can go wrong. Hence the virtue of a genuine He comes from Africa, he’s better than Kaka quality holding midfield player who can cut out the danger and make a simple pass to a crea�ve midfielder. Even be�er if they can push forward and frighten Aidan Rose reports on the survey of members about our best the opposi�on. African born player This brings us to the Villa destroyer, Youssouf Mulumbu whowonthepollbya country kilometre. When you saw his name on the team sheet you knew “every We polled London Baggies asking who was our best player born in Africa. We li�le thing is gonna be all right” (lyrics from Bob Marley’s Three Li�le Throstles). will come to the winner shortly. However, some players deserve a men�on in He got my man of the match vote at five to three every Saturday a�ernoon, the this dispatch. Big Vic was a classic lump of a centre forward noted for scoring “heartbeat of the team”. I fondly remember his performance at Goodison in the first goal in one Baggie’s daughter’s first game. One of Kanu’s supporters November 2010 when he scored in a 4-1 victory (un�l he got sent off). We all commented that his signing was “a watershed moment”, another said “he agreed he was be�er than Kaka. didn’t try too hard but when he was in the mood he was great”. Somen Tchoyi Eyes were raised when he came to The Hawthorns on loan from Paris St was fondly remembered by a certain member of the editorial team. More Germain in the 2009, mid-season transfer when Albion were in a relega�on recently, Grady has the “WOW factor”. struggle. However, it showed the virtue of a player recruitment strategy that realised real tangible benefits over the decade. The fee of £175k compares rather favourably to some more recent recruits. He played only six games that 81.3% season but went on to be a key player in the subsequent five seasons with seven goals in the 2010-11 season including a wonderful winner for a ten man team against Aston Villa in April.

Pictures by Laurie Rampling 8.3% 4.2% 2.1% 2.1% 2.1%

Youssouf Mulumbu Ahmed Hegazi Somen Tchoyi 29 30 baggie shorts quiz By Adam Hess Bag the Baggie: 3. Which former Albion player le� war • I was born on 1st August 1974 torn Burundi at the age of ten? • I have represented my country 4. Which African country boasts the 86 �mes scoring 13 goals and most interna�onal players from was joint most capped player of Albion? my country before 5. Which player from DR Congo made overtook me. 191 appearances for the Albion • In my career, I have won the a�er signing for just £175,000 from Champions League, the UEFA PSG in January 2009? Cup, the Premier League �tle, 6. Name the four Albion players who three FA cups and an Olympic played at the 2010 South African Gold medal. World Cup? • My former teammates include 7. Which Senegalese interna�onal won , Ronaldo (the Albion’s player of the year award in Brazilian one), and 2006/07? Darren Carter. 8. Pele, who Albion signed in August • I joined WBA on a free transfer in 2007, played interna�onal football August 2004 and am o�en for which African island na�on? remembered for my “miss of the 9. Name the two African interna�onal season” against Middlesbrough players in the current Albion first later that year. team squad? 1. Name the two African interna�onals 10. Which Nigerian player did Albion to have scored Premier League hat- sign for a reported £10 million tricks for the Albion? breaking the clubs transfer record in 2. Who was the first African born July 2014? player to play for Albion? Answers on page 23

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