Albion’s play-off potential

Mark Brailsford on Vicente’s magic

I know what you’re thinking, not another man-love letter to Vicente. I do go on abut this fellow, so is he really that good? As Meg Ryan put it, in When Harry Met Sally: “Yes! Yes! Yes!” During the match against Derby County at The Amex the crowd witnessed one of the finest moments of football created by a player wearing the blue and white stripes. It wasn’t Ashely Barnes’ goal created by the dazzling interplay between Kazenga LuaLua and Vicente either, although that was something special in itself. It was the moment before Vicente was substituted with the game all but won. Sensing this would be his last moment on the pitch and before giving way to the oncoming substitute, Vicente went on a thrilling run from inside his own half. The entire crowd rose to its feet as Vicente beat 20 men (well, four men, but at least five times each) then bore down on the terrified Derby ‘keeper. The Dagger drew back his lethal left foot and unleashed a shot that took off like a missile and hammered into the quivering crossbar, ricocheting out of play to the relief of the Derby ‘keeper.
It may not have been a goal but it was one of the most electrifying moments of speed, agility and footballing ability witnessed by fans at The Amex so far this season. It takes a lot to put the aforementioned Barnes goal into second place but the Vicente moment was that good. On the subject of the second goal, Ashley Barnes finished with such aplomb that finally there is a sense that the entirety of the fan base can see what a fine player Gus Poyet has in his squad and one so young too. This player has grown in stature so much since the beginning of the season that you could argue that he and Vicente could run each other close in the player of the season poll.
Up to fourth on the night and looking strong, The Albion have a right to insider themselves as contenders for the play-offs and the teams that do well in those games tend to be the ones that grow stronger as the season climaxes, which is where I think we came in. Can The Albion do it? If Vicente keeps playing like this, then Yes! Yes! Yes!

In your seat
The Albion’s planned expansion to include an extra 8,250 seats is moving up a gear. The club are asking fans to register their support for the plans by signing an online petition. The plans include a new upper tier in the east stand and seats in the corners of the ground, which should make the stadium look even more impressive, which is saying something!
With the corners filled in, the ground will also look impressive, even on television. For many fans accustomed to watching football on TV they can get a surprise when they attend a match for the first time. The stadia tend to look a lot smaller in reality. The reason for this is the camera technology available to cover the matches. By using a wide angle lens the image is elongated and has the effect of expanding the vista of the stadium. But whichever lens is used by the cameras, this stadium always looks stunning and the new seats will add even more lustre to the diamond in the Downs that is The Amex.

Photo: copyright Paul Hazlewood