Some ramblings from the FA Cup.
1. Alan Pardew speaks in hushed tones. Twenty two years of EastEnders tells us that you should never trust a Londoner who does so.
2. Why are Londoners so miserable when they travel on the Underground? Mind you did you know that a visit from Albion once sparked a minor panic on London's Underground system? There was an unfortunate episode, a year or so ago, when an Albion photographer spotted Baggies' legend Tony 'Bomber' Brown stood at the other end of his train carriage. All was well until the star-struck snapper called out his hero's nickname across a train packed full of passengers...
3. Word has reached me, via two friends, of the somewhat extreme lengths Charlton are going to in a bid to entice Albion fans back down to the Valley for the televised Good Friday kick-off when the two sides meet in the League. One of the properties backing onto the away end entrance/exit was occupied by a somewhat troubled young female who decided, quite literally it seems, to bare all in front of her own window, presumably for the benefit of the visiting fans. By all accounts it was more X-rated horror show than Erica Roe. The upshot is, my mates, both of them seasoned followers, intend to watch the League fixture on TV.
4. Let's clear this one up. If you read any reports linking Albion with Luton's David Bell, ignore them. He isn't a target, hasn't been and probably never will be. Tony Mowbray is getting bored of being asked the question and having to deny it. And who can blame him - how many times can you tell people you're not interested in a player until some people, who ought to know better, get the message. While we're at it, there have been no bids for Zoltan Gera since last January. He'll be staying until May unless silly money is offered in January. Richard Chaplow? You can read what Tony Mowbray has to say about him and others in Tuesday's Birmingham Mail or our website, www.icbirmingham.co.uk
5. You'll never guess who's back at The Hawthorns next month...? Again, check out Tuesday's paper or website.