NO. II. — WEST BROMWICH ALBION
— "PERSEUS" | 08/09/1900 —

Dear old Stoney-lane, with its uneven, squeezed-up, playing pitch, its crude, out-of-date, and its generally poor and comfortless accommodation, has lost the charm which invested its very poverty with a wonderful richness. Henceforth the Throstles will whistle from the hedgerows and bushes around the Hawthorns — a pleasant spot on the Birmingham-road between West Bromwich and the city — and if these congenial, country-like surroundings stir the merry songsters triumphal tunes reminiscent of the happy numbers of old birds like Bayliss, Bassett, and Bob Roberts, the wide world of football will be thrilled with a wave of intensest pleasure. Illustrious names and deeds seem almost as closely associated with grounds as with the clubs themselves, and the football enthusiast of many years' standing experiences a pang at parting from such famous enclosures as Perry Barr, Olive Grove, and Stoney-lane, even though the new ones may be immeasurably superior, as they invariably are.

THE HAWTHORNS

Albion's advance in this respect is indisputably great, and the omens are in favour of the change proving full of fortune, the position of the new ground inspiring a lively hope that it will turn out a far better drawing centre. And crowds in these materialistic days make teams; it was different in the early days of Stoney-lane when Albion entered the final with a team costing in wages 10s. per man per week. Little wonder that the initial expenditure in preparing the old ground for football cost fewer hundreds than the present one thousands. Showing me round the Hawthorns this week — the ground was only opened on Monday — Mr. H. Keys, the courteous chairman of directors, said the anticipated cost was between 4,000 and 5,000, at the same time pointing out that the large reserve of land behind the present banks left room for further expenditure in the provision of almost unlimited accommodation should the future demand extensions. "At present we can put 30,000 on the ground, and this week end, when the Villa are here, we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming that number."

ACCESSIBILITY OF THE GROUND.

Much is hoped from the position of the ground, which is nearly two miles distant from Stoney-lane, and that much nearer Birmingham. In the immediate vicinity are several stations, including Handsworth and Smethwick Junction, about as near to the Hawthorns as West Bromwich station was to the old enclosure. And a penny tram ride takes you from the heart of Brum. to within a third of a mile of the gates; they carry you between three and four miles for a penny on the cable car along that route. Cyclists, who swarm in the hardware city, come in good numbers, and there is a shed to stand 400 cycles — accommodation which, though large, will probably be found inadequate, as even for Monday night's match there were 300 machines stalled. "We are bent on making every provision for the comfort and convenience of the 6d. spectator," said Mr. Keys, "for he is a paying factor; we shall give him as much covered room as possible, and then he can come in all weathers." At present the ground with its surroundings looks rough and crude, and a host of workmen are still hard at work, busily engaged when I was there trying to get the roof on the principal stand in readiness for to-day's match. Under this stand are comfortable dressing rooms, not of the same elaborate character as those on the Villa, Forest, and Wednesday grounds, but still containing a couple of baths, and almost every convenience except, perhaps, a shower, which I did not notice. Visitors are served as well as the home team, and altogether the Hawthorns is a credit to the famous old club which has had so honourable a career of something like 20 years.

A PEEP AT THE PAST.

Four Acres, used as a cricket ground for a longer period of years than most people remember, and still in the occupation, I believe, of the Dartmouth Club, was the scene of Albion's struggles for several seasons before the migration to Stoney-lane, which took place exactly 15 years ago this month, Third Lanark then opening the latter ground. Then or thereabouts the band of Throstles included the big goalkeeper, Bob Roberts, as clever with his hands as his successor, Reader, is with his feet; two fine backs likes Harry Bell and Harry Green; such talented halves as Ezra Horton, called "Ironsides" because of his adamantine frame, on which the hardest knocks might beat in vain, "Darkie" Timmins, F. Bunn, and Charlie Perry; while forward there was that superb sprinter and shooter, "Spry" Woodhall, the splendid centre, J. M. Bayliss, now a director of the club, George Bell, Tom Green, Lavender, and Loach. The Albion star was soon in the ascendant, and the season which first saw them at Stoney-lane witnessed their initial entry into the final for the Cup, and for three successive seasons they were in that eventful struggle, winning at the third attempt, their victims being the far-famed hitherto invincible North End, who will never forget the coruscating form of wonderful Billy Bassett in his first final. It was his first season in class football, but that display made him an International at once. He went on year after year obtaining innumerable honours for his country, but has now, after long, distinguished service, practically retired. Bassett and McLoad as a wing are known to many present-day followers, and the way geddes used to meet the former's centres is also familiar. Twice since 1888 have the Throstles been in the final, each time with their dear Villa friends, who beat them at that stage in 1886-7, as opponents. In 1892 Villa felt certain of victory, but Albion won 3—0, losing, however, to their rivals in 1895 by an odd goal. As cup fighters — twice winners and five times finalists — Albion live as an illustrious club, which, despite many financial knocks, has carved out a deep niche in the ladder of football fame.

A PEEP AT THE PAST.

In the Albion team to-day there is a player who appeared for the club even in its Four Acres days — over 15 years ago — and that player, if I mistake not, never missed a League match last season, which is sufficient proof of his evergreen form. Reader, the kicking goalkeeper, so called because he constantly uses his feet were any other custodian would summon the aid of his hands, has never left the club in all those years, and he tells us with pride that no other first-class player has such a record of continuous service. Of course, he was in the second eleven in those far-away days. "The first team," he told me, "had 7s. 6d. a match; we second teamers had 3s. 9d., and the committee wanted to reduce even this. We kicked; it wasn't worth being a professional for less than 3s. 9d." We talked about the Albion, about past and present players, and about his own goal-keeping. "Yes," he said, "many people think my habit of kicking a bit risky, and often the shout of 'Goal!' goes up when spectators do not see me preparing to save with my hands. Then I smile, but not before kicking away. I think my practice is the best. It is far safer, too, than diving about with your arms outstretched. I have never had a serious accident during the whole of my career. I think Albion will do better this year, particularly if the grounds are not too heavy. Williams is in form, and Adams is proving a good successor to Cave." So I came away hoping that Albion will signalise their first season at the Hawthorns as well as they did their first at Stoney-lane; but honestly I doubt it. The men are not so good. Yet they have some of the team's characteristic dash.