The 2000’s was a big decade for West Bromwich Albion. Many Albion heroes were made, but which ones make the best XI?
Goalkeeper
There is no doubt when selecting Albion’s best goalkeeper of the 2000’s – it has to be Russell Hoult. The stopper was the foundation of Gary Megson’s sturdy defence and kept a record number of clean sheets as Albion were promoted in 2001/02. Hoult played 190 times in seven years at the club before moving to Stoke City.
Defenders
The right-back berth goes to Igor Balis. The Slovakian became a club icon after his late penalty away at Bradford City pushed Albion to the cusp of promotion to the Premiership. Balis was also willing to get forwards and marked yet another bargain for Gary Megson. Sadly, Balis’ Albion career was cut short as the defender struggled with tinnitus.
On the opposite side of the defence is Neil Clement. The left-back signed from Chelsea in 2000 and went on to make 256 appearances for the Baggies. Clement had a wonderful left foot and always offered a threat from set plays. Like Balis, Clement’s career was ended prematurely by injuries but the fullback still clocked up enough games to make him a club favourite. Clement narrowly beats out Paul Robinson for the position, who would also be a worthy choice.
There are two centre-backs whose grand statures are only matched by their incredible characters, Darren Moore and Jonas Olsson, take their place in the centre of defence. ‘Big Dave’ joined from Derby in 2001, and went onto make over 100 appearances for the Baggies. Most memorably, he scored the opening goal in the 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, which sealed promotion to the Premiership. Olsson arrived at West Brom in 2008, and made an instant impact on Tony Mowbray’s side. Now 33, the Swedish defender is closing in on 250 appearances for the Albion.
Midfielders
Zoltan Gera played his way into the hearts of West Brom supporters, with his classy displays and loveable demeanour. ‘Zolly’ played 135 games in his first spell at the club – netting 21 goals. The Hungarian midfielder was a big loss when he left after West Brom’s 2007/8 promotion winning campaign but remains a fans’ favourite to this day.
On the left side of midfield is Northern Ireland international, Chris Brunt. It would have been an interesting competition between Clement and Brunt to see who had the most impressive left-foot – but my guess would be Brunt. The midfielder has always chipped in with assists and the occasional wonder strike.
Two Albion captains populate the centre of midfield. Jonathan Greening and Derek McInnes were very different types of leaders, but both enjoyed the success of guiding Albion to the top-flight. McInnes was a pivotal figure in Gary Megson’s well-drilled side. He marshalled the midfield and was never shy of leading the battle. Greening was the perfect captain for Tony Mowbray’s ball-playing and attack-minded side. He led through composure on the ball, and was never afraid to try a bold long-range pass, even when things were going against him.
Forwards
Strikers
Nicknamed ‘Super Bob’ and ‘Super Kev’, respectively, these two strikers got Albion fans ‘boing-boing’ on countless occasions. Kevin Phillips and Bob Taylor complete this line-up as a lethal and much-loved front pairing. Taylor’s second spell at the club wasn’t as prolific as his first but his influence should never be underplayed. He arrived from Bolton in 2000 and helped to keep Gary Megson’s side in the First Division. Two season’s later, he scored some vital goals to push Albion forwards at the other end of the table – scoring the promotion clinching goal against Crystal Palace. Kevin Phillips also fired Albion to the ‘promised land’ in their 2007/8 campaign. The former-Sunderland forward managed an incredible 38 goals in two seasons at The Hawthorns. Phillips will always be warmly remembered for his impressive goal tally, especially those goals against Wolves.
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