Hoddler’s note: I totally forgot Tottenham signed Pahlinha on loan, which means that it’s time to reset the counter on the whole “hoddle hero” thing we’ve got going on. Let’s see how things progress in the next couple days and then I’ll make a determination from there if we’ll have a new one.
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Great news, everyone. Ryan Mason is 1-0 in his stint as West Bromwich Albion’s head coach so far.
The Baggies began their 2025-26 EFL Championship campaign with a 1-0 win against Blackburn Rovers at home, with Isaac Price scoring in the 15th minute.
I only watched about 30 minutes of the game but it wasn’t the most inspiring football I’ve seen. But, as Ryan Mason said, “The most important thing today was to win.” Here’s some more from the gaffer:
The man also really likes a hoodie.
I think Ryan Mason’s got a great chance to succeed at WBA. It’s one of the better-equipped clubs in the league. But with that also comes bigger expecations.
Your hoddler-in-chief predicted last week that Mason’s WBA would finish eighth in the league. That’d probably constitute a disappointing season for a club that realistically should be aiming for the top six.The hardest thing with Mason is we’ve only seen him in interim spurts, so it’s tough to tell just how talented of a manager he is.
But, hey, the man’s off the mark in his first game which is good. Plus a clean sheet, who doesn’t love that?
West Brom next play Derby County in the League Cup on Tuesday.
Fitzie’s track of the day: Funeral For My Future Children, by Anna Von Hausswolff
And now for your links:
Jay Harris ($$): “Thomas Frank interview: Spurs summer work, Levy relationship and partying until 5am”
ESPN: “Son makes instant impact in LAFC debut, wins penalty in draw”
Football London: “Thomas Frank has seven Tottenham transfers for Johan Lange to complete in summer masterplan”
BBC: “‘Sell up, you plonker’ - how Sheff Wed fans united against owner”