West Brom 1, Barnsley 1: Chris Lepkowski's big match verdict

May 3 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

TIME to enjoy the summer.

It was only right that Graham Dorrans should sign off Albion’s season and declare party-season open at The Hawthorns.

The game was forgettable, the action was minimal but, after 46 games, nobody was really quibbling.

At times it was like an unofficial Darren Moore testimonial game, at other times a typical end-of-season affair.

At all times there was a sense of fun, enjoyment and a general feeling of anticipation for next season.

The inevitable songs about Villa and Wolves came – next season they will have some meaning.

The Baggies are joining the West Midlands’ party – one for fans of all four clubs to enjoy.

The end result is all that matters.

And when Albion’s player of the season – and most complete all-round midfielder for three decades – scored the injury time equaliser, then it set the tone for pitch invasions, partying and celebrations all round.

The speculation has begun, the planning for next season starts now.

The Premier League return will probably start to sink in only when the fixtures are out next month.

For now, Albion fans should savour promotion because you could make a good argument for suggesting that this is the best Baggies side yet to make it into the top flight.

The success might have lacked the same drama as 2002, the clinical application of 2004 and the silverware of two seasons ago.

But this is, in so many ways, the best promotion yet. Albion took success with a rookie manager, a collection of young players and an overall show of pace, power, goals, spirit and meanness which no promotion-winning side from B71 has tasted so far.

This promotion ticks the boxes that previous ones may have lacked.

Albion finish with their best-ever points total, there was no absence of goals and defensively they have looked strong.

They’ve mixed it when necessary, they’ve scrapped when need be. Footballing values were not abandoned but there has been a greater sense of urgency about them.

Roberto Di Matteo and his staff brought a sense of belief and confidence to the players. Long faces and relegation hangovers were not tolerated.

Now start the meetings, the ticking off of targets from several sheets of paper and the need to plan for taking Albion to the next level.

On the field there was an early chance for Martin Devaney, who was given way too much room to manoeuvre by Albion’s back-line. His third minute effort went wide of Scott Carson’s right-hand post.