Due to work commitments I haven't been to watch the Baggies for nearly two years, which is shocking.
I could have found the time to go to a midweek Carling Cup clash but it hasn't happened. And then I return for the big Manchester United clash last night.
Some could call me a glory supporter, but there isn't much bloody glory watching the Baggies until last night.
To be honest in the summer, I wanted Sherwood, however Jeremy Peace opted for Irvine, a manager he knew well.
It was well known in footballing circles that Irvine was one of the best on the training field there is no doubt about that, but the manager is a different story, sorry 'Head Coach' as Albion like to refer to them as.
However Irvine seems to have slotted in like the piece of the jigsaw that seemed to be missing from the box last season.
Clarke was booted out, when he shouldn't have, Mel was the right man, but the wrong time, but now Irvine has gone about his business quietly and seems to have set Albion up considerably well.
Neat and tidy signings, coupled with the class of Dorrans, Morrison, Brunt and Foster and we seem to be coming good.
Last night I thought we were exceptional. We came out of the blocks, hit them and they couldn't handle us early doors.
Yes they had a total of 22 shots, but around 18 of them were over the bar, hardly troubled. Myhill was called into action and dealt with it well and the Berahino goal was scored by a man who looked like he had 150 goals behind him.
We maybe could have kept the ball better at times, and kept LVG's men out late on, but Blind's goal was a great strike.
Walking into the ground I would have taken a point, 86 minutes in I wanted three, but looking back I would say 2-2 is a fantastic result.
Credit to Irvine. He failed at PNE and Wednesday, however now it could finally be coming good for the man regarded as one of the countries top coaches.
Saying that Clarke was on fire early on at Halfords Lane, that ended on a sour note, but something tells me this could be the best Premier League side I will have seen at The Hawthorns.
On the other hand, United were woeful. Di Maria looked awful, he was off form. The likes of Rojo and Blind looked average, and they had no sharpness.
RVP got in positions he would have finished from a few years ago, but he looked goal shy, and with 0% confidence.
Work to do, they will probably make the Champions League, but it will be a struggle.
Here is how I rated the Baggies and the Reds last night.
Boaz Myhill 7
Solid, did well when called upon, didn't flap. More than capable replacement
Andre Wisdom 7
Didn't rate the loanee going into the game, but burst past Di Maria for the opener, and provided solid cover.
Would like to see Gamboa given a go though.
Craig Dawson 8 MOM
Dawson was exceptional. Seems to have waited his chance because it would have been so easy to leave.
Lescott has had his influence on him.
Joloen Lescott 7
Few errors, one for the goal, but Lescott was class, a man mountain. Million times better than Olsson.
Sebastien Pocognoli 6
Not impressed with the Belgian. Did the simple things, but lost the ball a lot, however he was solid.
Chris Brunt 8
Didn't deserve the flack he had and showed it last night.
Craig Gardener 7
Great addition, midfield general and keeps us ticking over.
James Morrison 7
Pivotal role in the Albion side, should never be left out. Compliments Gardener well.
Graham Dorrans 8
Always been my favourite player in the current player. Always has time and his so calm on the ball.
Stephane Sessegnon 8
Wonder goal from the Benin international. Great technique, and seemed to make life on the pitch look so easy.
Saido Berahino 8
Finishing made the striker look like an accomplished forward with 300 games under his belt. Will go in the summer but I don't think he should.
Could end up like Izzy Brown.
De Gea 7
Rafeal 5
Evans 5
Rojo 5
Shaw 7
Januzaj 5
Blind 5
Herrara 5
Di Maria 6
Mata 5
RVP 4
Fellaini - 6
Falcao 5
Young 4
