Sam Johnstone apologised to West Brom fans after errors in 2-2 draw v Huddersfield – Madeley
Sam Johnstone apologised to West Brom fans after his two errors allowed Huddersfield to leave The Hawthorns with a 2-2 draw, according to Steve Madeley.
The England international was at fault for both goals as he kicked the ball at Danny Ward for the opener, before parrying a shot straight into the striker’s path for the second.
The Baggies battled back to earn a point as Karlan Grant and Andy Carroll scored within 60 seconds of each other late on, and after Carroll cleared an even later effort off the line Johnstone was quick to thank him after the game following offering his apologies to the Brummie Road End.
With the player set to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires, his commitment to the cause could be questioned but he showed he still cares with this gesture.
He made some good saves during the game too and the errors weren’t the worst in the world, but ultimately they may have been the difference between one and three points.
Relationship
As the season begins to wind down and the playoffs get further and further away, the relationship between the squad, staff and fans becomes more important.
Unless Steve Bruce can muster together a run of eight wins from their remaining ten games then they will likely not have a chance to get back into the Premier League next season.
That means a lot of changes will be necessary in the summer and the fans will have to accept a different look. Johnstone won’t be part of it regardless, but having spent so long at the club he wants to leave on good terms.
He stayed for a year in the Championship despite interest from the Premier League and having finally broken into the England squad, proving his loyalty and performing well for the most part.
His record in goal has been great and after two mistakes like he made on Friday night, the apology proves he still has respect and commitment to the club even if only for a few more months.
In other West Brom news, ‘Example’ – Nigel Quashie singles out West Brom ace for praise after 2-2 draw v Huddersfield