Albion travelled to Austria for a pre-season camp with Tony Pulis utilising the local landscape sending his men on a series of lung-busting runs through the Alps. The Baggies were criticised after it was revealed Albion’s first team squad were running a marathon every three days.
After the controversy had finished, the Baggies kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Red Bull Salzburg. Youngster Adil Nabil grabbed a consolation goal after a rusty Albion side brushed off the cobwebs.
From Austria, the Baggies jetted off to America for another pre-season camp. Taskmaster Pulis again put Albion’s players through their paces with 6am training sessions. In the first of two tour games, Albion faced MLS side Orlando City at the Citrus Bowl. Callum McManaman gave the tourists an early lead before Kaka rolled back the years with a fine solo goal. Another eye-catching goal from Carlos Rivas gave the MLS side victory.
The Baggies recorded their first victory of pre-season against Charleston Battery. Saido Berahino marked his return from injury with a goal before the Battery equalised. Brown Ideye headed a late winner for the Baggies. The victory however will be remembered for James McClean turning his back on the National Anthem before kick off.
Back in England, Albion made it two victories out of two when the Baggies travelled to Swindon Town. The Premier League visitors were too strong for the League One outfit with a James Morrison brace joined by goals from Victor Anichebe and Stephane Sessegnon.
After a short journey to the Bescot Stadium Albion extended their winning run with a 2-0 victory against Walsall. Saido Berahino and Brown Ideye found the net after the break to beat their Black Country neighbours. On the same night, a young Albion XI travelled to Forest Green Rovers where the hosts won the game by a single goal.
Only hours after signing for the club, Rickie Lambert started his Albion career in goalscoring fashion. The former Bristol Rovers man returned to his old club and took just 23 minutes to find the net. He was at is again a minute after the break when he turned in James McClean’s cross to make it five wins in a row for Albion. Craig Gardner and Victor Anichebe also netted during the 4-0 win.
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