Ally Robertson: Changing China left me amazed
As many of you may know, last week I was back in China for the first time since Albion toured there 40 years ago.
It was quite simply an incredible experience, writes Ally Robertson.
Nothing could quite prepare me for how much the country has changed in the space of just four decades.
Of course, people will say things are now different in most places these days compared to 1978.
But I think you would struggle to find somewhere transformed to the extent China has.
Back when we were there as part of the first English football team to tour the country, Beijing was full of bicycles. Now it is clogged with cars everywhere you look.
There are high-rise buildings where there were once small homes and huts, while everyone who lives there seems to have a minimum of three mobile phones. Needless to say, I bet the first person to introduce mobile phones in China is doing pretty well for themselves!
The main purpose of my visit was to attend a special ceremony at the British Embassy to celebrate the anniversary of the tour. I was invited by Guochuan Lai and got to meet the Albion owner and have a chat.
The whole trip brought back so many memories.
We went to the stadium where we played the Chinese national team and that too had been completely modernised.
Back in 1978 there were no seats, only concrete steps for nearly 90,000 fans to sit on. Now it is an impressive all-seater stadium with capacity of only 50,000.
I also got the chance to meet Li Lifu, a member of the team who played in midfield against us on the day.
He commented on how aggressive we had been on the pitch and it made me smile, as before the game we had been reminded it was a friendly and told not to tackle!
Perhaps the only disappointment was only being there for a couple of days. I’d love to go back again at some point for longer and explore more of what is an incredible country.
Back home, I have just about recovered from jet leg and am now looking forward to Saturday’s game against Burnley at The Hawthorns.
Hopefully the international break has given the chance to refocus. Those who have been away with their national teams might have benefited from the time away.
Everyone knows the score – staying in the Premier League is looking a seriously tall order, but we must try and stay positive until there really is no chance.
If nothing else, it would be nice to see the team get a win to at least lift the mood and the spirit of supporters.
It’s not going to be easy by any stretch of the imagination as Burnley have enjoyed an excellent season.
But if we can get a victory, then you simply never know.
