Defender and childhood Albion fan Izzy Green is the latest Baggies to take on our ‘This and That’ feature.
In this light-hearted interview, the club’s No.6 provides a little insight into her upbringing, her life on the pitch and her hobbies off it.
From the role models very close to home to a JLS classic, the latest episode has it all.
Take it away, Izzy!
What is your earliest memory of football?
I’d probably say kicking a ball around the garden at home with my brother when I was a lot younger. I reckon I was about four or five.
What was the first football shirt that you owned?
It was an Albion one. I’m a big Albion fan so it was always going to be an Albion one. I can’t quite remember which season the shirt was from though. It was a light blue one and I think it was a third shirt. It might have been the 2011/12 season. It was an Adidas shirt.
Did you have any role models growing up?
I’d probably say my dad and my brother because they played football too. I always think that if my brother didn’t play football, then I probably wouldn’t have played football. He’s played a lot of grassroots football. I’ve got one older brother and one younger one. They both played, but me and my younger brother only probably played because of my younger brother. I’d say I was the best out of the three of us but I’m not sure if they’d agree!
What’s your favourite meal to eat after a victory?
I love spaghetti bolognese, but not with loads of cheese.
What’s the best goal you’ve ever scored?
I scored one once from the halfway line against Wolves. I think that was at Under-14s level. I just whacked it and it flew over the goalkeeper’s head.
What’s the best stadium you’ve ever played at?
The Hawthorns. Definitely. I first played here about two or three seasons ago against Derby County. That was the first time the Women’s team played at The Hawthorns.
Do you have a favourite band or artist?
I was always a fan of JLS when I was growing up and I always went to see them. I’d say Chris Brown would be my favourite artist. I enjoy most of JLS’ and Chris Brown’s music. My favourite JLS song would be ‘Everybody in love’. That’s an absolute tune.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given and who gave it to you?
I really like the phrase ‘everything happens for a reason’.
What was your favourite television show to watch when you were growing up?
I loved Tom and Jerry. That was a classic.
Does chocolate belong in the fridge?
No. Oh, wait. Actually. It is in the fridge at my house, but that’s because it’s my parents’ house. If I had my own house it would be in the cupboard. I prefer it when it’s been in the cupboard and it’s not rock solid, but I’m happy to eat it with it coming from either the fridge or the cupboard.
How many spoons of sugar are acceptable in a cup of tea?
No more than two. It’s too sweet if it’s more than two.
What’s your dream destination to visit on holiday?
The Maldives. It looks unbelievable.
What’s your job?
I’m a sports coach in a school. I’m part of an agency and I go into loads of different schools and coach a wide range of sports to the children.
Pineapple on a pizza. Yes or no?
Yep. I’m having it. I hate admitting it actually.
What’s the proudest moment of your life so far?
Probably playing for the Albion. Not necessarily a specific game, I just feel proud every single time I play for the club.
What celebrity would you choose to spend a day with if you had the chance?
Probably Cristiano Ronaldo. I think his mindset is unbelievable in terms of how he goes about his day-to-day life and how he looks after himself to keep him at the top of his game.
Can you name one thing that you think is really overrated?
Can I say anything at all? This is tough. I can’t think. I might come back to this one, but I might not be able to think of anything appropriate!
Ok no worries. Let’s move on… Do you believe in aliens?
No. There’s no proof so I don’t believe in them.
If you could travel back in time and attend one sporting event, which one would it be and why?
It would probably be the London Olympics in 2012. I didn’t manage to get to it at the time, but I’d love to travel back to go to loads of the events.
Any quirky superstitions on a matchday?
I always have to put my left sock on first, my left boot on first, my left shinpad on first. Basically, anything on the left always goes on before anything on the right. Apparently a lot of the girls have been saying the same things in their answers for this question, which has really surprised me. I thought it was just me!
What’s the strangest way you’ve picked up an injury?
I’ve been lucky actually. I don’t really think there’s been too many injuries. If I have been injured it’s always been through football. I hit my elbows all the time though. I walk into objects and tables and doors all of the time. My limbs are really long so I’m always knocking into stuff, which is really annoying.
And finally, one thing that annoys you about social media is…?
Not everything on there is true. A lot of what you see is false.
