Hartson expecting a rough ride

Last updated : 06 August 2006 By Michael Morris
Hartson in opening day action
Are there any other reasons to have a go a John Hartson?

Firstly on a serious note. John is a proud Welshman, every time he's pulled on the Welsh shirt he's had my backing 100%.

At club level he's fair game. What does concern me more is that he's in form. Two goals on the weekend saw WBA to a 2 - 0 home victory.

He is though the beacon that City fans will direct their taunts at.

The player himself is expecting the worse.

"I don't know exactly what type of reaction I will get but I'm guessing it won't be good," He told the Wales on Sunday.

"Towards the back end of my Wales days it wasn't too bad and I was even getting a few cheers from the Cardiff fans but I'm not expecting that when I return with West Brom.

"I'm not expecting a good reception, put it that way.

"It will be a bad one all because of my Swansea roots.

"I'm a Swansea boy, a Swansea City fan, Swansea are my team and everyone in Cardiff knows that.

"You know what fans are like and I will probably get it in the neck."

"I've been to Ninian Park for Luton and Wimbledon and I've played for Wales in front of them," says Hartson.

"It would be nice if I didn't get a terrible time but I've been to Northern Ireland and Ibrox and had 50,000 calling me this and that.

"Sometimes though it can be just as hostile when there are only 3,000 there and sometimes it can even be worse.

"It's something you have to get on with and put up with as a player. It won't be new to me and hopefully I can deal with it.

"It's never nice when it happens though. Any player will tell you that he would rather be clapped and cheered than booed and jeered. It's never nice whatever anyone says."