SoccerBy Phillip Bupp on

There’s been some strange looking mascots over the years but this may top them all. While teams have people, animals or even aliens as mascots, West Brom brought out a boiler. You know, the thing that is used to generate power and heat things. We’re in the age where home appliances are now sports mascots.

Named “Colin the Combi” or “Boiler Man,” it is a walking boiler with arms and legs and sometimes has a baseball cap on the top. It’s sponsorship related because it’s sponsored by a local boiler company but fans seem to be seeing the humor in this.

https://twitter.com/SmithLeedsUtd/status/1025821892249378817

Honestly, when I first saw the concept of a walking boiler, I thought of this.

Whether it’s ironic or genuine praise, West Brom fans and others have mostly appreciated this rather bizarre creation because, quite honestly, what else can you do?

https://twitter.com/stehoare/status/1025844956664086528

https://twitter.com/JoeStephenson96/status/1025848217823526925

https://twitter.com/tomeversley/status/1026028723273916416

This is great and all but another thing to consider. Just how does a boiler show respect when there is a minute silence or something before a game. I mean, I don’t even know if this thing can bow its head, it’s going to look incredibly goofy having it with the team as they have a minute silence for Remembrance Day. I guess that’s something we’ll find out as the new season goes on. FYI, West Brom lost to Bolton 2-1 in their first game outside of the Premier League since 2010.

[Photo: @AlexWhitez]

About Phillip Bupp

Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @phillipbupp

View all posts by Phillip Bupp