Sunday 17th January 2010

Baggies To Back Haiti Earthquake Appeal

Albion reveal that they will be wearing 'DEC Haiti Appeal' logos on their shirts during Monday's night’s game at Newcastle United.

The branding will also feature details of the Disasters Emergency Committee's website address, www.dec.org.uk, where donations can be made.

A massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on January 13 and is believed to have killed over 100,000 people. After witnessing the scenes of devastation in the Caribbean nation, Baggies’ chairman Jeremy Peace said the club felt they had an immediate opportunity to play their part in helping to raise funds for the humanitarian effort.

With tomorrow's game being screened live by Sky Sports, the club felt it would be fitting to donate the advertising space on the front of their shirts to support the DEC's effort.

In addition, Albion will auction off the 18 shirts worn by the squad against Newcastle in aid of the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal, to which the club will make a further donation.

"Everyone at the club has been saddened by the terrible tragedy unfolding in Haiti," said Peace.

"The images we've witnessed in the media are deeply upsetting and the number of people affected is difficult to comprehend.

"Therefore, we felt we were in a perfect position to utilise the flexible nature of our shirt sponsorship and react immediately to help raise money for the people of Haiti who have been affected by the earthquake.

"Additionally, we will be auctioning off Monday's match shirts and the proceeds, together with a further donation, will go to the DEC Haiti Appeal.

"We are hoping the fact our players will be wearing the appeal logo in front of a national TV audience will make even more people aware of how they can donate money to the aid effort."

The DEC launches and co-ordinates national fundraising appeals for public donations on behalf of its member agencies.

The DEC consists of: Action Aid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision.

Saturday 16th January 2010

Baggies Reserve Clash Postponed

Albion reserves' home clash with Macclesfield next Wednesday is postponed due to the Silkmen's League Two match with Northampton being rearranged for the same day.

Di Matteo Confirms Barnes Arrival

Baggies’ boss Roberto di Matteo confirms that former Derby star Giles Barnes is training with the club.

The 21-year-old midfielder is a free agent after being released by County in December after being plagued by injuries over the past two-and-a-half seasons.

"We wanted to see how Giles is and what kind of fitness level he's at so we've invited him to train with us," said di Matteo.

"Everyone probably knows about his injury history. He's in with us at the moment and we're having a look.  We will make a decision further down the road.

"There's no question about his ability but, because of his injuries, it's all about  whether he can reach the level of performance that is needed to play. You have to weigh up all the factors and make a decision.

"We haven't agreed on a set number of days for Giles to stay with us but he'll be here for a little bit."

Morrison Speaks Of Injury Hell

Albion receive a boost with the news that James Morrison has targeted a return to first-team action against Ipswich or Sheffield United at the end of this month.

The midfielder has been sidelined by a heel problem which saw him suffer a five-day stay in hospital, endure ten weeks attached to a catheter 24 hours a day and undergo three operations.

But following a nine-month spell on the sidelines, the Scotland international has now returned to training.

Speaking about his injury nightmare on the club’s official website Morrison said:

"It all started with a heel problem I had for months and I was just playing through it. It got to a point where I needed an injection to play. I had one before the Manchester City game and through the following night I was in agony. In the morning, my foot was like a balloon. I got rushed to hospital and I was in there for five days. The swelling went down and there was a wound that went right down to my bone. I thought it would heal and that I'd be back playing by no later than a couple of games from the end of last season.

"It was a worry because it just wasn't healing. I went to see a plastic surgeon and he cut me open, went in and cleaned it out. He stitched me up - but that didn't work.

"Then I went to see a surgeon who had operated on these type of injuries before, and he operated on me. I then had a pump on it for a couple of weeks - 24/7. It was like a catheter - the tube went into my heel and I had a little bag which the bad stuff drained into. That didn't really work and then the surgeon referred me to another specialist.

"He basically started all over again. He made a big wound in my heel and I had the catheter on again 24/7 for eight weeks. I had to go to London every two days to have it changed. It was a bit painful but finally it all closed up. Then the hard work started, with me running and trying to get fit.

"Having something so serious that I didn't think was serious has made it a really hard time. I couldn't do anything. I was just sitting at home and getting fat!

"My head was all over the place and I thank those people, like my girlfriend, for putting up with me, and obviously our physio, Richie Rawlins, as well. Not many people realised what I was going through and it was a tough time. I can only be a better person from this and realise what a good opportunity I've got, and take that into games. I will always look back on this and take it with me. Getting bad news after bad news was hard to take. I was going to the doctors expecting good news and the next minute I was having an operation. I'm one of those people who loves to play football and train so it was frustrating. I think the hardest point as well was having that machine attached to me 24/7. It was hard going out and having people staring at you, so I just had to stay in and play X-box! All I thought about was getting back and finding the level I got to last season.

"I've had a few weeks of training and running now. I couldn't do much with the snow here, which was stopping me progressing. I went to Lanzarote and had good training for four days. I worked really hard. I'm hoping to do my first bit of training with the lads today and then I'll try and play a game and get 45 minutes. There are not many reserves games so I might need to go straight into first-team action. I could return against Sheffield United at the end of the month, or even Ipswich away just before that."

Thursday 14th January 2010

Academy Kids Out Of Cup

Albion’s Academy team crash out of the FA Youth Cup with a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa at The Hawthorns.

Goals from Gary Gardner and Arsenio Halfhuid fired Villa into the fifth-round draw in front of a crowd of 515.

Labadie Robins' Loan Extended

Young Albion midfielder Joss Labadie’s loan at Cheltenham Town is extended for another month.

Labadie, 19, has been with the Robins since November and has so far started seven matches for the Robins. Prior to that he was on loan at Shrewsbury Town.

"Joss has been great since I've been here," said Robins’ manager Mark Yates.

"He's a good player, a strong boy and a decent athlete. He's got good ability and when I spoke to West Brom about extending it they said there were one or two higher league clubs after him. For his development that might have been something West Brom were looking at.

"But when they spoke to Joss he said how much he was enjoying it here and wanted to carry on. That's massive for everybody here because we treat people properly, we try and play the right way and do things the way they should be done. I'd like to thank West Brom for allowing us to extend the loan."

Barnes Training With The Baggies

According to Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish, former Derby winger Giles Barnes is training with Albion.

Barnes, who was once one of English football’s hottest young prospects, was released by the Rams in December following a long battle with injuries.

Barnes’ link-up with the Baggies was revealed by Blues’ boss McLeish, who had invited the player to join Blues for training.

McLeish said: “Giles has left us. He had a lot of other options and is now training with West Brom. We wish him all the best.”

Moses Deal Unlikely

Roberto di Matteo has conceded that Albion are likely to be priced out of the market for Crystal Palace teenager Victor Moses.

The Baggies made an inquiry for the 19-year-old just before the New Year but he has since been linked with moves in excess of £5million.

“That price would be out of our range,” Di Matteo told the Birmingham Mail.

“We have some interest in him but not at those numbers."

Wednesday 13th January 2010

Baggies To Face Geordies

Albion will face Newcastle United in the fourth round of the FA Cup after the Magpies defeated Plymouth 3-0 in their third round replay at St James' Park.

Monday 11th January 2010

Blackpool Date Announced

Albion’s Championship trip to Blackpool is rearranged for Wednesday, February 3 (kick-off 7.45pm).

The original fixture on Saturday, December 19 was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Baggies Happy With Meite Cup Commitments

Albion announce that they have no plans to bring Abdoulaye Meite back from the African Cup of Nations.

Several Premier League managers have expressed fears for the safety of their players following the ambush on Togo's team bus last Friday but Albion are happy for the centre-half to remain in Angola with his country.

A club spokesman said: “After Friday’s tragic events, we’re obviously concerned about Abdoulaye’s well-being.

"He takes great pride in playing for the Ivory Coast and the club will support any decision he and his national association decide to make.”

Coventry Clash Re-Arranged

Albion’s home clash with Coventry on Tuesday, March 23 is put back 24 hours.

City's fixture the previous weekend has been moved to the Sunday for live TV coverage which means that, under league rules, their Hawthorns trip has automatically been moved to Wednesday, March 24 (kick-off 7.45pm).

Friday 8th January 2010

Baggies Slump In Forest Shocker

On a bitterly cold night at The Hawthorns, Albion crash to a 3-1 defeat against promotion rivals Nottingham Forest.

Dexter Blackstock gave the visitors the lead after 18 minutes and goals from Radoslaw Malewski (53) and Chris Cohen (56) effectively sealed all three points for Forest before the hour mark.

Roman Bednar pulled a goal back for Albion on 64 minutes but despite the re-introduction of Ishmael Miller after 13 months out injured, Forest held on to take second spot in the league table from the Baggies.

Haber Signs

Albion complete the signing of Marcus Haber from Vancouver Whitecaps for an undisclosed fee - subject to international clearance.

The 20-year-old striker has penned an 18-month deal, plus a further year's option in the club's favour, after passing a Hawthorns medical.

Vancouver born Haber impressed Baggies’ boss Roberto di Matteo during a four-day training spell with the club in November.

Prior to joining Vancouver, Haber spent two seasons with the Under-19 and reserve teams of Dutch Eredivisie club FC Groningen.

The player has represented Canada at Under-17 and Under-20 levels and was a member of the Under-23 squad involved in qualifying for the Beijing Olympics in March 2008.

Worrall In Gigg Lane Return

Albion midfielder David Worrall has returned to first club Bury on a permanent basis.

The 19-year-old, who has just completed a five-month loan spell at Gigg Lane, has rejoined the Shakers on a free transfer after signing a two-and-a-half year contract.

The deal includes performance-related add-ons which could earn Albion up to £45,000. The Baggies have also inserted a 50 per cent sell-on clause in the transfer.

Worrall joined Albion from Bury in March 2007 and made one senior appearance for the club as a substitute in the Carling Cup victory over Bournemouth in August 2007.

During his Hawthorns stay, he also enjoyed loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Shrewsbury.

Thorne Turns Pro

Highly rated youngster George Thorne signs his first pro contract with the club.

The Academy midfielder, who only turned 17 on Monday, put pen to paper on the pitch before the evening’s game with Nottingham Forest.

Thorne has signed an 18-month contract, plus a further year's option in the club's favour.

The Chatham-born player joined the club as an 11-year-old and progressed through the youth set-up and reserves before making his first-team debut as a late sub in November's 4-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.

Thorne, who was recently linked with Arsenal, has also represented England at Under-16 and -17 levels.

FA Youth Cup Draw Made

In the draw for the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup, Albion are handed a home tie against the winners of Millwall and Barnsley -  providing Keith Downing's men first beat Aston Villa.

Albion’s clash with Villa takes place at The Hawthorns next Thursday.

Thursday 7th January 2010

Shirt Sponsors For Forest Revealed

Albion announce their second one-game shirt sponsorship deal.

The online gaming company Victor Chandler are sponsoring the club's shirts for Friday's Hawthorns clash with promotion-rivals Nottingham Forest.

It means that Victor Chandler's brand will appear on both sets of shirts during the televised clash, as they are also Forest's main sponsors.

Victor Chandler are the second company to take advantage of the match-by-match shirt sponsorship deals Albion are able to offer in the Football League.

Blue Square became the first for last month's home game against Queens Park Rangers.

Albion's Finance Director, Mark Jenkins, said: "We are delighted to have teamed up with Victor Chandler for Friday's game.

"There cannot have been too many occasions when a company has sponsored the shirts of two opposing teams and we are looking forward to announcing similar deals with other interested parties for future games."

Victor Chandler, chairman, said: "I am delighted we have reached agreement with West Bromwich Albion so the Victor Chandler name will be carried by both teams on Friday evening.

"Albion and Forest are having fantastic seasons and although West Brom enter the match as odds-on favourites I'll have to sit on the fence and predict a draw!"

Albion have only been able to offer short-term shirt sponsorship deals this season as they are not permitted under Premier League rules.

Tamas Clear For Forest Debut

Albion are boosted by the news that new loan signing Gabriel Tamas will be eligible to play in Friday’s clash with Nottingham Forest at The Hawthorns.

The Auxerre centre-half has been granted both a work permit and international clearance, paving the way for the 26-year-old to make his debut against Forest - if selected.

Tamas, who has been granted the No.26 shirt, has joined the Baggies until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent move.

Albion’s legal director/secretary Darren Eales said: "Getting a work permit and international clearance for Gabriel has taken a little longer than usual.

"This was due to the fact his arrival coincided with the festive holiday period and that we were dealing with two clubs, as he had been on loan at Dinamo Bucharest.

"I drove up to the Border Agency in Sheffield on Monday to try and help speed up the work permit process and I would like to thank the officials there for their help, as they were very sympathetic to our situation."

Davies To Stand Down

It is announced that Michelle Davies is to stand down from the Board of West Bromwich Albion Holdings Limited and will be leaving the club at the end of March.

For the last three years Davies has held the position of Operations Director.

Although she will stand down from the Board with immediate effect, she will remain at the club until the end of March to ensure the smooth handover of her responsibilities to Mark Jenkins who will absorb these as he now assumes his new role as Chief Executive.

Davies said about the decision: "Whilst I have thoroughly enjoyed a total of seven years at the club, now is an opportune time for me to take a break in my career. I would like to thank the club for the opportunities which it has afforded me."

New Birmingham Cup Tie Date Announced

Albion’s postponed Birmingham Senior Challenge Cup second round trip to Sutton Coldfield Town is rearranged for Thursday, January 21 (kick-off 7.30pm).

The tie was originally scheduled for Monday, January 4 but was called off due to a frozen pitch.

Academy Game Off

Albion’s under-18s FA Premier Academy League home clash with Bolton on Saturday is postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Wednesday 6th January 2010

Clement Announces Retirement

Albion’s long serving defender Neil Clement announces he has been forced to retire from professional football on medical advice.

Clement has reluctantly admitted defeat in his long-running battle to recover from a right knee injury, which he suffered during pre-season some 17 months ago.

The Reading-born player spoke of his devastation of the decision to end his career.

"I knew I was struggling because I'd been out for so long but when I actually heard the consultant say those words, it was still a really bitter pill to swallow," said Clement.

"Nothing can prepare you for it. Being told your career is over is the one thing no player wants to hear.

"However, I can take real comfort from the fact I have tried absolutely everything to get back playing again.

"In years to come, it would have been an awful thing to look back and think 'why didn't I try this or that'?

"I have no regrets because, in my heart of hearts, I know I couldn't have done anymore.

 "The hardest thing to take is that, when I got back into the team at the end of the 2007/08 season, I felt I was playing better than ever and coming into my prime - both physically and mentally.

"So to get this injury the following pre-season - especially on the eve of our return to the Premier League - was a devastating blow."

The club have offered him the chance to work within their Academy and sports science departments for the remainder of the season to help him decide his next career move - an offer Clement has accepted.

Clement added: "I'm delighted that the chairman, Dan Ashworth and Roberto di Matteo still feel I have a lot to offer the club - as do I.

"It's going to take me some time to get over the shock of being told my playing days are over but life will go on and I've got a new challenge to look forward to.

"West Bromwich Albion have been part and parcel of my life for the past ten years and I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at the club and, of course, the fans for all their support over the past decade."

Clement , who is the only player to ever achieve three promotions with the club, made exactly 300 appearances for Albion, scoring 26 goals.

His ten-year spell with the Baggies began with a loan move from Chelsea on transfer deadline day in March 2000.

He played a key role in helping Albion avoid relegation to the old Division Two, which earned him a permanent £100,000 move in the summer.

His last competitive game for the club was at Queens Park Rangers in May 2008 - the day Albion clinched their first league title for 88 years thanks to a 2-0 win.

He made three appearances for his only other permanent club, Chelsea, who he joined as a schoolboy.

While at Stamford Bridge, he enjoyed three loan spells at Reading (11 appearances, one goal), Preston (four appearances) and Brentford (eight appearances).

In total, Clement made 326 career appearances, scoring 27 times.

Reid Makes Posh Move

Albion forward Reuben Reid moves to Championship strugglers Peterborough United on a three month loan deal.

Reid has struggled to break into the Baggies starting line-up since making his summer move from Rotherham.

Albion have agreed a 24-hour recall clause on the winger after the first 28 days of the loan.

Baggies’ boss Roberto di Matteo said: “They have been chasing Reuben for a while now. I recommended to Reuben to go and play because he will hopefully play week in, week out.

“It’s always better to play than be on the bench playing 10 minutes here and there or a reserve game. It’s very important for him to get football at this level and we’ll see how he gets on.”

Posh director of football Barry Fry is happy to have the Albion youngster on board.

He said: “Reuben is a young player who just wants to play football. He’s not getting that opportunity at West Brom, so he’s raring to go with us. He would have joined us before the Spurs game but his club needed him at the weekend.”

Haber Deal Agreed

Albion reveal that they have agreed a deal with Vancouver Whitecaps to sign striker Marcus Haber for an undisclosed fee.

The 20-year-old impressed during a four-day training spell with the Baggies in November.

Haber will now fly into England to finalise his move, which is subject to the player agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Monday 4th January 2010

Dorrans Pens New Deal

In-form midfielder Graham Dorrans signs a new three-and-a-half year deal, with a further year's option in the club's favour.

The Scotland international only signed a new three-year deal, plus a further year's option in the club's favour, last May, but the club have rewarded him for his excellent early season form.

"I'm delighted Graham has further committed his future to the club by signing this new-and-improved deal," said head coach Roberto Di Matteo.

"It's fully deserved for the progress he has made this season.

"Graham is still learning but he's taking on board what we're telling him and we're now looking for him to remain consistent for the rest of the season."

Speaking about his new deal Dorrans said: "I've really enjoyed the season so far and I'm glad it's all sorted now so I can concentrate on playing.

"I came down from Scotland and got my chance here. I've broken into the team and managed to play most of the games this season.

"I now just want to keep playing and hopefully get the club back up."

Dorrans joined Albion from then-Scottish First Division outfit Livingston for a training spell in January 2008 and did enough to secure a permanent move, signing for the Baggies in a £150,000 deal the following July.

Miller Edges Closer To First Team Return

Ishmael Miller completes 45 minutes in a ‘behind closed doors’ training match against Port Vale at The Hawthorns.

The striker, who has been out of action with cruciate damage since December 2008, played the opening half of the 4-1 victory against Vale.

Sam Mantom (2), Robert Koren and Chris Wood were the Albion scorers whilst Danny Glover replied for the visitors.

Birmingham Cup Tie Off

Albion’s Birmingham Senior Cup tie at Sutton Coldfield Town is called off due to a frozen pitch.

Sunday 3rd January 2010

Baggies Handed Home Tie

Albion are drawn at home to Plymouth Argyle or Newcastle United in the FA Cup fourth round.

Argyle and United will replay their third round tie on Wednesday, January 13 after a goalless draw at Home Park yesterday.

The Hawthorns encounter will take place over the weekend of January 23/24.

Saturday 2nd January 2010

Baggies Book Fourth Round Spot

Albion progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town at the Galpharm Stadium.

Goals from Graham Dorrans (77) and Chris Wood (82) were enough to see off the League One side who were previously unbeaten at home this season.

Worrall Set For Baggies Exit

Bury have confirmed talks are ongoing with Albion to sign midfielder David Worrall on a permanent basis.

Worrall, who previously left Bury for the Baggies in 2007, has spent the first half of the season back on loan at Gigg Lane.

His deal expired after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Grimsby Town and Shakers’ boss Alan Knill revealed discussions are taking place regarding a permanent arrangement.

"It was David's last game, but I think we are close to a deal with David and we are close to a deal with West Brom to take him permanently," said Knill.

"We are trying to get it sorted out soon. We've spoken to David and for me he is a young player with a lot of potential, and I am sure that we can make him better.

"Getting David to agree to terms is not the easy part though, that's how it is these days, but like I do with everybody I will tell him the truth and what we think we can do for him."

The 19-year-old, who has made just one substitute's appearance for Albion, admitted he is looking for a permanent exit from The Hawthorns.

Worrall told Bury's official website: "We've been talking and I am in the club this week talking about a contract and we will see where it goes from there.

"I'm looking for a permanent move because West Brom have agreed with me that I can leave so it's a case of looking for the right deal for me."

Bahrain Star Linked Again

Albion are again linked with Bahrain international striker Jaycee Okwunwanne.

The player could now be available on a free transfer after his Belgian top-flight club Mouscron were kicked out of their division earlier this week after failing to fulfil fixtures due to financial problems.