Friday 29th April 2005

Albion plan indoor facility

Albion announce plans to build an indoor playing facility opposite The Hawthorns in Halfords Lane. The club have submitted plans to Sandwell Council for permission to redevelop the disused training pitch at the rear of the Tom Silk Building, the facility would include a pitch featuring the latest generation artificial grass, changing rooms for up to 65 players, physiotherapy room, staff changing rooms and a viewing area for parents. If given permission the club hope to start work on the facility in the summer with an estimated construction time of four months.

Albion had originally planned to build the indoor facilty at the club’s training headquarters in Great Barr but were told by Walsall Council that it would not be possible due to the land being in a greenbelt area. Chairman Jeremy Peace speaking to the club’s official website said: "We fully understand Walsall Council's position but the club remains committed to upgrading to Academy status, hence our plans to locate the facility opposite The Hawthorns.”

"We feel it will be a major asset for both the youth set-up and the first team in years to come."

Thursday 28th April 2005

Reserves lose at the Riverside

Albion reserves lose 3-1 to Middlesbrough in the club’s second visit to the Riverside Stadium in five days. Anthony Peacock gave the hosts the lead after 27 minutes before Lee Cattermole extended Boro’s lead on 66 minutes. Young Albion trialist Scott Thyer pulled a goal back a minute later but Graeme Owens made sure of all three points for the home side seven minutes from time.

Tuesday 26th April 2005

Albion edge closer to drop

A poor performance from Albion on a nervy night at The Hawthorns sees them held 1-1 against Mark Hughes’ Blackburn Rovers. A Kieran Richardson free-kick gave Albion the lead on 32 minutes before Brett Emerton equalised in the 64th minute to earn Rovers a deserved point in front of a crowd of 25,154. The point takes Albion level on points with both Norwich and Crystal Palace but the club remain in the bottom three due to an inferior goal difference.

Saturday 23rd April 2005

Albion slump at the Riverside

Albion crash to a 4-0 defeat against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium and so see their survival hopes plummet. Three goals in nine first half minutes effectively kill the game off. Szilard Nemeth opened the scoring for the hosts after 26 minutes before Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink added a second six minutes later. Nemeth grabbed his second in the 36th minute and England under-21 winger Stewart Downing completed the rout with virtually the last kick of the game. A crowd of 32,951 were in attendance including 2,000 or so visiting fans, most of whom had travelled on the free coaches provided by the club. The result sees Albion drop to second bottom in the Premiership following victories for both Crystal Palace and Norwich City.

Friday 22nd April 2005

Marshall quits

Albion midfielder Lee Marshall announces his retirement from professional football due to injury. The 26-year-old fractured both his tibia and fibula in his right leg whilst playing on loan for Hull City against Kidderminster Harriers last April. The former England Under-21 international made a comeback in the reserve team two months ago but has failed to fully recover from his injury and has decided to quit.

Marshall speaking about the decision said: "I'm gutted my professional career has come to an end so early and it is going to take me some time to come to terms with it but after consulting surgeons and doctors, who have been very helpful, it was the only decision that could be made.”

"I've enjoyed some terrific years in professional football with Norwich, Leicester, Albion, Hull and England Under-21s and worked with some great people. I would just like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way."

Albion boss Bryan Robson added: "It's really sad news when any professional retires - particularly a player as young as Lee. He's worked really hard to try and get back and it must be really difficult for him to take. He leaves with our best wishes."

Marshall joined the club from Leicester City in August 2002 for a fee of £700,000 but only made ten appearances for the club after falling out with previous Albion boss Gary Megson.

Marshall's last senior outing for the club came in a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea in October 2002 whilst his last appearance in Albion colours came in the reserves clash at Manchester United on March 24, 2005.

Marshall will go down in history as the scorer of Albion’s first-ever Premiership goal.

Wednesday 20th April 2005

Albion earn point at White Hart Lane

Albion claim another valuable point in their battle against relegation with a 1-1 draw against Spurs at White Hart Lane. A crowd of 35,885 watched Zoltan Gera give Albion the lead in the 24th minute with Irish star Robbie Keane equalising for the hosts after 52 minutes. Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto finally made his debut for the club when he came on as a 23rd minute substitute for Kieran Richardson who was forced off with a dead leg. The point lifts Albion out of the relegation zone, a point ahead of Southampton.

Monday 18th April 2005

Inamoto in squad

Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto is included in the Albion squad for this week’s games away at Tottenham on Wednesday and Middlesbrough on Saturday.

"Inamoto has looked a lot stronger since he came back from Cardiff,” said Albion boss Bryan Robson. "The games he had on loan there have really helped him. He'll be in the squad for the Tottenham and Middlesbrough games, as he was for the Villa game, and he has got a realistic chance."

The Japanese international has yet to make an appearance in the Albion first team since his move from Gamba Osaka last August and recently returned from a three month loan spell at Championship side Cardiff City.

Spurs and United games sell out

The club announce that all tickets for Wednesday’s clash at Spurs and the club’s visit to Manchester United on the 7th May have sold out.

Saturday 16th April 2005

Albion boosted by results

Albion’s battle to avoid relegation is given a major boost by two important results going in the club’s favour. The crunch game between Crystal Palace and Norwich City at Selhurst Park ends in a 3-3 draw whilst Southampton lose 3-2 at home to Aston Villa after letting a two goal lead slip. The results mean Albion remain outside the relegation zone and now have a game in hand on the three teams below them.

Greening fined

Jonathan Greening will be fined by the club following his sending-off in last Sunday’s derby game with Aston Villa. Albion had earlier this week appealed against the dismissal but referee Rob Styles’ decision was upheld.

Albion boss Bryan Robson said of the decision to fine the midfielder: "Jonathan was out of order. He knows he was. He has held his hands up. He will be punished by the club because it was a lack of discipline.”

"It is something at this stage of the season that we could have done without because he has been playing really well for us but I do I think that 75 to 80% of refs in the Premiership would have said to the players 'get on with the game, you're out of order, behave yourselves, there's a yellow card, get on with it'. I think that was punishment enough for the actions of the two players. Common sense has got to prevail sometimes and, because of the sporting manner of the game, I don't think it was necessary to send the two players off."

Greening will miss the games with Tottenham, his former club Middlesbrough and the home clash with Blackburn Rovers.

Albion unveil Stovell replacement

Albion today unveiled Richard Hawkins as their new strength and conditioning coach. Hawkins, the son of former Wolves boss Graham replaces former fitness coach Adie Stovell who left to join Gary Megson’s Nottingham Forest. Richard, a former Albion trialist has joined the club after ending an eight-year spell at the Football Association, where he was deputy head of exercise science.

Hawkins, speaking about his new job said: "What brought me here was the manager and Nigel Pearson, who I worked with at the FA. I looked at both aspects of the club - the football side and off the pitch. I listened to the chairman's long-term plans for the club and found out about the attitude of the players. It all seems very good and it's an ideal opportunity to come in and practice a lot of the things I've been teaching coaches over the last six or seven years."

Friday 15th April 2005

Reserve game rearranged

Albion’s reserve team home game against Sunderland is rearranged for Thursday, May 5 with a 7-00pm kick-off. The game will take place at Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough ground.

Thursday 14th April 2005

Kanu denies Robson rift

Albion striker Kanu has denied a report in which he is quoted as being critical of Bryan Robson's management style. The story, which appeared a Nigerian football magazine, also suggested he was unhappy at losing the Albion captaincy.

In the interview published in the latest edition of KickOff, Kanu is alleged to have said: "The team is full of inexperienced players. They have not been serious about getting experienced players. I advised them on several occasions on the type of players they should get but they refused to heed my advice."

He also allegedly spoke of his anger at losing the club captaincy: "It was very dirty politics that cost me the team's captaincy. The management felt I was getting on their nerves when I advised them to get quality players. They felt I was too outspoken and at the same time putting undue pressure on them. I was not dropped for my football, but purely on politics."

Later, in an attempt to diffuse the possible row Kanu, in a statement, said: "I didn't say these things and I am very happy playing for Bryan Robson. I have said all along that we, as a team, don't need any distractions at the moment. That is another reason why I wouldn't say these things. I'll be speaking to the manager to assure him the story is completely untrue. It's not about individuals - the most important thing is for Albion to stay up. All I want to do is fight to keep the club in the Premiership."

Albion boss Bryan Robson also appeared to play down the alleged comments by saying: "When I read the story, I thought it was completely out of character and I'm glad Kanu has come out and denied making these remarks. Kanu's attitude around the place has been spot-on of late. He's played really well the last couple of times he's been involved and has worked really hard in training. With results having been on the up, I can believe that Kanu hasn't made these comments."

Wednesday 13th April 2005

Hulse wants permanent Elland Road move

Albion striker Rob Hulse, currently on loan at Leeds United expresses his desire to move to Elland Road permanently in the summer.

Speaking to his club's official website Hulse said: "I don't know which club I'll be with next season but I have really enjoyed my experience here at Leeds. Kevin and his staff have shown faith in me when others doubted me, especially having been out for so long at West Brom. I do really like it here and I hope we can come to some agreement. I know I haven't got a future with West Brom and I've known that since Christmas through a few things the chairman has said to me, but that's football. Supporters are probably used to and possibly sick of hearing players talk about how big this club is and how good the facilities are but it's true.  This club feels right for me and I can see next season being really exciting and I want to be part of that but we have to wait and see what happens this summer."

The 25 year old ex-Crewe star has scored six goals in nine games since moving to the Yorkshire club and spoke proudly of his recent form.

"It's an alright record isn't it?. I'm pleased with it anyway. I know it's a good return but I still think I should have had more goals. There were a few chances that got away against Watford and in other games that I look back on and know I could have had a hatful, but I think most strikers would be happy with that return. I don't know it's a surprise to me that I've managed to do well, my job is to score goals but I had not played for a while so that part was a concern to me when I first joined. I was a bit ring rusty and I'm still not totally fit now but I will hopefully be next season when I get a good pre-season under my belt."

Sakiri on trial at Coventry

It emerges that Albion midfielder Artim Sakiri is currently training with Coventry City. The Macedonian international has made just three appearances in the Albion first team this season and was told in January by boss Bryan Robson that he did not figure in his long term plans for the club. The 31 year old's contract at The Hawthorns runs out this summer.

Friendlies announced

Albion's opening pre-season friendlies for the 2005/06 season are announced. Both games will take place on Saturday, July 9 with half of the first team squad travelling to Unibond First Division side AFC Telford (kick-off noon) and the rest of the squad visiting League Two side Cheltenham Town (kick-off 3pm).

Tuesday 12th April 2005

Greening loses appeal

Jonathan Greening loses his appeal over his sending off against Aston Villa. It means that the midfielder will definitely miss the forthcoming games against Tottenham, Middlesbrough and Blackburn.

Albion's assistant manager Nigel Pearson spoke of his disappointment at the decision: "Having seen replays I'm sure the players will regret the incident but the biggest thing for us is losing Jonathan for three games for what is deemed violent conduct. That's the grey area. Emotions run high and I don't think there was any great intent to harm one another. It was something and nothing but something that is regrettable. It is disappointing to lose Jonathan for three games given that his performances in possession have been excellent but more than that he plays a part in the team and understands what is required from a team point of view. He's a team player who cares and sometimes that emotion spills over. It surprised us he was sent off but we'll just have to deal with it."

Monday 11th April 2005

Albion lodge Greening appeal

After viewing video evidence Albion lodge an appeal with the FA against Jonathan Greening's red card in yesterday's game at Villa Park. The midfielder and Villa's Liam Ridgewell were both given their marching orders for violent conduct in the 61st minute of the game following a clash between the pair. Albion's appeal will be heard by the FA's Disciplinary Commission tomorrow. If the appeal is not successful Greening will miss Albion's next three games against Tottenham, Middlesbrough and Blackburn.

Sunday 10th April 2005

Late Robinson goal earns point at Villa

A Paul Robinson goal deep into injury time gives Albion a vital point from a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The point is enough to lift Albion out of the relegation zone for the first time in five months. Darius Vassell had earlier given Villa the lead on 27 minutes and the hosts looked set for all three points until Robinson popped up with his first ever goal for the club three minutes into injury time. A crowd of 39,402 saw both sides reduced to 10 men in the 61st minute when Jonathan Greening and Liam Ridgewell were sent off for violent conduct following a confrontation between the pair.

Wednesday 6th April 2005

Moore pens new deal

Darren Moore joins Paul Robinson in signing a new contract at The Hawthorns. The big defender has signed a two-year deal with the option of a further year in the club's favour. 

"It's great that big Darren has signed a new contract," Albion boss Bryan Robson told the club's official website. "He had his troubles with his knee when I first came to the club, but since then, he's shown good character around the place as club captain. He's always got a smile on his face and it's good to have people like that around. He's been a good servant to the club, he's one of the fans favourites and I'm sure he'll do a good job for us. I'm delighted we've tied him up on a two-year deal on the back of Paul Robinson because they are good solid pros and I want to keep the squad together and add a few players to it."

Moore was equally pleased with his new deal: "I'm chuffed because ever since I've been at the football club, it's been a great period in my career. I think of all the successful things that have happened to me here and I'm delighted to extend my stay. I'm looking forward to improving as a player and my aim is to see West Bromwich Albion established as a Premiership football club."

Tuesday 5th April 2005

Robinson extends his Hawthorns contract

Defender Paul Robinson signs a new two-year contract, with a further year's option in the club's favour, which commits him to the club until June 2007. 

Albion boss Bryan Robson told the club's website of his pleasure at the tough tackling defender signing a new deal: "Man of the match in my eyes on Sunday was Paul Robinson. I thought he had an absolutely terrific game. The energy levels and commitment he showed were outstanding. I'm really pleased we've got him to sign a new contract. I don't want to lose good players coming out of contract who I think can do a job at this club over the next few years. I want to keep them and add to them."

"I'd seen Paul play a couple of times at Watford but when I first arrived here I had more or less made my mind up that Neil Clement would be my left-back but once I'd seen everyone else play I decided Clement was a centre-half and I've been really pleased with the way Paul Robinson plays as a full-back. I put him on in front of Clement against Manchester United because I thought he could play in midfield and protect him. I spoke to him on the following Monday and he told me he'd do anything but he couldn't play in midfield. That was good because I asked all the players to be honest with me. It made a real quick decision for me because I knew he was uncomfortable in midfield and I had to look at him as a left-back. He came in against Manchester City for his first game after being out for a while and was outstanding in a really good defensive display from the team - he's gone on from there."

"When we do the fitness tests he is right up there at the top - he is really fit. And I thought the way he whipped up the crowd on Sunday was brilliant."

Robinson also expressed his happiness at signing the new deal: "I am absolutely delighted to sign a new contract. I had no doubt in my mind it is what I wanted. My family are settled here and the lads here helped me make my decision because we've bonded well. There is a great team spirit here and I wouldn't want to leave that. There's always a lot of competition at clubs and you have to prove yourself, when the new manager first came I couldn't get in the side but I worked hard and I got my chance. I feel I'm improving under Bryan Robson and now the only thing I'm worried about is keeping us in this division. As a team we've played well over the last couple of months and now we have to keep our feet on the ground and keep going."

Sunday 3rd April 2005

Albion defeat the Toffeemen