Wednesday 31st August 2005

Albion clinch £3million Davies deal

Albion sign Luton Town defender Curtis Davies in a £3million deal. The 20 year-old becomes the club’s costliest defender ever after putting pen to paper on a four year contract at The Hawthorns. The deal was reportedly completed just minutes before the midnight transfer deadline.

Baggies boss Bryan Robson told the club’s official website of his delight at signing the highly rated centre-half. "I was really impressed when I saw Curtis play for Luton and our scouts, who have been monitoring him since the end of last season, have been coming back with great reports. I believe he's got a really good future in the game.”

"Although he's still got a lot of development ahead of him, he's exactly the type of player I want to keep bringing into this club. He'll fit in really nicely with all the other good young players we've got here, like Nathan Ellington, Robert Earnshaw, Richard Chaplow and Darren Carter. We want to keep bringing really good young players into this club and Curtis is one of the most outstanding young centre halves I've seen for some time. Hopefully, he will go and prove me right.”

"It was really good to keep the Albion up last season but I want to develop the club even further. I believe good young signings like Curtis will help us achieve that and it's great the chairman is backing me with these purchases."

The London born defender joined Luton as a 16 year-old and went onto make 62 appearances for the Hatters. He missed just two league games last season and his impressive form saw him named the Powerade Player-of-the-Season for League One as well as being selected in the PFA League One Team of the Year.

Davies, who will wear the number 19 shirt at Albion signed off his Kenilworth Road career in style by scoring the winning goal for Luton against Millwall on Monday.

Tuesday 30th August 2005

Reserves go down to Reds

A strong reserve team lose 1-0 to Liverpool at The Hawthorns, Antonio Barragan scoring the only goal of the game on 51 minutes. Ellington, Scimeca, Johnson, Carter, Chaplow and Moore all turned out for the home side whilst England striker Peter Crouch came on as a second half substitute for the Merseysiders. A crowd of over 800 were in attendance.

Monday 29th August 2005

Defender snubs Hawthorns move

Albion reportedly miss out on the signing of MTK Budapest defender Roland Juhasz. The 22 year-old Hungarian international’s agent claims the player snubbed a move to The Hawthorns in favour of a move to Belgian side Anderlecht.

"Roland has ambition, therefore he chose Anderlecht," said the player's agent. "He preferred a name as big as Anderlecht above a small club in the English league."

Sunday 28th August 2005

Kirkland gets England call-up

Albion’s on-loan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is named in the England squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland. The 24 year-old keeper replaces Manchester City’s David James who is dropped after a poor performance against Denmark earlier this month.

"I have spoken to David James today and explained to him that, on this occasion, I think it's best not to select him," England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson explained. "He has always been extremely professional for me and I have assured him that the door is not closed, and that I will be monitoring his form at Manchester City very closely. Chris Kirkland is a brilliant prospect who has suffered badly with injuries, but he has now started playing regularly again, so I feel the time is right to have a good look at him."

Albion linked with Richardson bid

Reports in the morning’s media link Albion with a £3million bid for Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson. The Greenwich born star spent the second half of last season on loan at The Hawthorns but has already this summer turned down the chance to return to the club on loan preferring to stay at Old Trafford in an attempt to win a first team place.

Austrian international linked

Albion are linked with a move for Austrian international defender Martin Stranzl. The Stuttgart player’s representative Thomas Bohm has claimed both Albion and Aston Villa are interested in the player.

Saturday 27th August 2005

Blues edge out Baggies

In a lunchtime kick-off at The Hawthorns Albion lose 3-2 to Birmingham City in the first derby game of the season. England striker Emile Heskey gave the visitors a 10th minute lead, a lead that lasted just two minutes before Geoff Horsfield equalised for the Baggies. Jiri Jarosik restored Blues’ lead on 26 minutes before Heskey made it 3-1 in the 33rd minute. Horsfield netted his second of the game to give the home side hope on 64 minutes but despite creating a number of chances Bryan Robson’s men could not find an equaliser. Darren Carter made his Albion debut in front of a poor crowd of 23,994.

Sissoko signs

Albion sign 17 year-old Mali-born Ibrahim Sissoko on a two-year scholarship. The club have reportedly beaten off competition from top-flight clubs in England, Spain and France to land the central midfielder who recently left French club Troyes.

Albion’s Academy manager Dan Ashworth said of the signing: "We're delighted to get someone of Ibrahim's calibre. He's impressed since he came in and I think it's a great feather in the cap of the youth department that we're now starting to attract this sort of player. With our status as an Academy club, plus our improving reputation, we hope to attract more players who will hopefully come through and play in our first team."

"Ibrahim was recommended to us by an agent, came in on trial, and impressed. He's got a great range of passing and is fantastic defensively in breaking up play. He's also very calm in possession and rarely gives the ball away. He's a great athlete and picked up our physical training very quickly. We hope these are all attributes that will see him play in the Premiership one day."

"Other English, Spanish and French clubs were also chasing Ibrahim's signature but he chose Albion because he thought it would be the best place for his development. He really enjoyed the training and feels his career can progress quickly here. We've got high hopes for him."

Ibrahim is the younger brother of Liverpool’s recent signing Mohamed.

Albion handed Bantams tie

The club are drawn at home to League One side Bradford City in the Carling Cup second round. The tie will be played the week commencing September 19.

Youths suffer Boro loss

Albion’s youth team lose 1-0 at home to Middlesbrough in the club’s second game at Academy level.

Wednesday 24th August 2005

Champions too good for Albion

Albion suffer their first defeat of the season as Premiership champions Chelsea cruise to a 4-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. Frank Lampard opened the scoring for the hosts on 23 minutes following a mix-up between Thomas Gaardsoe and Neil Clement whilst Joe Cole added a second two minutes before half-time following a Paul Robinson mistake. Didier Drogba made it 3-0 on 68 minutes before Lampard grabbed his second of the game 10 minutes from time in front of a crowd of 41,201.

Horsfield extends Hawthorns stay

Geoff Horsfield signs a new two year deal at the club. The striker’s contract was due to expire at the end of this season with Albion having a further year's option in their favour but the club have now handed the 31-year-old an improved deal which will keep him at The Hawthorns until June 2007.

Baggies boss Bryan Robson speaking about the deal said: "Geoff deserved a new contract and this will take him up to the age of 33. The way he has gone about his job since I've been here has been very good. He works hard, looks very sharp and he has scored some very important goals for us. This is reward for that and I'm delighted he's signed for another two years."

Horsfield moved to The Hawthorns from Wigan Athletic in December 2003 for a fee of £1 million and has scored 13 goals in 54 games.

Tuesday 23rd August 2005

Trio called up

Rob Earnshaw, Zoltan Gera and Junichi Inamoto are all called up by their respective countries for forthcoming international games.

Earnshaw has been included in the Welsh squad for their World Cup qualifying matches against England at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, September 3 and Poland in Warsaw four days later. Albion midfielder Jason Koumas, currently on loan at Cardiff City is also included in the squad.

Hungarian captain Zoltan Gera is named in his countries squad to face Malta on Saturday, September 3 and Sweden on September 7, again both games being World Cup qualifiers whilst Junichi Inamoto is called up into Japan's squad for their friendly game against Honduras, in Miyagi, on Wednesday, September 7.

Monday 22nd August 2005

Jewell admits Earnie bid

Wigan Athletic boss Paul Jewell has admitted that he was interested in signing Albion striker Rob Earnshaw in a swap deal with Nathan Ellington earlier this month. He had denied reports at the time that he had suggested swapping Ellington for Earnshaw but has now revealed that a swap deal was discussed with Albion but suggested Albion were the instigators of the offer. Jewell revealed: "Bryan Robson rang me and asked about Nathan and would we be interested in doing something with Earnshaw. I said yes we would do if he was going, but now they don't want to sell him."

Saturday 20th August 2005

Albion silence Pompey chimes

Two goals from Geoff Horsfield secured all three points for Albion as Bryan Robson's men claimed a 2-1 victory over Portsmouth at The Hawthorns. Horsfield opened the scoring after just two minutes following a Jonathan Greening cross and added his second in the 59th minute with a close range shot. Former Newcastle winger Laurent Robert pulled a goal back just four minutes later with a 20 yard free-kick but the hosts held on to claim their first win of the season in front of a crowd of 24,404.

Albion go down in Academy opener

Albion's first ever game at Academy level ends in a 5-3 defeat away at Southampton. David McGoldrick hit four goals for the hosts who at one stage trailed Albion 3-1.

Friday 19th August 2005

Albion deny Sissoko claims

Albion deny claims that Mali youngster Ibrahim Sissoko has signed a two year deal at The Hawthorns. Reports in France had claimed that Sissoko, recently released from Troyes, had signed a contract with the club on Thursday. Everton are also said to be interested in the 17 year-old who is the younger brother of Liverpool's summer signing Mohamed.

Wednesday 17th August 2005

Albion stars on duty

Diomansy Kamara, Rob Earnshaw, Kanu and Zoltan Gera  all make appearances for their respective countries during the night’s international matches. Kamara came on as a 57th minute substitute in Senegal's goalless draw against Ghana at Brentford's Griffin Park whilst Earnshaw turned out for Wales in their goalless draw with Slovenia at Swansea's White Rock Stadium. Hungarian captain Zoltan Gera played 90 minutes as the Magyars lost 2-1 to Argentina in Budapest and Kanu figured for Nigeria in their friendly with Libya but Albion defender Thomas Gaardsoe had to make do with being an unused sub for Denmark as they humiliated England 4-1 in Copenhagen.

Albion linked with Hatters defender

Albion are reportedly watching Luton Town centre-half Curtis Davies. The 20 year-old defender, who was named League One Player of the Year last season is also said to be attracting the attentions of Arsenal and Fulham.

Tudor interest reignited?

Albion are believed to have once again stepped up efforts to sign Juventus defender Igor Tudor after failing in a reported attempt to sign PSV Eindhoven centre-back Andre Ooijer. Croatian international Tudor turned down a move to The Hawthorns during last season’s winter transfer window and it remains unclear whether he would be any more willing to move now.

Tuesday 16th August 2005

Reserves lose at Villa Park

New signing Nathan Ellington makes his first appearance in Albion colours for the club’s reserves in their 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The striker played the first 45 minutes of the game before being substituted at half-time. Jamie Ward scored the only goal of the game for the hosts on 47 minutes whilst Albion’s Lloyd Dyer was sent off on 78 minutes for an apparent head-butt.

Monday 15th August 2005

The 'Duke' signs

Nathan Ellington completes his £3million move to Albion from Premiership new boys Wigan Athletic. The 24-year old striker, who passed a medical on Friday, has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at The Hawthorns. Bradford-born Ellington scored 67 goals in 146 appearances for the Latics after joining the Lancashire club from Bristol Rovers in March 2002 for a fee of £1.2 million.

"I'm delighted Nathan is now on board and that he's a West Brom player," said Baggies boss Bryan Robson. "I think it gives us another dimension up front because he's very quick and very strong. That mixture makes him a little bit different to all my other strikers. The strikers already here have either got the strength and hold-up play but not the pace, or are quick and haven't got the strength."

"His track record is excellent. He was up there with the best in the Championship and his record proves that. Robert Earnshaw's goalscoring record in the Championship was also excellent so we've got two proven scorers of a different type. I'm confident Nathan can make the step up. He progressed from Bristol when he went to Wigan and now he's at the age where he can make the next step up. We're just hoping he proves us right."

A clearly delighted Ellington added: "I'm happy to have made the move and I'm looking forward to starting training as soon as possible. It's always hard leaving a club like Wigan when you've been there three years and had good times there. It's always going to be hard but when you want to further your career then it's got to happen.”

"To tell you the truth, I didn't even know West Brom were in for me until last Wednesday. Contract negotiations were stalling at Wigan and I only had a year left there. Once I was informed West Brom were in for me, and them being one step ahead, I thought it was a move in the right direction. I just think West Brom are a bigger club, with no disrespect to Wigan. West Brom have already stayed up and they're looking to kick on from there whereas Wigan are just looking to stay up - Albion are one year ahead in terms of football.”

"I'm very grateful to Paul Jewell for what he has done for me and I'm sure he feels the same about what I have done for him. I had a great time at Wigan and I wish all the boys the best because they're a great bunch of lads and I'm sad leaving there - but you have to move on with your career."

Gaardsoe receives Danish call

Albion defender Thomas Gaardsoe is drafted into the Denmark squad for Wednesday's friendly against England following the withdrawal of Everton's Per Kroldrup through injury.

Saturday 13th August 2005

Albion start with a draw

Albion begin their Premiership campaign with a hard fought 0-0 draw at the City of Manchester Stadium. Bryan Robson's men leave Manchester with a point thanks mainly due to a man-of-the-match goalkeeping display by Chris Kirkland on his Albion debut although Zoltan Gera and Kevin Campbell both missed good chances for the visitors in front of an opening day crowd of 42,983.

Ellington set to join

The club confirm that Wigan Athletic striker Nathan Ellington has agreed terms to move to The Hawthorns. The 24 year-old passed a medical Friday and is expected to finally complete the move on Monday. Albion chairman Jeremy Peace revealed: "Nathan is excited about becoming an Albion player. We agreed all the terms with Wigan last night and we shall conclude the deal on Monday morning."

Horsfield linked with Bluebirds

Albion striker Geoff Horsfield is linked with a move to Championship side Cardiff City. According to reports the Welsh side have made a £500,000 bid for the 31 year-old striker who could be surplus to requirements at The Hawthorns if the club's proposed move for Wigan’s Nathan Ellington goes through as expected.

Thursday 11th August 2005

Ellington in talks

Albion are granted permission to open talks with Wigan Athletic striker Nathan Ellington after agreeing a transfer fee with the Lancashire club. It is believed the 24 year-old has a clause in his contract that allows him to talk to interested clubs if they bid over £3 million for his services, a clause Albion are believed to have now triggered.

Baggies boss Bryan Robson confirmed a bid had been made. "We have put in a bid with Wigan for Nathan Ellington and we are awaiting a reply from Wigan. Whether they come back to us tomorrow or whenever, only time will tell but I am hopeful that we can bring Nathan to us. He has got this clause in his contract, and we have matched that clause, which is important. Paul Jewell made that clear in an article I read about a month ago and that is why we have put in the bid that we have. That alerted me to the player's possible availability."

Robson continued: "Nathan is a great athlete, very strong and quick, and has a good goalscoring record. That is the reason we have put the offer in. I do not want to say anything further at this stage because he is not our player and I haven't spoken to the lad yet but I am hopeful."

Ellington's adviser Tony Finnegan confirmed talks between the club and player were now underway. "We have been given permission by Wigan to talk to West Brom and that's now what we are doing," Finnegan told skysports.com.

Meanwhile, Baggies boss Robson also revealed he is optimistic of signing a new defender before the transfer window closes. "I'm waiting to hear back from the club to which we have put a bid in for a centre half," Robson said. "I am quite hopeful by the beginning of next week there might be two players in. If not, then I am still happy going into the season with the squad I have."

Wednesday 10th August 2005

Albion duo in Welsh squad

Rob Earnshaw is named in the Wales squad for their forthcoming international friendly against Slovenia at Swansea. Albion midfielder Jason Koumas, currently on loan at Cardiff City, is also named in the squad. The game takes place on Wednesday, August 17.

Kamara called up

Recent signing Diomansy Kamara is named in the Senegal squad for their forthcoming international friendly match against Ghana. The game will take place at Reading’s Madejski Stadium on Tuesday, August 16.

Tuesday 9th August 2005

Reserves start with draw

Albion’s reserve team begin their league season with a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at The Hawthorns. Recent signing Diomansy Kamara opened the scoring with a 36th minute penalty won by Richard Chaplow before Ian Bennett equalised for the visitors on 52 minutes. A crowd of 384 were in attendance.

Murphy leaves

Albion keeper Joe Murphy leaves the club to sign a one year deal at Premiership rivals Sunderland. No fee is involved but Albion will receive 50 per cent of any future transfer fee should the Black Cats sell the Republic of Ireland international.

Twenty three year-old Murphy moved to The Hawthorns from Tranmere Rovers in July 2002 and made an instant name for himself, saving a Michael Owen penalty at Anfield on his debut. Despite the start he made to his Albion career he would go on to make just six first team appearances in three years. The Dublin born stopper spent a large part of last season on loan at Walsall and recently had a trial at Oldham Athletic.

Speaking about his move Murphy told the Stellar Group website: "I am very excited about the move. I didn't manage to force my way into Bryan Robson's plans, but once I had an offer on the table from Sunderland, I didn't need to think about it."

"Sunderland is a huge club with a passionate set of fans and although I will have some stern competition from the other goalkeepers here, I know the experience will make me a better player. I really enjoyed getting some first team football under my belt at Walsall last season, hopefully I can force my way into Mick McCarthy's ideas once the season gets under way."

Ellington bid made

Albion are reported to have made a £3million bid for Wigan Athletic striker Nathan Ellington. The 24-year-old has just 12 months left on his current Wigan contract but is believed to have a clause in it that enables him to speak to any club that offers £3million for his services. The Bradford-born striker has scored 67 goals in 146 appearances for Wigan since moving there from Bristol Rovers in March 2002.

Monday 8th August 2005

Mali international linked

Malian international Ibrahim Sissoko is linked with a move to The Hawthorns. The 17 year-old is available on a free transfer having recently left French club Troyes. The striker’s older Brother Mohamed joined Albion’s Premiership rivals Liverpool earlier in the Summer.

Sunday 7th August 2005

Albion defeat Spaniards

Albion complete their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 victory over Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid at The Hawthorns. Kevin Campbell gave Albion the lead on 48 minutes before recent signing Diomansy Kamara made sure of the victory with an 89th minute penalty. A crowd of just 6,522 were in attendance.

Former keeper dies

Former Albion keeper Ray Potter dies at the age of 69. Beckenham born Ray joined the Baggies from Crystal Palace in 1958 and went onto make 238 first team appearances for the club. He left The Hawthorns in May 1967 for Portsmouth.

Hoult linked with London move

Albion keeper Russell Hoult is linked with a move to Premiership rivals Fulham.

Saturday 6th August 2005

Jewell denies Earnshaw bid

Wigan Athletic boss Paul Jewell quashes speculation that he is interested in a swop deal between Latics striker Nathan Ellington and Albion star Rob Earnshaw. "It's been reported that I approached Bryan Robson with a view to swapping Nathan with Earnshaw," Jewell told his club's website. "I can categorically state that these stories are untrue. “

"More talks are planned this week with Nathan and his representatives about the possibility of him signing a new long-term contract but even if it doesn't happen, he's still got another year to run on his current deal and he's an important part of my plans for this year. I don't envisage any players leaving the club now before the transfer window shuts at the end of August."

Friday 5th August 2005

Robson dismisses Earnie reports

Albion boss Bryan Robson rubbishes reports that striker Rob Earnshaw could be on his way to Wigan Athletic as part of a swop deal for their unsettled striker Nathan Ellington. Dismissing the reports Robson said: "Earnshaw is an important part of the squad - and he knows that. He scored 11 goals for us last season. If you go out and try to buy someone who can score 11 in The Premiership it is really difficult."

Thursday 4th August 2005

Wigan star linked

Wigan Athletic's Nathan Ellington is the latest striker to be linked with a move to The Hawthorns. The 24 year-old's future at the JJB Stadium is currently in doubt due to his failure to agree a new contract with the Lancashire club. Ellington’s agent Tony Finnegan admitted Albion are interested in the player. “I can’t deny Albion are interested in him,” said Finnegan. “The chief scout at the club has liked him ever since he was at Bristol Rovers four years ago. But at the time there was different management at the club.”

Gera called up

Zoltan Gera is called up by Hungary for their home friendly game against Argentina on Wednesday, August 17. He will link up with Lothar Matthaus' men the day after Albion's Premiership opener at Manchester City and will return to the club two days before the Hawthorns clash against Portsmouth on Saturday, August 20.

Wednesday 3rd August 2005

Richardson to remain a Red

After weeks of speculation Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson announces that he has decided to remain at Old Trafford rather than return to Albion on a loan deal. Baggies boss Bryan Robson had been keen to bring the England international back to The Hawthorns following his successful spell at the club towards the end of last season.

The Greenwich born midfielder speaking about the decision said: "Everyone wanted to know whether I was going back to West Brom or not but I have decided to stay at Manchester United. It was flattering to have the choice. I did well at West Brom and I enjoyed my time there. I owe Bryan Robson a lot because he took a gamble on me when I didn't have a great deal of experience. I know he wanted me to go back but I want to make it at Manchester United and be a Manchester United player. Hopefully I can do that this season."

Squad numbers announced

The club unveil the player’s squad numbers for the forthcoming season, they are as follow:

1 Russell Hoult, 2 Ricardo Scimeca, 3 Paul Robinson, 4 Thomas Gaardsoe, 5 Darren Moore, 6 Neil Clement, 8 Jonathan Greening, 9 Geoff Horsfield, 10 Andy Johnson, 11 Zoltan Gera, 12 Richard Chaplow, 14 Martin Albrechtsen, 15 Diomansy Kamara, 16 Steve Watson, 17 Darren Carter, 18 Lloyd Dyer, 20 Chris Kirkland, 21 Kevin Campbell, 23 Robert Earnshaw, 24 Ronnie Wallwork, 25 Kanu, 26 Rob Davies, 27 Rob Elvins, 29 Tomasz Kuszczak, 30 Brian Smikle, 33 Junichi Inamoto.