Friday 31st December 2004

Carson bid turned down

According to a report in the Express & Star Albion are believed to have had a cash plus players bid for Leeds United's highly rated goalkeeper Scott Carson turned down. The players offered were reported to be striker Rob Hulse and Polish goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak. The England under-21 keeper has also attracted the interest of Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic.

Murphy deal extended

Keeper Joe Murphy has his loan spell at local rivals Walsall extended until the end of the season. The Ireland international has made 15 appearances for the 'Saddlers' in the three months he has already spent on loan there.

Thursday 30th December 2004

Albion linked with Leeds keeper

Albion are the latest club to be linked with Leeds United goalkeeper Scott Carson. Boss Bryan Robson admitted that the club had enquired about the England under-21 star: "We made an enquiry about Scott Carson at Leeds but that's as far as it has gone," said Robson. "We've been monitoring how the kid has been doing so we just approached Leeds to see what the situation was with him, but I've personally not been in touch with anyone at Leeds."

Robson waits on Almeyda

The Baggies boss also reveals that he is hoping to bring Argentinian midfielder Matias Almeyda to the club in time for him to make his debut in the FA Cup tie away at Preston North End on the 8th January. "At this stage of the season there will be a few names banded about on the transfer front in the media," said Robson. "It is almost 100 per cent that Almeyda will be coming in in early January. I'll be hoping to get him in for the FA Cup game at Preston. We have made a few other enquiries and I'm hoping for some successful return phone calls. But there is nothing more I can say at the moment."

Tuesday 28th December 2004

Albion snatch lucky point

Despite another very poor performance Albion claim a valuable point from a 1-1 draw on their first visit to Manchester City's very impressive City of Manchester Stadium. In front of a crowd of 47,177 French star Nicolas Anelka gave City the lead on 32 minutes with an excellent free-kick that gave Albion's man of the match Russell Hoult no chance. That goal looked set to have given City all three points until six minutes from time when City defender Richard Dunne scored a bizarre own goal following a mix up with England keeper David James. For the second successive game Albion were reduced to 10 men, Thomas Gaardsoe seeing red on 17 minutes for hauling down Robbie Fowler when the former Liverpool striker was through on goal. During the game Albion fans once again vented their frustration at manager Bryan Robson's tactics and briefly chanted for him to be sacked.

Juninho link denied

Brazilian star Juninho's agent Brian Hassall plays down speculation linking the former Middlesbrough midfielder with a move to The Hawthorns. Hassall said: "Nobody has said anything to me. West Brom are rock bottom and I couldn't imagine he would want to go there as much as he likes Bryan. When you stop to think about it, Bryan has also got Kanu there and they are too similar. I am not saying that Juninho is not better in my opinion, but I would be quite surprised if they wanted him."

Monday 27th December 2004

McNally moves for Midworth

AFC Telford boss, former Albion star Bernard McNally admits to making an attempt to sign Albion defender Phil Midworth. The 19 year old was last week told by Bryan Robson that he was free to leave The Hawthorns. "There are clubs at the lower reaches of the Football League and Conference teams looking at him but I was hoping to pinch a yard and try and get him in before their interest grew," said McNally.

Sunday 26th December 2004

Albion destroyed by Reds

In front of a Hawthorns' Boxing Day crowd of 27,533 Albion slump to a 5-0 defeat against Liverpool following another dismal display. Goals from John Arne Riise on 18 and 82 minutes, Florent Sinama Pongolle (51) Stephen Gerrard (55) and Luis Garcia (89) were enough to condemn Albion to a fifth successive defeat. Albion were reduced to 10 men in the 39th minute of the game following Cosmin Contra's sending off for deliberate handball in the penalty area although Milan Baros had the resulting penalty kick saved by Russell Hoult.

Thursday 23rd December 2004

Quartet can go

Adam Chambers, Sekou Berthe, Phil Midworth and Simon Miotto are all offered free transfers by the club. Manager Bryan Robson informed the quartet whose contracts all run out next summer, they can find new clubs. Robson said: "Having now had chance to assess the squad, I've decided Adam, Sekou, Simon and Phil are not part of my plans. The chairman and I have spoken about cutting the size of the squad down and I don't feel I will be using these lads in the Premiership. But they're all terrific pros who I'm sure will do a good job elsewhere." Chambers' last appearance for the club came against Manchester United in the Carling Cup over a year ago whilst Berthe hasn't figured for the team since October 2003. Midworth and Miotto have never figured in Albion's first team.

Almeyda not signed yet

Albion boss Bryan Robson denies yesterday's reports that Argentinian midfielder Matias Almeyda has already signed for the club. Speaking at a lunchtime press conference he also reveals that the club are hoping to bring more new players to The Hawthorns when the January transfer window opens: "The reports this morning on Almeyda are not 100 per cent correct," he said. "He hasn't put pen to paper yet but we are a long way down the road and hopefully everything will go through. "We're in discussions with a few clubs about certain players and by the middle of January we'll hopefully have a few new players at the club but only time will tell as far as that is concerned."

Inamoto joins Bluebirds

Junichi Inamoto joins Championship side Cardiff City on a month's loan. The move is intended to help the Japanese international gain some much needed match fitness. He looks set to make his debut against Albion's Black Country rivals Wolves on Boxing Day. Albion boss Bryan Robson said: "Ina's short of match fitness and the Cardiff manager, Lennie Lawrence, has been in touch to say he would like to use Ina. With all the Christmas games coming up, that will be a better way for me to have a look at him rather than him being a training ground player. He needs to play football to get match fit. If he can impress me by playing well for Cardiff, we'll be looking to bring Ina back."

Former stars call for unity

The West Bromwich Albion Former Players' Association issue a statement calling on supporters to get behind the players and Bryan Robson during forthcoming games. The statement read: "The WBA Former Players Association, under the presidency of Brendon Batson, chairman Graham Williams and committee members Ally Robertson and Nicky Cross, wish to give their whole-hearted support to Bryan Robson and the team during this difficult period for them. Former players, including the likes of Cyrille Regis and Tony Brown, have appreciated the support given to the players by the supporters over the years and the association feels we all need to pull together to maintain our Premiership status. The loyalty of the fans has gone a long way to making this club what it is today and the team and management needs that support over the next four very important games. The former greats back Bryan and the team and we trust everyone will follow suit. With this total support, we can all enjoy a merry Christmas and happy New Year."

Wednesday 22nd December 2004

One in and more linked

Bryan Robson makes his first signing since taking over as Albion manager by bringing in Argentinian international  Matias Almeyda. The 31 year old had his contract with the Italian club Brescia cancelled by mutual consent earlier this season. The Midfielder boasts an impressive pedigree having had spells at Lazio, River Plate, Sevilla, Parma and Internazionale. The player also reportedly attracted interest from Crystal Palace, Everton, Espanyol, Bologna and Livorno. Albion are also linked with moves for Celtic's former Middlesbrough star Juninho and Liverpool striker Neil Mellor.

Haas in party scare

It emerges that Bernt Haas was taken to hospital Monday night after collapsing during a fancy dress Christmas party held at his luxury Birmingham city centre flat. According to one report Paramedics were called after the player apparently collapsed. An ambulance took him to hospital where allegedly he was told to return home and sleep off the effects of alcohol.

Tuesday 21st December 2004

Inamoto set for Bluebirds

Midfielder Junichi Inamoto appears to be on the verge of joining Championship side Cardiff City on loan. The 'Bluebirds' boss Lennie Lawrence has opened talks to take the Japanese international to Ninian Park and is keen for the former Arsenal and Fulham player to join the South Wales outfit by the week's end. "If it's going to happen, then I want everything completed by Thursday," Lawrence said. The 25 year old has yet to make an appearance for Albion's first team.

Cruz linked

Albion and Italian club Fiorentina are said to be ready to battle it out for the signature of Inter Milan striker Julio Cruz when the January transfer window opens.

Monday 20th December 2004

Moore setback

Darren Moore is ruled out of Albion's Boxing Day clash at home to Liverpool and the trip to Manchester City two days later due to a knee injury. The big central defender has already missed Albion's last two games. Boss Bryan Robson is hoping Moore will be fit for either the clash with Bolton on January 1 or against Newcastle two days later. He said: "Darren is still suffering with his knee but he is probably going to be all right for January 1 or January 3."

Saturday 18th December 2004

City too good for dismal Albion

Albion slip further into trouble after suffering a 4-0 defeat away to near neighbours Birmingham City. Robbie Savage opened the scoring for Blues with a 4th minute penalty before goals from Clinton Morrison (23) and Emile Heskey (30 & 80) completed the rout in front of a crowd of 28,880. During the game disgruntled Albion fans openly chanted the name of former boss Gary Megson.

Friday 17th December 2004

Inter winger linked

Albion are linked with a loan move for Inter Milan's Kily Gonzalez. The 30-year-old left winger has fallen out of favour at Milan who he joined in a £20m transfer from Valencia. The Argentinian star has however played down the rumours linking him with a move away from Italy: "The only thing I know is what has been said in the press," insisted the Inter star to Radio La Red. "I know that in Italy they are saying that I could be in the plans of Newcastle, in the same way that in Argentina it is being said that I could return to Boca but I don't pay attention to the gossip."

Thursday 16th December 2004

Hoult boost

Russell Hoult is declared fit for Saturday's game at Birmingham City after recovering from a knee injury suffered in training on Tuesday but Cosmin Contra (groin) and Darren Moore (knee) are rated doubtful for the St Andrew's clash.

Inamoto in action

Albion's Japanese star Junichi Inamoto captains his Country in their friendly international match against Germany at Yokohama. The midfielder, who has yet to figure in Albion's first team played 70 minutes of Japan's 3-0 defeat.

Wednesday 15th December 2004

Youth team crash out

Albion's youth team lose 4-1 away to Manchester City in their third round match in the FA Youth Cup at the Regional Athletics Stadium, SportCity. Rob Elvins gave Albion the lead after 6 minutes before goals from Shaleum Logan, Ishmael Miller and Nedum Onuoha gave City a 3-1 half-time lead. Logan completed the scoring for the hosts with his second goal of the night in the closing minutes of the game. A crowd of 501 were in attendance.

Monday 13th December 2004

Reserves draw a blank

At Kidderminster in the Barclays Premiership Reserve League North, Albion play out a 0-0 draw with Leeds United. Tomasz Kuszczak, Martin Albrechtsen, Thomas Gaardsoe and Artim Sakiri all feature for Albion in a lively game watched by a crowd of 352.

Saturday 11th December 2004

Addicks down Albion

Albion go down 1-0 to Charlton Athletic in a poor game at The Hawthorns. Republic of Ireland star Matt Holland grabbed the only goal of the game on 30 minutes in front of a crowd of 24,697.

Tristan rubbishes link

Deportivo La Coruna striker Diego Tristan rubbishes reports linking him with a January move to Albion. Speculation in the Spanish media had claimed the club were in negotiations to bring Tristan to The Hawthorns when the transfer window reopens in the New Year. "It is not worth the trouble of answering," responded Tristan when questioned about Albion's purported interest. "There is nothing in it."

Friday 10th December 2004

Albion interested in Argentinian Almeyda

Argentine midfielder Matias Almeyda's agent Marcos Franchi, has confirmed that Albion are interested in signing the player. ''Matias has an offer from Italy and another from England but I am currently in negotiations with the English club because they are the only ones that have wanted to talk to me for the moment,'' confirmed Franchi. ''The coach of West Brom, Bryan Robson, has got in touch with Matias and also with me. We are having conversations to see which is the best for both.''

Gera takes Hungarian honour

Albion midfielder Zoltan Gera is named the Hungarian Player of the Year. Gera took the award ahead of Crystal Palace's Gabor Kiraly and his team-mate Sandor Torghelle. "I'm always very critical of myself so I'd say that I still have a lot to improve, but apart from this, I think that 2004 was a really successful year for me," said Gera. "We won the Championship and the Hungarian Cup with Ferencvaros and it was a perfect ending for my Hungarian years."

Thursday 9th December 2004

Contra fit for Addicks clash

Cosmin Contra is declared fit ahead of Saturday's game at home to Charlton. The Romanian missed last Saturday's game at Portsmouth due to a groin injury.

Inter striker Cruz linked

Argentine international Julio Cruz is the latest player to be linked with a move to The Hawthorns. The striker has been in and out of the Inter Milan side for much of the season and was linked with a move to Liverpool earlier in the campaign.

Wednesday  8th December 2004

Saddlers keen to keep Murphy

Walsall announce that they are keen to keep on-loan Albion goalkeeper Joe Murphy at the Bescot Stadium for the rest of the current campaign. Walsall boss Paul Merson told his club's website. "Joe is a very good keeper and it will be a major bonus to us if we can keep him here. I have had talks with Bryan Robson and hopefully we can sort out a deal."

Juventus defender linked

Albion, along with Newcastle United are rumoured to be interested in signing Juventus' Croatian defender Igor Tudor when the transfer window reopens in January. A fee of £3 million is mentioned.

Monday 6th December 2004

Brown leaves for Field Mill

Young striker Simon Brown ends his loan spell at Kidderminster Harriers to sign for Mansfield Town in a permanent deal that will see Albion pocket an initial £50,000 plus the possibility of a further £50,000 dependant on Mansfield's success. The deal also includes a 50 per cent sell on clause on any profit. Albion reserve team boss Gary Shelton said: "I'm pleased for Simon. He's done really well at Kidderminster and when I've spoken to people down there they've been impressed with him. They're disappointed he's going but they understand it's a good move for him. He's come on a lot and is ready for first team football. I've seen him a few times this season and he's been the best player on the pitch by a long way. He could progress to an even higher level."

Inamoto called up

Junichi Inamoto is included in the Japan squad to entertain Germany in an international friendly in Yokohama on Thursday, December 16.

Almeyda linked

Albion are linked with a move for Argentinian international midfielder Matias Almeyda. The 30 year old is currently without a club after being released by Italian side Brescia. Reggina and Crystal Palace are also said to be interested in the South American, who left Brescia after a disagreement with the club's supporters.

Sunday 5th December 2004

Albion handed North End trip

Albion are handed an away game at Championship side Preston North End in the third round of the FA Cup. The game will be played on Saturday the 8th or Sunday the 9th of January 2005.

Saturday 4th December 2004

Late goals cost Albion

Two goals in the last five minutes see Albion slip to a 3-2 defeat away at Portsmouth in the Barclays Premiership. Albion took the lead on 14 minutes thanks to a Dejan Stefanovic own goal before Darren Purse put through his own net on 35 minutes to level the score. Albion retook the lead just before half time when Rob Earnshaw grabbed his fifth goal of the season but goals from Arjen De Zeeuw (85) and Lomana LuaLua (89) ensured Bryan Robson is still without a win since taking over as manager. A crowd of 20,110 witnessed the first top flight meeting of the two clubs since 1958.

Friday 3rd December 2004

Kanu fit for Pompey

Kanu is declared fit for tomorrow's game at Portsmouth but Darren Moore and Cosmin Contra are both rated as "50-50" for the clash at Fratton Park. Moore suffered a twisted knee and Contra was forced off with a groin injury during last week's game against Manchester United.

Thursday 2nd December 2004

Siggy quits

Defender Larus Sigurdsson admits defeat in his battle against long-term injury and announces his retirement from the game. The former Icelandic international has been forced to take the decision to end his career after failing to recover from the third major knee injury suffered during his time at the Albion.

His first injury occurred during Gary Megson's opening game in charge of Albion at Stockport in March, 2000, when he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Sigurdsson's last senior appearance for the club came at Crystal Palace in September 2003 when he damaged the cartilage in his left knee. Four months later, as he made his comeback with the reserves, he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. During his attempt to return from that last injury, the problem picked up in the Palace game continued to flare up when he reached intense phases of rehabilitation work.

The 31 year old made 129 appearances for the club and scored 1 goal. He now plans to return to Iceland with wife Disa and sons Sigurdur and Aron after saying farewell to the fans during next week's home game with Charlton.

Sigurdsson said of the decision to retire: "I've been struggling with my injuries for almost a year and a half now and every time I reached a certain level my left knee just kept breaking down, I was then asked the questions 'how long do you want to carry on?' and 'how much do you want to risk permanent damage to your knee?' We decided to give it one more go - but the knee broke down again. So the decision to retire was really made for me. It's been very hard to accept. I'd never had a serious injury before I came to West Brom and I've been very unlucky."

Horsfield staying

Albion boss Bryan Robson has played down talk of striker Geoff Horsfield leaving The Hawthorns. The ex-Birmingham and Fulham star has been strongly linked with a move to Championship side Sheffield United. "I think someone is just being a bit mischievous from a First Division club," said Robson. "We've got four strikers in the club and until that January transfer window comes open, there is no way I would change that."

Kanu pledges future