Thursday 31st December 2009

Tamas Deal Agreed

Albion announce that they have agreed a deal with French top-flight club Auxerre to sign centre-half Gabriel Tamas on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move.

The loan is subject to the Romanian international defender being granted a work permit and international clearance.

The 26-year-old cannot complete his move until the international transfer window reopens on Saturday, meaning he will be ineligible for the FA Cup third-round trip to Huddersfield.

The player has just completed a second loan spell at Dinamo Bucharest from Auxerre.

Tamas, who has won 42 caps for his country, has previously also played for Galatasaray, Spartak Moscow and Celta Vigo.

Di Matteo Admits Moses Interest

Baggies’ boss Roberto di Matteo admits he is monitoring Crystal Palace winger Victor Moses following speculation that the club had made a bid for the player.

"We are working behind the scenes and have a number of players we are watching - and Victor is one of them," he said.

"He did well against us in September, but I've known of him since before then and have watched his development."

Wednesday 30th December 2009

Wood Extends Hawthorns Stay

Albion announce that young striker Chris Wood has penned a new three-and-a-half year deal with a further year's option in the club's favour.

The New Zealand international only signed a two-year contract in May but an impressive start to the season has seen the club move to tie him down to a longer deal.

Trio Struggling For Terriers Clash

Albion’s preparations for Saturday’s FA Cup clash at Huddersfield are hit by a bout of illness. Jonas Olsson, Graham Dorrans and Marek Cech are all rated doubtful for the game after missing training.

Baggies’ boss Roberto di Matteo said: "We haven't picked up any fresh injuries, just illness.

"When you get to December, January and February, I remember as a player, you can feel a bit run down and it's easy to pick up a virus.

"We've got three players currently that are sick. Jonas played on Monday and wasn't feeling great. He wanted to play, I didn't have to force him, and it was his call to play. He didn't feel too well the night before.

"Olsson is still not well and the other two are Dorrans and Cech. All three are doubtful for Saturday at the moment. We've kept them away from the rest of the squad.

"Dorrans only came off on Saturday because it was the second game in 48 hours and he got a kick on his calf and was limping."

Premier League Duo Track Baggies’ Youngster

Aston Villa and Manchester City are reportedly interested in young Albion defender Paul Downing.

The 18-year-old has yet to make an appearance for the Baggies’ first team but is viewed as one of the club’s brightest prospects.

Tuesday 29th December 2009

Baggies Linked With Palace Starlet

Albion are linked with a £1.5million move for Crystal Palace winger Victor Moses. The 19-year-old has been made available for transfer by financially troubled Palace, a move which is expected to start a fight for his signature with a number of Premier League clubs also reportedly interested in the player.

Monday 28th December 2009

Glanford Glee For Albion

Albion make it two wins out of two over the Christmas period with a 3-1 win over Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park.

Roberto di Matteo’s men took the lead on 19 minutes through Graham Dorrans but Rob Jones equalized for the home side just after half-time.

United were reduced to 10 men on 61 minutes when Andrew Wright was sent off for a second bookable offence and Albion quickly took advantage when just five minutes later Dorrans grabbed his second of the game from the penalty spot.

The Scottish midfielder missed the chance of a hat-trick on 74 minutes when referee Jon Moss awarded a second penalty to the visitors, a decision which led to the home side being reduced to nine men with the sending-off of Grant McCann for dissent. Dorrans saw his penalty saved by former Baggie Joe Murphy.

Albion did make sure of all three points four minutes from time when Gianni Zuiverloon netted from close range.

A crowd of 7,221 were in attendance.

Tamas Deal Close

Albion's move for Auxerre's Romanian international defender Gabriel Tamas is reportedly on the verge of completion. With all terms between the clubs and player apparently finalised, the signing is expected to be confirmed when the international transfer window re-opens on January 2.

Sunday 27th December 2009

Baggies Linked Again With Blades’ Star

Albion are once again linked with Sheffield United striker Jamie Ward with claims that a £3million move for the striker is planned for next month.

Saturday 26th December 2009

Albion Down Stubborn ‘Posh’

Luke Moore’s fourth goal of the season and an own goal from Ryan Bennett guide Albion to a comfortable 2-0 win over Peterborough United at The Hawthorns. A season’s best home crowd of 24,924 were in attendance.

The game saw Baggies’ defender Joe Mattock pick up his fifth yellow card of the season meaning he will miss Monday’s trip to Scunthorpe.

Thursday 24th December 2009

Meite Boost For Baggies

Albion will have Abdoulaye Meite available for the Bank Holiday trip to Scunthorpe after he was given permission to play by the Ivory Coast.

The defender had been due to report for duty with his country ahead of next month's African Nations Cup in Angola on Sunday after the Boxing Day clash with Peterborough but following a plea from Albion's legal secretary Darren Eales to the Ivory Coast FA, Meite will now report 48 hours later.

Baggies' Head coach Roberto Di Matteo told the club's official website: "This is great news and, on behalf of the club, I would like to thank the Ivory Coast for being so reasonable about this.

"Abou has started the last eight games and I'm delighted he will be available for selection for both Saturday and Monday."

Tuesday 22nd December 2009

New Director To Join

Albion announce the appointment of Adrian Wright as their new Sales and Marketing director.

The former head of corporate sales at Birmingham City will take up his new role early in the new year.

The 32-year-old will oversee all commercial activities at The Hawthorns and take charge of sales, sponsorship and catering operations.

Finance Director Mark Jenkins said: “Adrian brings with him a wealth of experience in sales and marketing.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming him on board in the new year and seeing him transfer his skills to the post.”

A club statement said: “Adrian has developed an impressive CV since beginning his sales and marketing career during an eight-year stint at Centrica (British Gas).

“He has won numerous sales management awards and, after spending three years working on behalf of MBNA, he went on to surpass many sales income records during five years with Blues.”

Barnett To Remain At The Ricoh?

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo reveals that Leon Barnett is unlikely to return to the club when his loan deal at Coventry runs out next month.

The centre-back joined the Sky Blues on loan at the start of November in a deal that runs until the end of January but Di Matteohas admitted that he is unlikely to ask Barnett,who has confessed he is enjoying life at the Ricoh Arena, to return.

Di Matteotold the club’s official website: "We probably won't bring him back. I think he is happy where he is.

"He is playing week in, week out and I don't think he wants to come back and not play."

Saturday 19th December 2009

Seaside Trip Off As Big Freeze Sets In

Albion’s Championship game at Blackpool is postponed because of a frozen pitch at Bloomfield Road. Referee Dave Foster made the decision to postpone the game following a 10am pitch inspection.

Koren linked with Black Country Rivals

Albion’s want-away midfielder Robert Koren is linked with a move to Wolves.

The 29-year-old Slovenia captain has admitted he wants more first-team action ahead of next year’s World Cup finals but has found himself on the fringe of Roberto di Matteo’s plans.  

 Autograph Ban Reasons Finally Revealed

Albion chairman Jeremy Peace speaks for the first time about the club’s unpopular decision to ban supporters from obtaining autographs from players at the club’s training ground.

“We got the idea from Arsenal and saw what other clubs do,” said Peace.

“We had a small number of people who were outside with shirts.

“One guy had a different shirt every day - ‘please can you sign these as I’m a true Albion fan’ - but was putting them on ebay. We didn’t want that.

“We have no problems with players signing autographs, as they do when they park up and walk to the ground on matchdays.

“That’s fine but we felt people hawking stuff on ebay having accosted the players on their way out of the training ground wasn’t right.

“There are proper channels, if people want an autograph they can write in and we will accommodate them.

"Inevitably innocent fans get caught up but we have the open day when they come along and can get autographs, or signings at clubs shops and during half-term.

“It’s certainly not a case of us trying to be obstructive - it’s merely a case of trying to stop normal fans getting exploited. We are all willing sign stuff if it’s within reason and done the right way.”

Friday 18th December 2009

Blackpool Clash In Doubt

Albion’s Championship clash at Blackpool tomorrow is in doubt after a pitch inspection was confirmed for in the morning.

Freezing temperatures overnight and the forecast of further frosty conditions mean that referee Dave Foster will hold a 10am pitch inspection to decide whether the game will go ahead.

Temperatures are expected to drop to minus six degrees on the Lancashire coast tonight.

Dorrans In Talks To Extend Baggies Stay

It is reported that Albion are in talks with Graham Dorrans over a new deal at The Hawthorns.

The Baggiesare ready to offer Dorransa new and improved contract as reward for his impressive form this season despite the fact he only signed fresh terms last May.

The former Livingston star signed a three-year deal with a 12-month option before the start of the season and Albion are keen to secure his long-term future to ward off growing interest from Premier League clubs.

Aston Villa,Sunderland, Everton, Birmingham and Stoke are all believed to be watching the Scottish international but Dorrans’ agent, Willie McKay,has revealed talks are ongoing regarding a new deal for the player.

"I have been speaking to Dan Ashworth about a new deal for Grahamas he has been making tremendous progress there," said McKay.

"West Brom are aware a number of Premier League clubs are interested in Graham and they are keen to reward him with a new improved contract.

"I know it is a difficult time of the year to have contract talks, but we hope to agree something to suit all parties.

"Graham is happy that Premier League teams are showing an interest in him, but his main goal is to help West Brom win promotion this season.

"He is happy there and the fans love him so we hope that a deal can be reached that is the best for everyone involved."

Labadie Extends Robins Stay

Albion agree to extend young midfielder Joss Labadie’s loan spell at League Two side Cheltenham Town for another month.

Thursday 17th December 2009

Former Baggie Scimeca Calls It A Day

Cardiff City's former Albion player Riccardo Scimeca has announced his retirement from football with immediate effect. Scimeca, who spent just over 18 months at The Hawthorns, has been plagued by a number injuries over the past three seasons.

Wednesday 16th December 2009

Clement’s Future In Doubt

Albion defender Neil Clement is facing a make-or-break month as the club try last-ditch treatments to try to save his career.

Sporting director Dan Ashworth revealed today that the long-serving centre-back is awaiting a verdict from specialists on whether unconventional treatments can get him back into training.

Ashworth revealed that Clement’s plight is “fairly serious” with the defender having been sidelined for more than a year with the latest in a series of knee problems that have blighted his career.

“Neil’s had some revolutionary treatments and seen consultants,” said Ashworth.

“We are trying out every last avenue. He’s seen three specialists recently with two different forms of treatment. We hope to get an answer on the last one in next week or so, as to whether it will work and enable him to push on.

“We want to try everything. Neil’s been in and out during the last two years but he’s had 18 months without competitive football so it’s fairly serious.”

Tuesday 15th December 2009

Baggies Debt Shock

Albion announce a net debt of £6.6 million - after making an initial operating profit of £7.7 million.

The club have released their annual accounts, which also show an increase in turnover from £27.2m to £47m for the year ending June 30, 2009, mainly down to the money brought in through Premier League media rights.

The Baggies made a profit of £7.8m with a further profit of £7.7m on the sale of players during the period, with a net debt of £6.6m, which was down from the £7m figure for the previous 12 months.

The depreciation of players’ values, due to the running down of contracts, means the club have made a pre-tax loss of £13.3m, although this is a theoretical figure, with the wage bill rising from £21.6m to £30.7m after the club’s promotion to the Premier League during that period.

The club’s future liability on first-team players’ wages, effectively the minimum to be paid during the course of their contracts, increased by £10.2m to £33.4m.

Finance director Mark Jenkins believes Albion’s model is appropriate during these troubled times.

“We’re running as we always do – compared to other football clubs we’re relatively strong but we are nearly £7m in debt,” he said. “The Premier League is a very cash-hungry league to be in. The £21m figure is a Championship parachute wage bill.

“When we do our three-year plans and we’ve got parachute payments we do consider that. You only have to look at the financial difficulty many clubs are in at the moment and players’ wages are the main issue.

“Already you’ve got one or two clubs struggling to pay their wages. We are well planned. We know when a player contract is dropping out and we can flex our costs appropriately.

“We have to cut our cloth accordingly, like other clubs do. Some clubs push it more than others and they’re the ones whose players don’t get paid come the last Thursday of the month,” Jenkins said.

“Clearly we are in a period of recession but player wages don’t seem to have decreased to a large extent.”

Monday 14th December 2009

Last Gasp Cox Saves Albion

A Simon Cox goal with virtually the last kick of the game salvages a point for Albion who fought back from 2-0 down against Queens Park Rangers at The Hawthorns.

A Jonas Olsson own goal on 56 minutes was quickly followed up six minutes later by Kaspars Gorkss' header as Rangers looked set to inflict another home defeat on Roberto di Matteo’s men.

Jerome Thomas pulled a goal back for the Baggies on 67 minutes before Cox's late leveller three minutes into stoppage time earned the Baggies a well deserved point.

Sunday 13th December 2009

Baggies Linked With Potters Star

Albion are reported to be interested in Stoke City striker James Beattie whose future at the Potteries club is in doubt following his well publicised bust-up with manager Tony Pulis.

Saturday 12th December 2009

Crewe Too Good For Baggies Academy

Albion’s Academy team suffer a 3-2 defeat away at Crewe Alexandra. Ethan Mannion and Akil Grier were the Baggies’ goalscorers.

Friday 11th December 2009

Baggies Reveal One-Off Shirt Sponsors

Albion reveal their first one-game shirt sponsors - online betting company Blue Square.

The firm will have their name displayed on Albion shirts for Monday’s televised game against Queens Park Rangers.

The club announced a fortnight ago that they had been given permission by the Football League and were ready to open talks about match-by-match shirt sponsorship deals.

Mark Jenkins, Albion’s finance director, said: “We have had considerable interest in this unique shirt sponsorship venture and we’re delighted that an organisation of Blue Square’s stature has become the first company to join forces with us.

“We will be making a little piece of history with Blue Square and are very much looking forward to working closely with them for this game.

“We will also be announcing similar deals with other interested companies for future games.”

Blue Square have pledged to auction the match-worn shirts in aid of the Whizz-Kidz charity.

Barnett Unsure Of Future

Albion defender Leon Barnett has admitted he is uncertain where his long-term future lies.

Barnett, currently on loan at Coventry City, for whom he has made five appearances, told the Coventry Telegraph: "I don't know what's going on at the moment, I am just going to keep playing until my loan ends.

"I am enjoying myself and loving the boys and loving the club, but it is not really down to me at the moment.

"It is down to the two clubs to negotiate a fee if it is possible.

"Obviously, I have to look at any other offers and all I can do is get my head down and play as much football as I can and see what happens in January."

The former Luton Town man is due to remain with the Sky Blues until the end of January.

Youth Cup Date Set

Albion’s FA Youth Cup fourth-round home tie with Aston Villa is set for Thursday, January 14 with a 7pm kick-off.

The derby clash will take place at The Hawthorns and admission prices are £5 adults and £1 juniors and seniors.

Thursday 10th December 2009

Carson Apologises For Red Card Shame

Scott Carson issues an apology to Albion fans and his team-mates following his sending-off against Cardiff on Tuesday.

Carson, who was dismissed for an apparent head butt on Michael Chopra said: “I’m captain of the team, a role I take very seriously, and I shouldn’t have reacted in the way I did. It was a really frustrating night and that came to the fore with my red card.

“A cross came over and I got caught by their player, who got nowhere near the ball. I should have just let it go and I’m disappointed in myself for getting involved.

“Having said that, I believe I was provoked and am disappointed in the way a fellow professional reacted.

“But I apologise to the players, the supporters and everyone connected with the club for the fact I was sent off and left us a man short.

“It was completely out of character for me to be involved in anything like that. The fact it also led to a penalty just made it worse.

“Having three games out suspended is going to be pretty hard to take and I’m sorry I won’t be involved against QPR, Blackpool and Peterborough.

“I don’t like missing a minute of football, never mind three games, but Dean will come in and do a great job for the team.

“We need to put the whole thing behind us now because Tuesday was a nightmare from start to finish.”

Baggies Linked With International Duo

Albion are linked with two internationals currently playing in Belgian football.

Paraguay international defender Antolin Alcaraz and Bahrain international striker Jaycee Okwunwanne are both being monitored by the Baggies according to reports.

Alcaraz, 27, has spent the last two years at Club Bruges having made his name in Portugal with Beira Mar. He has played three times for Paraguay.

Nigeria-born Okwunwanne, 24, has scored 11 goals in 41 appearances for his adopted homeland of Bahrain. He has played in Belgium for Mouscron since last year.

Wednesday 9th December 2009

Reserves Downed At Derby

Albion reserves suffer a 2-1 defeat against Derby at Alfreton Town's Impact Arena.

On-trial midfielder Mark Doninger opened the scoring for the Rams after 21 minutes and Jake Livermore made it 2-0 in the 37th minute. Sam Mantom pulled one back two minutes before the break with a 20-yard drive but the hosts held on for all three points thus preventing Albion from claiming top spot in the league.

Tuesday 8th December 2009

Ten Man Albion Beaten By Bluebirds

Albion suffer a third home defeat of the season, losing 2-0 to Cardiff City.

Cardiff were already leading through an 18th minute Chris Burke goal when five minutes from time Baggies’ goalkeeper Scott Carson head-butted Michael Chopra after going face-to-face with the striker, earning a red card and gifting the visitors a spot-kick in the process.

Substitute goalkeeper Dean Kiely saved the resulting penalty from Peter Whittingham although the Bluebirds’ midfielder netted the rebound to register his 12th league goal of the season.

It was Cardiff's first league victory at The Hawthorns since 1957.

Saturday 5th December 2009

Last Gasp Campbell Denies Albion

Albion play out a hard fought 2-2 draw away at Derby to extend their unbeaten run to six games. Paul Dickov gave the hosts a 42nd minute lead before three goals came in the last eight minutes.
 
Simon Cox’s controversial 82nd minute strike had Derby’s players claiming handball and Graham Dorrans’ stoppage-time goal looked to have handed Albion all three points but former Birmingham City striker DJ Campbell equalised with virtually the last kick of the game.

United Edge Past Albion Kids

Albion's academy team lose 2-1 away at Manchester United.

Paul Pogba and Ryan Tunnicliffe scored for the hosts whilst George Thorne scored the Baggies' consolation.

Friday 4th December 2009

Baggies To Lose Meite

Albion look set to lose defender Abdoulaye Meite to the Africa Cup of Nations before the start of January.

The Ivory Coast international is likely to be in his nation’s squad for next month's competition in Angola and it now appears that Meite will have to report for international duty immediately after the Boxing Day clash with Peterborough at The Hawthorns.

“He’s been involved in the last two games and, after talking to Abou as well, it seems he’ll be with Ivory Coast,” admitted Baggies’ boss Roberto Di Matteo.

“He will not be available after the Peterborough game and will leave before the Scunthorpe game.”

Thursday 3rd December 2009

Albion Receive Miller Boost

Albion are boosted with the news that Ishmael Miller has been given the green light to return to full training following a year out through injury. Barring set-backs, Miller should be available for first team action in late January 2010.

Miller was expected to return from his knee ligament injury at the start of the season but was forced back under the surgeon’s knife due to complications with his initial operation.

"We've had some fantastic news about Ishmael Miller,” Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo said.

"He's had the green light from his surgeon to increase his training workload.

"So, we will slowly, gradually slot him into our training sessions.

"He could be available for selection in late January."

Wednesday 2nd December 2009

Baggies Set For Fitness Boost

Albion receive positive news on the injury front ahead of the weekend’s trip to Derby.

Joe Mattock has returned to training after missing Saturday's 4-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday due to a foot injury and Filipe Teixeira's groin problem has improved and he should also be available.

Winger Jerome Thomas will also be fit for the Pride Park clash having overcome a back injury to line up at Hillsborough, only to go off in the second half nursing a tight hamstring.

Tuesday 1st December 2009

Baggies Duo Up For Awards

Roberto Di Matteo and Simon Cox have been nominated for November Coca-Cola Championship awards.

Di Matteo, who has been nominated for the Manager of the Month award, is up against Newcastle's Chris Hughton, Nottingham Forest's Billy Davies and Crystal Palace's Neil Warnock.

Cox is up against Watford's Darius Henderson, Crystal Palace's Darren Ambrose and Newcastle's Kevin Nolan for the Player of the Month award.

The player award will be announced on Sky Sports' Soccer AM show on Saturday morning, with the manager award following on the Soccer Saturday programme.

Albion To Maintain January Policy

Sporting & Technical Director Dan Ashworth has confirmed Albion will maintain their January policy of short term deals if Roberto Di Matteo opts to strengthen his squad when the transfer window opens next month.

In recent seasons, chairman Jeremy Peace has shied away from sanctioning any permanent deals during the winter transfer window, preferring short-term loan with option to buy deals.

With Abdoulaye Meite expected to miss up to six games due to his African Nations commitments and Ishmael Miller yet to return to action following his knee injury it’s believed Di Matteo had hoped to bring in an another defender or striker.

“We will be as prepared as we possibly can for January," said Ashworth.

"Robbie has already identified one or two areas he may like to strengthen and we are working on identifying and pursuing targets.

"However, it is very much a work in progress because the landscape could change between now and January due to loss of form or fresh injuries.

"The team is handily placed after 18 games and we want to give ourselves the best possible chance of an immediate return to the Premier League whilst living within our means."

Youths Down Swans To Progress

Albion reach the 4th round of the FA Youth Cup following a 3-0 victory away at Swansea. Saido Berahino (2) and Kayleden Brown were the Albion goalscorers.

Baggies' Cup Date Confirmed

Albion’s FA Cup third-round trip to Huddersfield Town has been set for Saturday, January 2 with a 3pm kick-off.

Should the tie go to a replay it has been pencilled in for Tuesday, January 12, at The Hawthorns (kick-off 7.45pm).