Tuesday 28th February 2006

Baggies’ stars on duty

Albion defender Curtis Davies makes his England Under-21 debut as a substitute in their 3-1 win over Norway at the Madejski Stadium, Reading. The former Luton star replaced Aston Villa’s Liam Ridgewell at half-time.

Junichi Inamoto came on as 70th minute substitute to help Japan to a 2-2 draw in their World Cup warm-up match with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Dortmund.

Young midfielder Rob Davies makes his Wales Under-21 debut as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat by Northern Ireland at Llanelli's Stebonheath Park. The 18-year-old replaced Wrexham's Levi Mackin in the 56th minute of the game.

Polish goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak also figured for his country in their practice game against German side Kaiserslautern.

Quashie hit with misconduct rap

Albion midfielder Nigel Quashie is charged with misconduct by the Football Association following his sending off in Sunday's 2-0 defeat at home to Middlesbrough.

Quashie was dismissed for violent conduct after kicking out at Boro midfielder George Boateng but he has now also been charged with using 'abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official'.

The Scottish international, who joined Albion from Southampton last month, already faces a four-game ban due to the red card being his second of the season - his previous one coming for Southampton in their match against Hull in November.

The matter will go before an FA disciplinary commission at Soho Square next Tuesday.

Sunday 26th February 2006

Baggies slump against Boro

Albion’s relegation fears increased after suffering a 2-0 defeat against fellow strugglers Middlesbrough at The Hawthorns. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who was linked with a January move to Albion, scored both of the Boro goals.

Ex-Chelsea star Hasselbaink opened the scoring in the 17th minute after beating the offside trap and then notched his second a minute before half-time with a deflected free-kick.

Albion’s recent signing Nigel Quashie was sent off on 54 minutes for violent conduct after blatantly kicking out at Boro midfielder George Boateng.

A crowd of 24,601 were in attendance.

Friday 24th February 2006

Duo to miss Boro clash

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson has ruled Steve Watson (stomach strain) and Zoltan Gera (pelvis) out of Sunday's Premiership clash with Middlesbrough.

"Steve and Zoltan have both joined in training a bit this week and we will assess them again next week," said Robson.

"Zoltan will still need a couple of weeks' rehabilitation and needs to get his fitness up. I want the kid to be 100 per cent before he tries to play in a game again. We're leaving that with the medical people but he's had a lot of treatment and he has trained all this week. Next week we're looking for him to join in again and monitor how he's going.”

"Our medical staff are happy with the treatment he got in Hungary and the medication they put him on. We're hopeful now he is over his injury problems and he can just get on with training," Robson added.

The Baggies’ boss is however boosted by the news that Kanu and Diomansy Kamara are back from African Nations Cup duty and Paul Robinson is available again after serving a one-match ban at Fulham.

Thursday 23rd February 2006

Davies in Under-21 squad

Albion defender Curtis Davies is named in England’s Under-21 squad for Tuesday's game with Norway at Reading’s Madejski Stadium.

Davies, who joined Albion from Luton Town last August, has been selected for the past two Under-21s squads but has yet to make his debut.

Bolton clash on Sky
 
Albion’s home game with Bolton Wanderers on Monday, April 17 has been selected for live coverage by Sky Sports.
 
The clash, on Easter Monday, will now kick off at 8pm.

Tuesday 21st February 2006

Duo set for international duty

Junichi Inamoto is called up by Japan for their World Cup warm-up match against Bosnia-Herzegovina next Tuesday in Dortmund. The midfielder will link up with Zico's men after Sunday's Premiership clash against Middlesbrough.

Meanwhile, Albion’s Academy goalkeeper Luke Daniels has been named in the England under-18’s squad for their match against Slovenia, at Bournemouth AFC, on Monday, April 17.

Monday 20th February 2006

Reserves win

Albion’s reserve team record their second successive victory with a 3-2 win over Birmingham City at Solihull Borough’s Damson Lane ground.

Rob Elvins opened the scoring for the visitors on ten minutes with a header from a Jared Hodgkiss cross but DJ Campbell hauled the hosts level almost immediately. On 18 minutes Blues retook the lead through a Oliver Allen goal but a fine free-kick from Welsh midfielder Rob Davies in the 27th minute ensured the two sides went in level at half time. Young midfielder Chris Humphrey sealed the win for Albion on 54 minutes with his first goal at reserve team level.

A crowd of 231 were in attendance.

Baggies boss hopeful on Gera

Albion boss Bryan Robson reveals he is hopeful that influential midfielder Zoltan Gera could soon be ready for a return to first team action. The Hungarian international has not started a game for over four months due to a pelvic injury but has now returned to training following specialist treatment in his homeland.

"Today he will join in with some of the training with the lads and what we have to do is monitor him and build up his training over the next couple of weeks. I'd like to think we'll have him back this season,” Robson told the club’s official website.

"He's had that many different types of treatment you hope something will get to the bottom of the problem and hopefully this trip to Hungary has done the trick. We'll just have to see how he goes but we're very hopeful. The weekend will be too soon for him however. When you've been out for that length of time it's going to take a while for him to build his fitness up again. The last thing we want to do is push him and then see him break down with another type of injury. We've got to be sensible with the way we build his fitness up and then he has to do himself justice when he gets back in."

Quashie gets Scots call-up

Albion midfielder Nigel Quashie is called up into the Scotland squad for their friendly against Switzerland, at Hampden Park, on Wednesday, March 1.

Quashie, who moved to The Hawthorns on transfer deadline day, already has ten full caps to his name.

Saturday 18th February 2006

Baggies’ stars in hotel rumpus

Albion make front page headlines with stories emanating from Dubai of a drunken rampage in the club’s hotel. A number of players were reported to have set off a fire extinguisher whilst returning to their hotel rooms at around 1.30 in the morning. The prank is reported to have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to the Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa hotel.

Other guests claimed that the players were drunk but Albion boss Bryan Robson defended his men: “A couple of nights ago a small group of players were in the corridor returning to their rooms when a fire extinguisher was set off. It was a silly prank. They have apologised to the hotel and to me and have paid for any damage caused. The hotel accepted this and do not have a problem.”

Elvins hat-trick downs United

Young striker Rob Elvins hits a hat-trick to help Albion’s Academy team to a memorable 3-0 win away at Manchester United.

Friday 17th February 2006

Smikle off to The Shay

Albion midfielder Brian Smikle moves to Nationwide Conference side Halifax Town on a month’s loan.

The 20-year-old, a product of Albion’s youth system, has yet to make a competitive first team appearance for the Baggies but is a reserve team regular.

It is the second time Smikle has been loaned out to a Conference side after having spent a month at Hereford United last season, for whom he made three appearances.

Smikle is due to return to The Hawthorns on March 18.

Baggies linked with young Scot

Albion are linked with a move for Elgin City defender Stuart Cumming. The 21 year-old right-back started his career with Blackburn Rovers before returning North of the Border.

Middlesbrough and Derby County are also understood to be interested in the player.

Wednesday 15th February 2006

Hoult linked with Hillsborough move

Reports in the media link Sheffield Wednesday with a loan bid for Albion’s third choice goalkeeper Russell Hoult.
 
Owls’ boss Paul Sturrock is currently looking to bolster his goalkeeping options after first choice keeper David Lucas suffered a cruciate ligament injury to his right knee during Wednesday’s one nil win over Millwall on February 4.

Davies gets Under-21 call

Young Albion midfielder Rob Davies is called up into the Welsh Under-21 squad for their game with Northern Ireland at Llanelli on February 28.

It is the first time Davies, a regular in the Welsh Under-19’s, has figured in an Under-21 squad.

Tuesday 14th February 2006

Kuszczak receives Polish call-up

Albion goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is called up into the Polish national squad for their pre-World Cup warm-up game against the USA in Kaiserslautern on  March 1.
 
Kuszczak, who has impressed since replacing Chris Kirkland in the Albion goal, was recently watched by Polish goalkeeping coach Jacek Kazimierski.
 
Kazimierski told IC Birmingham "I saw Tomasz against Charlton and Blackburn and he did very well. We've been watching Tomasz for quite a while and believe he is on the right road to being a top-class goalkeeper.”
 
"I've given very positive feedback to Mr Janas and he feels it's right for Tomasz to be given a chance. Tomasz still needs more experience of playing in the Premiership but he is playing well and his all-round game has improved. He has a great chance of making the World Cup.”
 
"If he's fit he will play in at least one of our friendly games. But he has to keep working hard because there is a lot of competition. If he continues as he is he will have a big future ahead of him."

Poland will also play a friendly against the city's Bundesliga side on February 28.

Kuszczak last played for his national side in December 2003 when he won his only two caps in friendlies against Malta and Lithuania.

The 23 year-old keeper, who moved to The Hawthorns from German side Hertha-Berlin in July 2004 has also made 14 appearances for the Polish Under-21's side.

Monday 13th February 2006

Reserves down Rovers

Albion’s reserve team end a run of nine league games without a win by beating Blackburn Rovers 4-1 at Kidderminster’s Aggborough ground.

A youthful side, which included 16 year-old trialist Jake Andersen, took the lead on three minutes through a Stuart Nicholson goal. The young striker doubled his tally on 32 minutes with a stunning 25 yard effort but missed a 74th minute penalty which would of given him his hat-trick.

Craig Barr gave the visitors hope with an 80th minute effort but goals from Ben Pringle (88) and Rob Elvins (92) clinched all three points for Gary Shelton’s men in front of a crowd of 174.

Horsfield departs

Albion striker Geoff Horsfield moves to Championship side Sheffield United on loan until the end of the season when the 32-year-old will convert the short-term switch into a permanent £1.25million move. The Baggies will receive a guaranteed £1million plus a further £250,000 subject to performance-related add-ons.

"I'm pleased to be coming back to Yorkshire, Sheffield United are flying at the minute and this is a great chance to get back into the Premiership," Horsfield told United’s official website. "I've stepped down a league but this is a great chance to get straight back into the Premiership,” the Barnsley born striker added.

“It has been in the papers for over a month that United wanted to sign me, I'm delighted it is done and that I can come back up to Yorkshire and complete the deal. My aim now is to get a few goals to help us to promotion. I've only been here about an hour and I've seen the size of the club and we deserve to be in the Premiership."

Horsfield moved to The Hawthorns in December 2003, joining from Wigan Athletic in a £1million deal. The big striker has scored 15 goals in 73 appearances for the Baggies, 21 of which have come as substitute.

His new boss Neil Warnock added: "We are pleased to have him on board, he is another Yorkshire lad and I think he is delighted to be coming home."

Baggies receive Kuszczak boost

Albion are boosted by the news that goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak’s rib injury, sustained during Saturday’s defeat at Fulham, is not as bad as first feared.

It was feared that the Polish international had broken a rib but the injury has now been confirmed as just bruising in the collar-bone region.

"Tomasz's injury is nothing too serious," Albion boss Bryan Robson told the club’s official website. "He's just badly bruised and he should be okay for the next game."

Albion jet out on sunshine trip

Bryan Robson and his squad depart for a mid-season break in Dubai. The trip has been criticized by many supporters.

Saturday 11th February 2006 

Albion hit for six at Craven Cottage

A woeful defensive display sees Albion slump to a 6-1 defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Hiedar Helguson opened the scoring for the hosts after just four minutes and the Icelandic international doubled his tally five minutes before half time with a close range header. Two minutes after the interval Tomasz Radzinski virtually killed the game off after springing the Albion offside trap to fire past Tomasz Kuszczak.

Just before the hour mark Fulham scored a fourth goal when Helguson’s shot from 20 yards deflected off Curtis Davies into the net. Almost immediately, Polish keeper Kuszczak, who had taken a knock earlier in the game was substituted, being replaced by Russell Hoult. The change in goalkeeper had no effect as Collins John made it 5-0 on 82 minutes with a close range effort. Veteran striker Kevin Campbell pulled a goal back for the visitors three minutes later but one minute from time Dutch international John grabbed his second of the game to complete a miserable day for Albion.

A crowd of 21,508 saw Fulham record their best ever victory over the Baggies. The defeat was also Albion’s biggest ever away loss in the Premiership.

Academy team defeated

Albion’s Academy team slump to a 3-0 home defeat against Blackburn Rovers.

Junior Dadson opened the scoring for the visitors on 73 minutes and three minutes later Josh O’Keefe doubled Rovers lead. Rostyn Griffiths completed the scoring on 80 minutes.

Thursday 9th February 2006

African Nations Cup bronze for Kanu

In the African Nations Cup, Kanu’s Nigeria claim third place with a 1-0 win over Diomansy Kamara’s Senegal in Cairo, Egypt. Garba Lawal grabbed the winner ten minutes from time to give the Super Eagles a third successive bronze medal position.

Senegal striker Kamara played the full 90 minutes of the game whilst his Albion team mate Kanu came on as a 76th minute substitute for Victor Obinna.

Tuesday 7th February 2006

Gera fitness boost

Bryan Robson reveals that he is hopeful that Zoltan Gera’s injury problems may soon be over. Hungarian star Gera is currently receiving treatment back in his homeland and the Baggies’ boss is hopeful the influential midfielder is well on the way to recovery.

"Nick Worth, our physio, has been speaking to Zoltan's specialist over in Hungary,” Robson told the club’s official website.

"He is improving so we've allowed him to stay in Hungary for a few more days to get treatment. Hopefully, Zoltan will come back on Thursday or Friday when we'll reassess him. We're just hopeful he'll come back from Hungary and be able to train again.”

"It's come out that he had this problem about four years ago and the specialist who's looking after him now is the guy who got him right last time and knows the history of his injury. That's why we thought it was right to send him over there to see if he can get him straight again. He's had a double hernia but it seems it's a sort of pelvic problem like he had four years ago."

Duo’s cup dreams over

Albion duo Diomansy Kamara and Kanu both suffer African Nations Cup heartbreak after their respective countries lose at the semi-final stage.

Nigerian star Kanu started for his country against the Ivory Coast but could not prevent the Super Eagles going down to a 1-0 defeat whilst Kamara’s Senegal lost 2-1 to hosts Egypt.

Nigeria and Senegal will now meet in Thursday's third/fourth-place play-off.

Harriers linked with Academy star

Albion Academy player Ibrahim Sissoko is rumoured to be a loan target for Kidderminster Harriers. The 17 year-old midfielder has been a reserve team regular this season but Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson is said to be keen on the player gaining first team experience away from The Hawthorns.

Monday 6th February 2006

Reserves winless run goes on

Albion’s reserve team’s winless run is extended to nine games following a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at Aggborough. New professional Stuart Nicholson put Albion ahead in the 52nd minute but the lead lasted just 13 minutes before Billy Dennehy grabbed an equaliser and a share of the points for the visitors. A very poor crowd of 168 were in attendance.

Chaplow off to St Mary’s

The club announce that midfielder Richard Chaplow will join Championship side Southampton for a three month loan deal on Wednesday. Albion have the option of recalling Chaplow after the initial 28 days of his loan should they wish.

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson said of the deal: "Chappy is going down to Southampton to play some first-team football. I just feel this is important for him. He has taken a lot of things on board in training from what myself and Nigel Pearson have been asking him to do. Now it's time for him to put those things into practice in matches.”

"Chappy hasn't really got the experience at the moment for me to play him in Premiership games. But I do think he is going to develop into a very good player. Going to Southampton and playing first-team football is part of his development. Hopefully, he'll come back a better player."

Chaplow, 21, moved to The Hawthorns from Burnley in January 2005 but has struggled to gain a regular first team place, starting just six league and cup games this season.

Robson to hold Horsfield talks

Bryan Robson reveals that he will hold talks over the Albion future of Geoff Horsfield. The striker was expected to join Championship side Sheffield United - initially on loan - when Kanu and Diomansy Kamara returned to the Hawthorns from African Nations Cup duty, but with Rob Earnshaw leaving the club and Horsfield impressing in recent games Robson is keen to sort the striker’s immediate future out.

The Baggies’ boss said: "We have got a time limit up until February 14. We need to know one way or the other what Geoff wants to do.”

"Geoff has come back into the team and on Saturday I thought he was outstanding. He held the ball up well and worked really hard down the channels. He didn't score but he linked our play up really well. I also felt that he was our best player in the previous game against Charlton.”

"I've got to speak to Geoff and the chairman about what our immediate plans will be for him."

Saturday 4th February 2006

Albion sink poor Rovers

Two first half goals from Kevin Campbell and Jonathan Greening sees Albion record a comfortable 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at The Hawthorns. Campbell, on his 36th birthday opened the scoring in the 6th minute from close range following a Junichi Inamoto long-ball. Midfielder Greening doubled the lead on 32 minutes when he fired in an excellent effort from twenty yards. The win, in front of a crowd of 23,933 means Albion now have a six point cushion over 3rd from bottom Birmingham City.

Academy derby ends all-square

Albion’s Academy team play out a 3-3 draw with Wolves at the club’s Great Barr training ground. The Baggies' goalscorers were Brendan McMenamin, Rob Elvins and Garth McDonald.

Kanu joins Kamara in ANC Semis

Albion striker Kanu helps his country Nigeria to a place in the African Nations Cup semi-finals. Kanu, who had come on as a 59th minute substitute, helped the Super Eagles beat Tunisia in a penalty shoot-out after the game had ended level at 1-1.

Nigeria now face either Cameroon or the Ivory Coast for a place in the final.

Friday 3rd February 2006

New club crest revealed

Albion reveal the club’s new crest to a disappointing reaction from the club’s fans. Despite claiming extensive research and consultation was carried out amongst supporters most were left in the dark by the move and many feel the new design looks amateurish.

The new design does includes the throstle, hawthorn bush, berries and stripes that featured on it’s predecessor but it now also includes the club’s name.

Tim Gardiner, Albion's Director of Sales and Marketing, told the club’s official website: "The club's brief to the designers we worked with was simple: the new crest must stay true to the previous badge. It was a case of evolution, not revolution, and we are delighted with the end product because we believe we have achieved our goal. The new design embraces the club's history in a progressive style without any sense of loss to our proud heritage.”

"The crest is at the heart of the club, which is underlined by its position on the players' shirts, and we feel all elements of the new design are timelessly classic. Placing the club's name on the new badge was fundamental because we, as a club, are proud to say who we are."

"By redesigning the badge, we have safeguarded the club's identity for years to come. We can now control its usage and ensure it is reproduced to a consistently high standard wherever it appears.”

"The feedback we received during our consultation process was very positive and we're confident the new crest will be embraced by all of our supporters."

The new crest will be used with immediate effect and will appear on club shirts from the start of next season.

African Cup joy for Kamara

Albion winger Diomansy Kamara’s Senegal reach the African Nations Cup semi-finals with a 3-2 victory over Guinea. Kamara set up Fulham’s Papa Bouba Diop for Senegal’s first goal.

Senegal will now face either Egypt or the DR Congo in the semi-finals.

Thursday 2nd February 2006

Kuszczak gets chance to shine

Albion’s Polish goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak will get the chance to stake a claim for a World Cup call-up when his countries’ goalkeeping coach Jacek Kazimierski watches Saturday’s game against Blackburn Rovers.

The 23 year-old keeper was also watched in midweek against Charlton and impressed - keeping a clean sheet.

"I had a call from Mr Kazimierski who told me he was planning a trip to England this week,'' said Kuszczak. "He telephoned to say he would probably be at the Charlton game and definitely will be at the Blackburn match. “

"This is a big opportunity for me. I'm delighted that I've got a chance to get back into my country's squad. I know I cannot afford to let myself down on Saturday. Like any player, it would be a dream to play in the World Cup finals and that would be great for me, especially as until recently, I wasn't even playing for my club."

Kuszczak has previously played twice for his country.

Wednesday 1st February 2006

Reserves poor run continues

A young reserve team slip to a 1-0 defeat against Leeds United at Kidderminster’s Aggborough ground. A 67th minute Gavin Rotherby goal was enough to condemn Albion to their sixth defeat in eight games.

In one of the season’s more bizarre moments, Albion were forced to play the game in their training kit due to a clash of colours with their opponents.

Robinson to miss Cottage clash

It is confirmed that Baggies’ defender Paul Robinson faces a one game suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season during last night’s game at The Valley.

The left-back will miss Albion’s trip to Fulham on Saturday, February 11.

Campbell doubtful for Rovers clash

Albion striker Kevin Campbell is rated doubtful for Saturday’s Hawthorns clash with Blackburn Rovers after picking up a groin injury in last night’s 0-0 draw at The Valley against Charlton Athletic.

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson told the club’s official website: "Kev is feeling his groin and is a doubt for Saturday. Hopefully it's not too serious and we'll assess him today."

Quashie reveals Rangers snub

Albion’s new signing Nigel Quashie has revealed how he turned down a loan move to Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers in favour of a permanent move to The Hawthorns.

The Scotland international told the Scottish Sun: "A loan deal at Rangers wasn't the right option. I wanted to come on a permanent basis. Yet I will never say a bad word about (Rangers chairman) David Murray because he conducted himself so well. If Rangers had been able to offer me a permanent deal, it would have been so different. I'd have swum, walked or run up there to sign, but that sort of deal was never on the table."