Monday 31st January 2005

Chaplow arrives

Albion finally complete the signing of Burnley midfielder Richard Chaplow after having a £1.5 million bid for the player accepted by the Championship side. The England under-21 star passed a medical and agreed terms prior to signing a three-and-a-half-year contract at The Hawthorns.

Manager Bryan Robson speaking about his latest signing said: "As a young lad, Richard's got a terrific work rate and a bit of pace about him. He has the confidence to take the ball in any area of the pitch and can create and score goals. The one thing he can improve on is the defensive side of his game - but he can learn that. He's got good a character and is an all-round midfield player. I wouldn't have asked the chairman to pay this kind of money if I didn't think Richard could make the step up to the Premiership. I saw him when he first got into the Burnley team. I had a game of golf with Burnley's former manager, Stan Ternant, and he spoke very highly of him. I took notice of Richard then and he is progressing as a player all the time."

Chaplow, who turns 20 on Wednesday made 74 appearances (including appearances as a substitute) and scored seven goals for the Lancashire club.

Clement pens new deal

Defender Neil Clement signs a new five and a half year contract with the club. Clement, whose previous contract would have run out at the end of June moved to The Hawthorns from Chelsea in July 2000.

Manager Bryan Robson said: "I've been very pleased with Neil since I've been at the Albion. The club have made him a really good offer which I'm delighted he has signed. Neil has played in a variety of positions and has been an effective and reliable member of the squad. He's a smashing player and the type we want to keep at the club."

Albion Chairman Jeremy Peace also spoke of the new deal: "We're delighted Neil has committed his future to the club. He has earned this new contract through his excellent performances for the first team, which have impressed the new manager. We look forward to more of the same over the next five-and-a-half years."

Albion to face Megson ?

In the draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup Albion are handed a home game with Gary Megson's Nottingham Forest if they can win their fourth round replay against Tottenham Hotspur. The game would take place on the weekend of February 19/20.

Contra spell ends

Albion decide to end the loan deal of Atletico Madrid's Cosmin Contra. The Romanian international moved to The Hawthorns on a season-long loan during the August transfer window. The defender come midfielder made just six appearances for the club with his last coming against Liverpool on Boxing Day. "I look at the balance of our squad and, with (Kieran) Richardson coming in and Koumas here as well, I didn't think there was any necessity to keep Contra," said Albion boss Bryan Robson. "He's got international aspirations and needs to play first team football and I couldn't guarantee him that."

Saturday 29th January 2005

Cup game ends all square

Albion play out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in an FA Cup 4th round tie at The Hawthorns. Welsh striker Rob Earnshaw gave Albion the lead on 17 minutes before a Jermain Defoe penalty levelled the scores in the 30th minute. A crowd of 22,441 watched the hosts enjoy the better of the play and hit the woodwork twice. The replay will take place at White Hart Lane on Saturday, February 12.

United starlet joins

Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson joins Albion on loan until the end of the season.

The 20 year old speaking about the move said: "I'm definitely happy to go out on loan and get some experience. I also want to show what I can do because I believe I have a lot to offer West Brom." Of his new boss Bryan Robson, he said: "He's a legend at Manchester United and it's an honour for me to go and play for him. I just can't wait to get started really. West Brom are a hard-working side and the manager has stressed to me how important the work ethic is to his team - that isn't a problem for me and hopefully I can bring a bit of creativity to the team as well."

Albion boss Robson claimed however that Richardson will have his work cut out to grab a first team place at The Hawthorns:  "I've told Kieran he'll be competing against Zoltan Gera and Jonathan Greening, so there is no guaranteed place there and he understands that," said Robson. "Kieran has a lot of good attributes. He's athletic, quick and left-footed which gives us a good balance. But if Gera and Greening keep performing then Kieran has a lot to do to get in the team. In this division, you need competition for places and you do get injuries and suspensions."

Leeds watch Hulse

Reports suggest that Championship side Leeds United are interested in Albion striker Rob Hulse. The 25 year old turned down a £1.2 million move to Stoke City last weekend.

Baggies back in for Chaplow

It is revealed that Albion have made a third bid for Burnley midfielder Richard Chaplow. Boss Bryan Robson revealed: "Our chairman put a renewed offer in for Chaplow last night and we're waiting to hear back from Burnley."

Friday 28th January 2005

Megson in for Moore

Gary Megson's Nottingham Forest make a reported £200,000 bid for Albion defender Darren Moore. A Forest spokesman said: "We can confirm we have made a bid for Darren Moore and are waiting for a response." Moore, who is out of contract at the end of the season was signed by Megson for Albion from Portsmouth in September 2001. "I don't want to say too much about Darren Moore other than to say he's someone I've worked with in the past and trust a lot," said Megson. "If something can be done then that's great but at the moment it's up to West Brom."

Reserve game switch

Albion's reserve team game against Wolves has been brought forward to Wednesday, February 2 (ko 7pm) from it's original date of Tuesday, April 12. The game will take place at Telford United FC.

Thursday 27th January 2005

Chaplow talks resume

Despite claims by Burnley that the deal was dead Albion re-open talks to sign midfielder Richard Chaplow. Clarets boss Steve Cotterill told his club's official website: "The latest regarding Richard Chaplow is that Jeremy Peace, the West Brom Chairman, rang our Chairman yesterday (Wednesday) and said that they want to re-open negotiations for Richard. Something will probably be talked about at sometime today. I don't know anything else about it."

Albion target moves

Juventus defender Igor Tudor, a long time transfer target for Albion appears set to join Serie A side Siena on loan until the end of the season. Speaking to skysports.com Tudor's agent Craig Hutchinson said: "Newcastle, West Brom, Rangers and Middlesbrough all made specific enquiries for Igor. West Brom came up with a specific proposal. Newcastle and Fulham were following him and Middlesbrough wanted a loan move until the end of the season. Rangers also made enquiries and will continue to watch him. But this is the route he has chosen. He's still under contract to Juventus but the object of the exercise is to get him out there playing and we'll see what happens in the summer."

Wednesday 26th January 2005

Welsh duo called up

Albion duo Jason Koumas and Rob Earnshaw are both called up into the Welsh national squad for the game with Hungary in Cardiff on February 9th.

Chaplow deal dead ?

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby claims that Albion's attempts to sign Clarets midfielder Richard Chaplow could be over. "I spoke to Jeremy Peace last Thursday to tell him our valuations are miles apart and since then I've heard nothing," said Kilby. "Obviously there's still a chance of them coming back in with another offer, but they are well aware that we do not want to sell Richard and as far as I'm concerned that one's dead."

Tuesday 25th January 2005

Reserve game postponed

Albion's reserve match against Middlesbrough at Billingham's Central Avenue ground is called off due to a waterlogged pitch. The game was due to see the return to action of midfielder Lee Marshall after 9 months out with a broken leg.

Albion linked with Forest star

Albion are linked with a move for Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson. The highly rated 21 year old star has in the past been linked with Liverpool and Newcastle United amongst others.

Palace keen on Hulse

According to reports Albion's Premiership rivals Crystal Palace are interested in signing striker Rob Hulse. The 25 year old turned down a move to Championship side Stoke City over the weekend after Albion had accepted a £1.2 million bid for the ex-Crewe star.

Burrows turns down Megson offer

Ex-Albion assistant manager Frank Burrows turns down the chance to join Gary Megson at Nottingham Forest. "Frank has turned down the offer to join us at Forest due to family reasons," Megson told Forest's official website. "He has thought long and hard about it and feels he could not necessarily give the club 100 percent."

Monday 24th January 2005

Albion open Clement talks

Albion have opened talks with Neil Clement over a new contract. The ex-Chelsea player's current deal at The Hawthorns runs out in the summer when he would become a free agent. Albion assistant manager Nigel Pearson said of Clement: "Neil has already been offered a new contract and he has done really well for us in three or four positions. Neil has showed how versatile he can be and he has been proving that he can perform well at centre-half since going back there. Neil is a good professional, someone who works hard at his game, and is prepared to play wherever the manager wants him to play."

Hulse rejects City

Striker Rob Hulse turns down a move to Championship side Stoke City. The Potteries club had a bid of £1.2 million accepted last week and had been in talks with the former Crewe star. "Rob visited the club on Saturday and was impressed with everyone he met and what he saw at the club," said City director of football John Rudge. "However after discussing it with his agent and family over the weekend he's decided that it's not the right move for him at this point in time. He's keen however not to discount the possibility of a move to the club some time in the future.

O’Connor back at Hawthorns

Albion midfielder James O'Connor returns to The Hawthorns following his three month loan spell at Burnley. "I'm sorry to go because they are a great bunch of lads and Steve Cotterill and all his staff have been terrific," he told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. "It's been a real pleasure to play at Burnley and it's a shame it's had to come to an end. I would never rule out coming back at some stage, but the loan is up and I just have to go back to West Brom and go from there. I haven't actually spoken to Bryan Robson yet, so I'm sure we will chat. But all I can do is knuckle down and try to get back into the team and see what happens."

Sunday 23rd January 2005

French trialist leaves

French midfielder Bernard Diomede agrees to sign a two-and-a-half-year deal with French second division side Creteil. The 31-year-old former Liverpool star had spent the last week on trial at The Hawthorns.

Saturday 22nd January 2005

Albion see off City challenge

In front of a crowd of 25,348 Albion claim only their second league win of the season by beating Manchester City 2-0 at a snowy Hawthorns. Kevin Campbell marked his home debut for the club by scoring the opening goal after 5 minutes before man of the match Ronnie Wallwork settled the game 9 minutes from time with a close range header. Despite the victory Albion remain five points off safety.

Friday 21st January 2005

Hulse bid accepted

Albion accept a £1.2 million bid from Stoke City for striker Rob Hulse.

"We put a bid of £1.2 million on the table and Albion have now indicated they will accept this," said City chairman Gunnar Gislason. "The next stage is to now talk to the player, which we have been given permission by West Brom to do."

Albion chairman Jeremy Peace said: "Stoke City have been keen to sign Rob for some time and their latest offer has now matched our valuation."

The 25 year old moved to The Hawthorns from Crewe Alexandra for a fee of £750,000 in July 2003 and has scored 13 goals in his time at the club.

Albion boss Bryan Robson said of the deal: "I feel Rob needs first-team football to go forward in his career and as we've now got Robert Earnshaw, Kevin Campbell, Geoff Horsfield and Kanu ahead of him in the squad his opportunities will be limited. It is a very good offer from Stoke and good business for Albion.I'd like to wish Rob all the best with his future career."

Haas leaves Hawthorns

Swiss defender Bernt Haas leaves The Hawthorns after having his contract terminated by the club. Haas had recently been transfer listed by Bryan Robson. "Bernt has been a good servant to the club but I put Martin Albrechtsen and Riccy Scimeca before him in his position," the Albion boss told the club's official website. "We also have Cosmin Contra who can play on the right and for Bernt's international future I feel he needs first-team football. We wish Bernt all the best for the future."

The 26 year old joined Albion from Sunderland in July 2003 for a fee of £400,000 and made 52 first team appearances scoring 3 goals. He is expected to sign for French side Bastia.

Almeyda off to Chile

According to reports Argentine midfielder Matias Almeyda is close to signing for Chilean side Universidad de Chile. The 30 year old had originally agreed an 18 month contract with Albion only for the deal to fall through. 

Wednesday 19th January 2005

Almeyda deal still on ?

Another twist occurs in the Matias Almeyda transfer saga when the Argentine midfielder insists he has not retired from football and he could still join Albion. "I haven't decided to hang up my boots yet," said Almeyda. "It's true that I am thinking about it and I still have to decide if I am going to accept to play for West Brom. I don't have any other offer and they are calling me every day for an answer. The thing is that I still have the hope to play for River. I want to see if they get notified that I am free of contract and then decide to call me".

Diomede on trial

Albion have taken former Liverpool midfielder Bernard Diomede on trial for a week. The 30 year old French International joined the Merseyside club for £3 million from Auxerre in July 2000, although he only made one league start during his time under then boss Gerard Houllier.

"Bernard's a free agent," Robson told Albion's official website. "He was at Liverpool for a few years and I saw him play a couple of times but he never really had a good chance there. He's certainly worth a look at and he'll be staying this week with us. He's a left-sided midfielder more than a central midfielder."

Diomede has already been on trial with Bolton and Manchester City this season after leaving French club Ajaccio in the summer.

Albion step up Chaplow chase

It is believed that Albion have offered cash plus James O'Connor in an attempt to sign Burnley midfielder Richard Chaplow.

Speaking about the deal to the Evening Mail, Albion boss Bryan Robson said: "I have spoken to Steve Cotterill, the Burnley manager, on a few occasions about Chaplow. I was hoping that a deal would have been done by now but the chairman is still talking to their chairman about him. I would like to bring Chaplow into the club - Steve and his chairman both know that. The negotiations have been going on for the last six weeks and it's now up to the clubs, we are hoping that the chairman can do something to make it happen.”

“Richard played very well last night. I've had my eye on him for a while. I saw him two years ago when he first came into the team at Burnley as a young kid. He has lots of enthusiasm and good ability. Stan Ternent, the ex-manager of Burnley, spoke very highly of him. There is no doubt he can make the leap up to The Premiership and that's why I'm in for him."

Tuesday 18th January 2005

Megson plays down duo reports

New Nottingham Forest boss Gary Megson plays down reports that he is about to move for Albion duo Darren Moore and Geoff Horsfield.

"It is a total fabrication of the truth and does nothing but create embarrassment for me with West Bromwich Albion," Megson told Forest's official website. "The subject of Darren Moore was mentioned in the after-match press conference on Saturday and I merely pointed out that his arrival at West Brom led to opposition goals drying up from set pieces. That was the sum total of any comment on West Brom players but on Monday morning I read that I had approached Bryan Robson about Darren and was intending to do so about Geoff Horsfield. It's one of those things that managers can't do anything about but it also provides an insight to our supporters in terms of what we are up against with certain members of the media."

Inamoto deal extended

Junichi Inamoto's loan deal at Championship side Cardiff City is extended by another month. "We've extended Inamoto's loan period for another month, though West Bromwich could recall the player at any given time," Cardiff boss Lennie Lawrence told the South Wales Echo. "We're hopeful we can agree to take the player for a third month, but we'll have to see as the situation develops."

Johnson boost

A scan reveals Andy Johnson's knee injury is not as serious as first feared. The midfielder was stretchered off in the 70th minute of Sunday's game at Fulham. The scan revealed Johnson has damaged his medial and not the cruciate ligaments and will only be sidelined for around three weeks.

Monday 17th January 2005

Moore grabs point for reserves

Albion reserves claim a point from a 3-3 draw with Newcastle United at Aggborough thanks to a last minute goal from defender Darren Moore. Kyle Patterson opened the scoring for Albion in the 18th minute but the lead lasted only seven minutes before a James Milner strike levelled the scores. In the 39th minute a Martin Brittain free kick saw United regain the lead. Albion drew level in the 76th minute thanks to an Andrew O'Brien own goal before Guy Bates netted what looked like the winner for the visitors on 84 minutes until Moore struck to grab a share of the points. 

Target retires

Another blow for Albion as transfer target Matias Almeyda announces his retirement from the game. The 31 year old had agreed an 18 month contract with Albion in mid-December. "It's very disappointing news because everything was agreed," said manager Bryan Robson. "Almeyda is a player I thought would have done a good job for us. But he has decided to stay in Argentina because of family problems and we have to respect his decision and move on. We are now channelling all our efforts into bringing in other targets."

Moore linked with Forest move

Defender Darren Moore is linked with a loan move to Nottingham Forest where he would link up with ex-Albion manager Gary Megson.

Sunday 16th January 2005 

Unlucky Albion go down at the Cottage

Despite a good performance in front of the Sky tv cameras Albion lose 1-0 at Fulham due to an injury time goal scored by Papa Bouba Diop. Welsh midfielder Andy Johnson was stretchered off due to injury in the 70th minute. The game watched by a Craven Cottage crowd of 16,180 also saw the Albion debut of Kevin Campbell.

Almeyda to quit ?

Reports emerge suggesting that Albion's long time transfer target Matias Almeyda could be on the verge of retiring from the game. The 31 year old midfielder is said to be currently experiencing "family problems" back in his native Argentina.

Friday 14th January 2005

Inamoto could stay at City

Albion midfielder Junichi Inamoto, currently on loan at Championship side Cardiff City has has revealed he would consider making his loan move permanent. "If the manager decides the move could be a permanent one, then I would have to think about the whole thing," the 25-year-old Japanese star said. "Obviously I would like to play for the top teams in the country, but I must say I'm happy here at Cardiff. It's a good city and the people here are very friendly - I am enjoying my time here very much indeed."

Clement linked with Palace move

Neil Clement is linked with a move to Albion's Premiership rivals Crystal Palace. The defender will be out of contract at the end of the current season.

Chaplow linked again

Albion are again linked with Burnley's young midfielder Richard Chaplow. Reports say Albion could be set to offer £1 million plus midfielder James O'Connor in an attempt to sign the England under 21 star.

Thursday 13th January 2005

Robson denies Kanu reports

Albion boss Bryan Robson dismisses press reports that the club are trying to offload Nigerian striker Kanu. Robson said: "With five strikers it gives us a lot of pace and power and they are all a part of the squad. At the weekend Kanu had a virus and missed the FA Cup tie with Preston but his attitude has been very good. He leads the line well and has given everything. We need a few forwards as we have to start scoring and winning games, and Kanu remains very much part of my plans."

Contra linked with Dutch giants

Albion's Romanian defender Cosmin Contra is linked with a move away from The Hawthorns to Dutch side Feyenoord. Contra is currently on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid.

Juventus duo set for move ?

According to reports in the Italian press Albion are reported to be close to sealing deals for Juventus' defensive duo  Nicola Legrottaglie and Igor Tudor. Both players have been linked with a move to The Hawthorns in recent weeks.

Blackwell dismisses Sakiri interest

Leeds United boss Kevin Blackwell denies reports that Albion midfielder Artim Sakiri could be on his way to Elland Road. "There is absolutely no truth in the suggestions that we are signing the player," the Leeds boss told the Leeds Evening Post. "No-one has spoken to anyone about him and I have got no interest in him whatsoever. He's not someone I've even watched. I don't know where these reports come from, and the only thing I can think of is that it has come from an agent whose player obviously wants to leave the club. How better to create an auction than by sticking Leeds United's name alongside him?"  

Spurs date confirmed

Albion's fourth round FA Cup tie at home to Tottenham Hotspur will take place on Saturday 29th January it is confirmed.

Wednesday 12th January 2005

Leeds linked with Sakiri

A day after being transfer listed by the club Macedonian midfielder Artim Sakiri is said to be a target for Championship side Leeds United. The Yorkshire club already have one ex-Albion star in their squad after signing Sean Gregan back in September.

Clement for Scotland ?

It emerges that Scotland manager Walter Smith is considering Albion defender Neil Clement for selection in his future squads. Clement, whose father Dave played for England is said to have Scottish connections.

Tuesday 11th January 2005

Duo listed

Bryan Robson continues his reshaping of the Albion squad by transfer listing both Bernt Haas and Artim Sakiri. Both players joined the club in July 2003. Sakiri has not played since the Portsmouth away game in early December whilst Haas last appeared for the club in the 4-0 defeat at Birmingham City on December 18.

Speaking of his decision Robson said: "Bernt and Artim are both experienced players and at this stage of their careers they need first-team football, I can't guarantee that to either of them because I've got other players in front of them in the queue."

Campbell unveiled

New signing Kevin Campbell is unveiled at a Hawthorns press conference.

"I'm delighted to be joining West Brom - once I heard they were interested I jumped at the chance," said Campbell. "I know there are really good players here and I can make a difference. But the defining factor in me joining West Brom was the manager. He is somebody I have respected throughout my career and as soon as I spoke to him I made my mind up. I'm not one to shirk a challenge and it's a good challenge because I think West Brom have got a good squad. I had other offers but once I knew of West Brom's interest there was only one place I was going to go."

The ex Arsenal and Everton star added: "I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could help West Brom out of trouble like I did at Everton, I don't think West Brom's position is that bad. What we need are back-to-back wins as soon as possible. And once we get that the scrap will really be on. The most important thing I've found out about being in a relegation dogfight is that when you suffer disappointment you have to get over it almost immediately because you can't take it into another game. That is the vital factor in getting wins. Also, from what I've seen here, even when the team is down the crowd stay with them, which is really important because it's a long haul and you really do need the crowd to make a difference at times."

Roma star linked

Roma's veteran Italian international striker Marco Delvecchio is linked with a loan move to The Hawthorns. The Milan born star started his career at Inter Milan and has also played for Venezia and Udinese. 

Crawford leaves

Albion coach Alan Crawford leaves The Hawthorns to link up with Gary Megson at Nottingham Forest. 

Monday 10th January 2005

Albion handed Spurs tie

Albion are handed a home game against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth round draw. The tie will be played on Saturday, January 29th or Sunday, January 30th.

Campbell signs

Kevin Campbell becomes Bryan Robson's first signing since taking over at The Hawthorns. The 34 year old striker has signed a 18 month deal with the club following his release from Everton.

The Albion boss said of the deal: "I'm delighted to have Kevin on board. He's got vast experience and Premiership know-how, I think he'll be a real success for Albion. I've seen him right through his career at Arsenal, Forest and Everton. He's a big powerful centre-forward and has a record of scoring one in every three games throughout his career. He adds power and strength to our squad and has committed himself to the club for a year-and-a-half.”

“He's up for trying to keep us in the Premiership and if we get relegated he is willing to stay and try and help us get promoted. Kevin is one of the better strikers in the Premiership and knows what it is all about in terms of fighting against relegation and for promotion. He knows exactly what he's coming into and that is the type of player I want at the club."

The Lambeth born star started his career at Arsenal and has also had spells at Leyton Orient, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Reserves lose

Albion reserves go down to a 2-0 defeat away at Bolton Wanderers. Goals from Florent Laville (50) and Ricky Shakes (88) were enough to see the home side pick up all three points against an Albion team including the likes of Gaardsoe, Haas and Sakiri. Darren Moore, who was due to make a comeback from his recent injury was withdrawn from the squad as a precaution.

Juventus defender linked

Out of favour Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie is the latest name to be linked with a move to The Hawthorns. The Italian international has admitted he could leave Juventus in the transfer window, as he wants to be playing regular first team football although it is claimed that he has already turned down a move to Albion.

Megson takes over at Forest

Ex Albion boss Gary Megson is officially unveiled as the new manager of Championship side Nottingham Forest. Megson has signed a 2 and a half year deal at the City Ground.

Sunday 9th January 2005

Campbell linked

Everton's veteran striker Kevin Campbell is released from his contract at Goodison Park and is immediately linked with a move to The Hawthorns. The former Arsenal and Nottingham Forest star has fallen down the pecking order at the Merseyside club following the arrival of James Beattie. The 34 year old has recently been linked with Championship sides Leeds United and Wolves.

Hulse set to leave ?

Speculation increases that Rob Hulse could be on his way out of The Hawthorns with Sheffield United said to be leading the chase for the ex Crewe striker. A fee of £275,000 has been mentioned in the reports linking him with a move to Bramall Lane.

Megson linked with City Ground job

Former Albion boss Gary Megson is linked with taking over the vacant manager's job at Nottingham Forest. The ex Baggies boss who took Albion to two promotions in his time at the club had a short spell as a player at the City Ground.

Saturday 8th January 2005

Albion through in cup

Albion reach the 4th round of the FA Cup after a 2-0 victory against Championship side Preston North End at Deepdale. In front of a crowd of 13,005 Rob Earnshaw opened the scoring in the 76th minute following good work from substitute Jason Koumas. Seven minutes later Earnshaw grabbed his second of the game with a well placed lob to see Albion safely through to Monday's fourth round draw. 

Friday 7th January 2005

Ex-Everton star linked

According to reports Albion are said to be one of three clubs interested in bringing former Everton star Ibrahima Bakayoko back to England. The Ivory Coast international striker, currently at Osasuna, is also thought to be attracting the attention of Southampton and Portsmouth.

Thursday 6th January 2005

Inamoto can play in City cup clash

Albion give Cardiff City permission to use on loan midfielder Junichi Inamoto in the Welsh club's FA Cup third round tie with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. Albion had originally said that they did not want the Japanese star cup-tied.

Wednesday 5th January 2005

Tomlinson goal wins points for reserves

A 58th minute goal from Ezekiel Tomlinson gave Albion reserves a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. It was the reserve team's first win in seven games, their last victory coming over Sunderland on the 13th October. A crowd of 346 were in attendance.

Tsunami appeal boost

It is announced that Albion fans raised over £10,000 for the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster during their game with Newcastle United on Bank Holiday Monday. The Rotary Club of West Bromwich held the collection at The Hawthorns, and the final total came to £10,384 - smashing the previous record for a Hawthorns charity collection.

Chairman Jeremy Peace said: "We knew for a fact our supporters would give generously but their response on Monday was incredible. It underlines how much this tragedy has affected people in the Black Country - and how much our supporters want to help the people of South East Asia."

Marlene Edwards, president of the Rotary Club of West Bromwich, added: "I want to thank the fans for their generosity on Monday - it was absolutely overwhelming - and also the club for doubling the total. Supporters came up to our collectors with bags of money. Everyone was so generous. The money will get immediate relief to the tsunami victims and we will be working with Rotary clubs in South East Asia via Rotary International to make sure it goes to the worst-affected areas. There is no bureaucracy involved so every single penny will go where it's needed."

Tuesday 4th January 2005

Le Tallec linked

Albion and Norwich City are both linked with a loan move for Liverpool's Anthony Le Tallec. The French striker is currently back in France on a season-long loan deal with St Etienne but has struggled with injuries and has made just six appearances for the club.

Monday 3rd January 2005

Toon clash ends goalless

In front of a Hawthorns crowd of 25,259 and the Sky TV cameras Albion hold Graeme Souness' Newcastle United to a 0-0 draw. The result means Albion are now three games unbeaten but due to Crystal Palace's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa earlier in the day the gap between Albion and 17th position is once again five points.

Sunday 2nd January 2005

Four stars linked

Burnley's England under-21 midfielder Richard Chaplow is the latest name linked with a move to The Hawthorns, reports claim Albion are set to offer cash plus Rob Hulse for the 19 year old. Albion are also linked with moves for Juventus defender Igor Tudor and Shakhtar Donetsk's goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa. The Croatian duo have both won over 40 caps for their country. Manchester United midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba is also mooted as a possible target for the club.

Lawrence keen on Inamoto deal

Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence admits that he would like to turn Albion midfielder Junichi Inamoto's loan deal at the Welsh club into a permanent move. ''He's got good feet, can see a pass and lasted the full game as well, so I was very happy with him,'' said Lawrence. ''We've got him for an initial one month but with the option to keep him for a second or third month after that. The flipside of that is Bryan Robson can call him back but he doesn't seem to be in Robbo's plans at the moment because he's the only outfield player he's let out on loan. I'd like to think there would be a possibility of signing him on a permanent basis but at the moment it's difficult to see how likely that could be.''

Saturday 1st January 2005

Albion earn point at the Reebok

A much improved performance sees Albion claim a point from a 1-1 draw at Bolton Wanderers. Hungarian midfielder Zoltan Gera gave Albion the lead on 13 minutes and the visitors looked set to hang on for a vital victory until an El-Hadji Diouf goal 5 minutes from time denied Bryan Robson a first win since taking over at The Hawthorns. A crowd of 25,205 braved the wet and windy conditions at the Reebok Stadium.