Sunday 31st July 2005

Albion win in Wales

Albion win their penultimate pre-season friendly game beating Cardiff City 2-0 at Ninian Park thanks to goals from Kanu and Thomas Gaardsoe. The Nigerian star opened the scoring in the 14th minute with Gaardsoe netting the second on 71 minutes. Diomansy Kamara made his first appearance in Albion colours whilst both Darren Purse and Jason Koumas turned out for the Welsh side just days after moving from The Hawthorns.

Veteran defender linked

Everton defender Alan Stubbs is linked with a move to the Hawthorns. The 33 year-old former Bolton and Celtic man is out of contract at Goodison Park and according to reports in the morning’s media could be set for a switch to The Hawthorns with talks between the club and player set for this week.

Friday 29th July 2005

Albion get Academy go-ahead

Albion join the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal after the club are awarded FA Premier League Academy status. They will play their first ever game at Academy level against Southampton on Saturday, August 20.

"Having an Academy is great," said Baggies boss Bryan Robson. "When you look at Middlesbrough's Academy and see even just one player like Stewart Downing come through, it shows the benefit of an Academy. That's what we want to aim for and now we're an Academy, rather than a Centre of Excellence, you hope we capture the better players because of our status. It also makes it easier to gauge how good they are because they are playing against other Academies which have better teams than the Centre of Excellence set-ups. We're hoping the indoor area will be up and running by the winter months but we'll be running as an Academy from now."

Academy manager Dan Ashworth added: "It is a fantastic achievement, not just for the youth department, but the whole club. We've had a lot of support from the chairman, Bryan Robson and facilities manager Mark Miles, who has really helped in getting planning permission.”

"We've been through a series of inspections from the Premier League to see if our staffing requirements, facilities and technical programme are up to scratch to join the country's elite - and I'm glad to say we've passed.”

"It's unsustainable to keep paying large transfer fees and, with the Academy, hopefully in the next four or five years we can bring through our own players who can play in the first team or can be sold on for money. It is becoming more and more important for clubs to look into developing their own talent and thankfully we've got a very forward-thinking club here to try and get it right."

Meanwhile Albion have successfully obtained planning permission to build an indoor playing facility off Halfords Lane. The facility will consist of a 105 metres by 68 metres pitch featuring the latest generation artificial grass, changing rooms for up to 65 players, physiotherapy room, staff changing rooms and a viewing area for parents.

Albion hope to have the work completed during Autumn 2005.

Thursday 28th July 2005

Purse goes

Darren Purse leaves Albion to join Championship club Cardiff City for an initial fee of £600,000 with a further £150,000 due should City win promotion to the Premiership during Purse’s time there. The 28 year-old defender turned down a similar move to Southampton in favour of the move to Wales.

Purse joined Albion in June 2004 in a £750,000 move from Birmingham City and made 24 appearances for the club during his stay at The Hawthorns.

He becomes the second player in 24 hours to leave The Hawthorns for Cardiff after Jason Koumas' season-long loan switch yesterday.

"The deal is all done and Darren is delighted," his agent Richard Cody told skysports.com. "I would like to put on record my thanks to Cardiff for making the whole process so painless. From the moment we first talked, to when Darren signed late on Wednesday, they have been thoroughly professional. Both Peter (Ridsdale) and Sam (Hammam) have been first class and so straightforward through the whole process."

Wednesday 27th July 2005

Koumas departs

Albion midfielder Jason Koumas leaves The Hawthorns, joining Cardiff City on a season-long loan deal. Koumas moved to The Hawthorns in August 2002 from Tranmere Rovers and rapidly became a huge fans' favourite at the club before falling out with both of his Albion managers, Gary Megson and Bryan Robson. Koumas has made 95 appearances and scored 14 goals during his time at The Hawthorns.

The Championship club will have first refusal on a £2 million deal to buy the midfielder during his loan spell in Wales. The deal would consist of an initial £1.5 million payment with another £250,000 based on appearances from the start of his Ninian Park  loan stay, plus a further £250,000 should Cardiff win promotion to the Premiership and Koumas plays a specified number of games.

Cardiff chairman Sam Hammam spoke of his delight at signing the Welsh international. "We consider the acquisition of Jason as a major signing and one of our key targets this summer,'' Hammam told the club's official website. ''Undoubtedly he has the ability to be as good as the best in the Premier League. We believe Dave Jones and his coaching staff can harness the incredible amount of talent this unique player has and channel it in the right direction."

Koumas’ new boss Dave Jones added: "Jason is another piece in the jigsaw and he will join the players I have already added to the squad this summer. We said that we would bring in players to strengthen the squad in the close season. Jason putting pen to paper shows once again our commitment to the promise of bringing in new faces to Ninian Park.”

Koumas himself added: "It's a good opportunity for me. I wasn't happy with my form towards the end of last season and was in and out of the team. I need to be playing every week if I am to stay in the international set-up and with the game against England coming up, this gives me a platform to show John Toshack that I am still worth a place in the side.”

"I am also looking forward to going back to Wales to play in Cardiff. It is very exciting to be playing in front of Welsh fans every week and the Cardiff supporters are known for their passion for the game. They have made a number of signings already and I know the manager is looking to add to the squad further before the start of the season. It is going to be an exciting season and I am really looking forward to being a part of it."

Tuesday 26th July 2005

Albion snap up Kamara

The club announce that they have clinched the signing of striker Diomansy Kamara from Italian side Modena in a £1.5million deal. The Senegal international has put pen to paper on a three-year deal which also has a further year's option in the club's favour.

Kamara spent last season at Portsmouth after signing for them in a £2.25million deal last summer but the south coast club invoked an escape clause in the contract which meant they recouped £1.5million of their outlay and the player returned to Modena.

Albion boss Bryan Robson said of his new signing: "One of the big reasons we have brought Diomansy on board is because he is very versatile. He can play in three different positions - wide left, wide right or through the middle as a centre-forward. He's got loads of pace and on the times I saw him play for Portsmouth last season I thought he looked a real threat. The sheer pace he's got makes him very dangerous and we're delighted to have him on board."

Twenty four year-old Kamara scored six goals in 29 games for Portsmouth last season and has also made six appearances for his country, helping them reach the quarter-finals of the 2004 African Nations Cup.

Koumas set for Bluebirds move

Albion midfielder Jason Koumas claims he is close to sealing a move to Championship side Cardiff City. "I'm excited by the move and the fact it's very close to being completed," Koumas told the South Wales Echo. "I really fancy this move and Cardiff's new manager Dave Jones and the club impress me."

"While I can help Cardiff City, I believe they can also help my career back on track. It's been very frustrating and I will be glad to see the back of him (Bryan Robson). I've wasted a season at West Bromwich Albion, it's been an absolutely torrid time, my worst nightmare. And I have to say I can't leave there quickly enough."

Albion show Neville interest

Reports suggest Albion are one of a number of clubs that are interested in Manchester United defender Phil Neville. Middlesbrough, Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic have all recently been linked with a move for the 28 year-old England international who appears to be surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed: "There have been a few enquiries for Phil over the last two or three weeks but, so far, we have not accepted any of them."

Latics reject Murphy

Albion keeper Joe Murphy returns to The Hawthorns after failing to impress Oldham boss Ronnie Moore during his trial spell at Boundary Park. Murphy played in three pre-season games for the club but was criticised by Moore after Sunday’s defeat by Carlisle. Latics chief executive Alan Hardy revealed: “Ronnie has decided not to retain him. We are looking elsewhere for a new ’keeper.”

Albion boss Bryan Robson was willing to allow the 23 year-old Republic of Ireland international to leave the club following the signing of Liverpool keeper Chris Kirkland.

Monday 25th July 2005

Albion end tour with defeat

The club lose the third and final game of their trip to Portugal, going down 3-1 to Sporting Lisbon in Albufeira. Liedson opened the scoring for the Portuguese side on 23 minutes and Carlos Martins made it 2-0 ten minutes after half-time. Riccardo Scimeca pulled a goal back for Albion after 78 minutes before Martins increased Lisbon's lead once again, converting an 85th minute penalty conceded by Darren Carter. Albion's night went from bad to worse when two minutes from time Neil Clement was sent-off for a late tackle.

Sunday 24th July 2005

Icelandic striker linked

Viking Stavanger striker Hannes Sigurdsson is the latest player to be linked with a move to The Hawthorns. The 22 year-old Reykjavik born forward has scored 13 goals in 24 matches for the Norwegian side so far this season. Sigurdsson, an Icelandic Under-21 international is also reportedly attracting the attention of Stoke City.

Saturday 23rd July 2005

Lisbon game added to schedule

The club confirm that they will play a third game during their time in Portugal despite earlier denying the game would take place. They will face Sporting Lisbon at the Municipal Stadium, Albufeira on Monday night, kick-off 9-30pm BST.

Fliers handed out to fans at the Seville game earlier in the week had claimed Albion would play a third game whilst in Portugal against Sporting Lisbon but the club moved swiftly to deny this. It has now been revealed however that the agency that organised the trip has arranged a game against Lisbon on Monday night without Albion's consent, the club have now reluctantly agreed to play the fixture.

Albion boss Bryan Robson was clearly unhappy about the extra game forced upon the club: "This game has pretty much been forced upon us. Although the idea of playing up to three games in Portugal was mooted when we opened discussions with the eventual organisers of the trip, we made it crystal clear to them we had no need for a third game. When we boarded the plane to the Algarve on Monday, it was to play two games only. The club even released a statement as recently as Thursday insisting there were no plans for a third game after rumours to the contrary began circulating at the Sevilla match. The next thing we knew a game between Albion and Sporting Lisbon was being promoted on Portuguese national TV - even though we had never agreed to it. This third game has been completely sprung upon us by the organisers and the only reason we are going to play it is because we want to do the honourable thing. We don't want to let people down and get a bad reputation - despite the fact it disrupts the training programme we have carefully planned."

The Sporting Lisbon game is subject to Albion being granted permission by the Football Association to play.

Friday 22nd July 2005

Albion outclassed

In the second game of the club's trip to the Algarve Albion are beaten 5-0 by Portuguese champions Benfica in Albufeira. Brazilian Geovanni opened the scoring after just six minutes and doubled his and Benfica's tally 20 minutes later. Helio Roque added the third just before the hour with Geovanni and Simao Sabrosa adding the fourth and fifth goals.

Purse set for Cardiff?

Cardiff City chairman Sam Hammam claims that defender Darren Purse has decided to join the Bluebirds from Albion. The club have accepted offers of around £1 million from both Cardiff and Southampton for former Blues defender Purse.

"Southampton have a good manager, a new stadium and have only just dropped out of the Premiership, but he (Purse) has decided to join us," said Hammam. “There are one or two small matters to sort out and then Darren will have a medical."

Thursday 21st July 2005

Albion deny third game claims

Albion deny claims that a game against Sporting Lisbon has been arranged for next Monday night in Albufeira. Fliers were handed out to fans at last night's game against Sevilla suggesting the game was to take place.

Hoult returns home

Albion keeper Russell Hoult returns home from the club's training camp in Portugal after suffering a groin injury.

"Russell has a problem with his groin so we're sending him back early to have a scan," said Albion manager Bryan Robson. "The injury is nothing serious but it's just been niggling him during training. Rather than having him stay here we think it's best for him to have it checked out."

Wednesday 20th July 2005

Albion lose tour opener

Albion lose the opening game of their short trip to Southern Europe, going down 1-0 to Spanish side Sevilla in Cartaya, Spain. Luis Fabiano scored the only goal of the game in the fourth minute.

Purse set to go

The club reveal that they have accepted two undisclosed bids from Southampton and Cardiff for defender Darren Purse. Both bids are reported to be worth just under £1million.

Albion boss Bryan Robson explained the decision to allow Purse to leave: "I told Darren we are willing to let him go if a suitable offer comes in for him. We have accepted two bids and it is now up to Darren to decide which club he wants to join. Neil Clement, Thomas Gaardsoe and Darren Moore all forced their way in front of Darren last season. At his age, Darren needs first-team football and I understand that."

Purse moved to The Hawthorns from Birmingham City last June for a fee of £750,000 and made 24 appearances last season.

Tuesday 19th July 2005

Reserves lose at The Grove

A youthful reserve team lose 4-3 to Halesowen Town at The Grove in a pre-season friendly. Stuart Nicholson with two and Rob Elvins, after only 28 seconds were the Albion scorers whilst ex-Birmingham City striker Howard Forinton grabbed a hat-trick for Town including the 88th minute winner. Nathan Lamey scored the other Halesowen goal in front of a crowd of 436.

Albion suffer defender blow

Polish defender Jaroslaw Bieniuk has been blocked from joining Albion at the club's Portuguese training camp. The 26-year-old Polish international's club Amica Wronki have refused to allow Bieniuk to link up with Bryan Robson’s men as they are due to start their domestic campaign.

Robson said: "Jaroslaw won't be joining us in Portugal. We did ask his club if we could extend his trial for another week but they were not keen because their season starts soon. However, we'll be monitoring the situation when the Polish season kicks off."

Sunday 17th July 2005

Purse on way out?

The morning's media suggest that Albion defender Darren Purse could be set to leave the club with both Cardiff City and Southampton interested in the former Blues star. One report claims Purse was a guest of Cardiff owner Sam Hammam at his club's friendly game with Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

Friday 15th July 2005

Kirkland signs

Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland seals a season long loan deal at The Hawthorns after proving his fitness during a two week assessment period. The 24 year-old has played in two of the club's pre-season games, at Cheltenham and at Crewe.

Albion slump at Crewe

Albion continue their pre-season preparations with a 3-0 defeat away at Championship side Crewe Alexandra. A dismal performance saw Albion fall behind after just eleven minutes due to an Andy Johnson own goal whilst the hosts’ Steve Jones added the other two goals before half-time.

Kamara linked

Senegal international Diomansy Kamara is the latest striker to be linked with a move to the club. The 24 year-old joined Premiership rivals Portsmouth last summer from Italian club Modena, initially on loan and then on a permanent deal although it is believed there was a clause inserted in the original transfer enabling Pompey to return him to the Italian side without the full amount of his transfer fee being paid.

Hillsborough move for Dyer?

Albion winger Lloyd Dyer is reported to be a transfer target for Sheffield Wednesday boss Paul Sturrock. Dyer made just a handful of appearances in Albion’s first team last year and finished the season on loan at Coventry City.

Thursday 14th July 2005

Koumas no-show

Reports emerge suggesting that Albion midfielder Jason Koumas has failed to return to the club for pre-season training. The 25 year-old is currently transfer-listed after being told by boss Bryan Robson he has no future at the club.

Turner warns Baggies

Stockport County boss Chris Turner warns Albion that they face missing out on James Spencer and Michael Raynes if they don't follow up their interest in the duo soon. "It's a little frustrating, West Brom have now thrown Raynes into the equation, but there has been no offer as yet. As it's become public, we've been contacted by a couple of agents representing other clubs who are interested in Raynes and Spencer. West Brom have made all the noise, but they may miss out.”

Wednesday 13th July 2005

Albion win in Milton Keynes

Albion continue their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 victory over MK Dons at the National Hockey Stadium, Geoff Horsfield scoring the only goal of the game after four minutes. In a poor game Albion owed their victory to a man of the match display by keeper Tomasz Kuszczak. Defender Darren Purse was forced off through injury in the 15th minute.

Hoult linked with London switch

Albion keeper Russell Hoult is said to be attracting the interest of both West Ham and Fulham. The 32 year-old stopper looks set to lose his first team place at The Hawthorns following the arrival of Chris Kirkland from Liverpool.

Tuesday 12th July 2005

Algarve trip announced

The club have announced plans for an eight day training camp in the Algarve. Whilst there the club are scheduled to play two high-profile friendlies, against Spanish outfit Sevilla and Portuguese champions Benfica.

Albion will play the Spanish side at the El Rompido stadium, Cartaya, Spain on Wednesday, July 20 (kick-off 9.15pm local time) and will meet Portuguese outfit Benfica, at Albufeira, Portugal on Friday, July 22, again with a 9.15pm local time kick-off.

Albion boss Bryan Robson, speaking about the trip told the club's official website: "We'll be training at top-notch facilities in warm weather, which will be ideal for the players. Taking the squad away will be great for team spirit and really help the new lads settle in. We've also got a couple of very testing fixtures against two excellent teams so it should be an ideal trip."

The trip replaces the planned tour to South California that the club was forced to cancel.

Games switched again

Albion’s derby games with Blues and Villa have been moved at the request of police. They will now have noon kick-offs at St Andrew’s on March 11, at home to Villa on January 2 and at Villa Park on April 9. The home game with Blues on August 27 will start at 12.15pm for live television.

Reserve fixtures released

Albion’s reserve team will kick-off their new league season at The Hawthorns on Tuesday, August 9 with a game against Manchester City. Two local derby games follow shortly after, at Villa on Tuesday, August 16 and away to Wolves on Tuesday, September 6, with the reverse fixtures on Monday, December 12 and Monday, January 9, respectively. Birmingham City visit The Hawthorns on Monday, September 26 with the return match on Monday, February 20.

Albion's home games will be staged at The Hawthorns until November, when they will then be switched to Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough stadium for the remainder of the season.

Monday 11th July 2005

Uzbek striker linked

Reports in Ukraine suggest that Albion are set to make a move for Dynamo Kiev’s Uzbekistan international striker Maksim Shatskikh. The 26-year-old was signed by Dynamo in 1999 to replace Andriy Shevchenko. A move for the £4 million rated star would depend on the club obtaining a work permit for the player.

Polish star arrives

Polish defender Jaroslaw Bieniuk arrives at The Hawthorns for a week’s trial. The 26 year-old is looking to win a permanent move to England from his club Amica Wronki.

Albion boss Bryan Robson told the club’s website: "We watched him at the end of last season. He's quite an experienced player, has good presence and from the reports I've had he looks decent but the best way to take a closer look at him is with the rest of the lads. We'll see how it goes but he won't be playing any part in either of the games this week. I'll make a decision at the end of this week."

County duo to sign?

After recently being linked with a move for Stockport County goalkeeper James Spencer it is revealed that Albion are also interested in signing his team mate Michael Raynes. The 17 year-old defender made his first team debut for The Hatters against Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup last December. "We've got an interest in Spencer and Raynes and we'll have to see if a deal can be done," said Robson to the club's official website.

Saturday 9th July 2005

Albion start with double win

Albion kick-off their pre-season campaign with victories over both AFC Telford United and Cheltenham Town.

In the first game of the day, the noon kick-off at Telford, Albion strolled to a 6-0 victory over the non-league side thanks to goals from Richard Chaplow (14 minutes), Rob Elvins (15), Darren Carter (27), Kevin Campbell (55) and Stuart Nicholson (84 pen & 86). The game saw first team debuts for new signings Darren Carter and Steve Watson as well as youngsters Rob Elvins, Junior Smikle, Stuart Nicholson, James McQuilken and Ben Pringle.

At Cheltenham Albion recorded a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Geoff Horsfield on 51 minutes and Lloyd Dyer on 83 minutes. Chris Kirkland, Rob Davies, Jeff Forsyth and Jared Hodgkiss all made their first team debuts.

Gaardsoe extends stay

Albion defender Thomas Gaardsoe signs a new deal at The Hawthorns. The 25 year-old has inked a three-year extension to his contract to keep him at the club until 2008.

"I'm really, really pleased to have signed a new three-year contract," he told the club’s official website. "There was no doubt in my mind when we were negotiating the deal that I wanted to stay. I had a bit of interest from other clubs in this country and abroad but I really wanted to stay at Albion where I'm very happy. I'm proud to play in front of these fans. They've been really good to me ever since I came to the club."
 
The Danish international added "I'm really happy with the new management team plus the atmosphere and spirit at the club. I think we've got some great years ahead of us. The gaffer and the club have shown me I'm in their plans for the future and that means a lot to me. I can concentrate on my football now rather than worrying about my future. I'll give everything for the club."

Albion boss Bryan Robson revealed his delight at persuading Gaardsoe to pen the new deal: "Thomas signing is good news for the club. It means we have more or less got all of the squad players tied down for at least two years. Thomas did very well after the turn of the year when I put him in the team and deserves his new contract."

Gaardsoe joined the club in a £520,000 deal from Ipswich almost two years ago.

Friday 8th July 2005

Albion set to make Spencer bid

Stockport County boss Chris Turner has revealed that he expects Albion to make a move for his 20 year-old goalkeeper James Spencer over the weekend.

"I spoke to Bryan Robson 48 hours ago and Bryan informed me that there would be an offer coming in over the weekend so I think by Monday possibly there will be more contact and an offer will be made," said Turner.

"The position is with any player, especially a young player, it would be immoral to prevent a young player having the opportunity to play at the highest level in the game. In recent years this club has under-sold players but I'm going to make sure we don't under-sell the players and if they then go on to be a success at the club they move onto, Stockport County will be compensated for that success as well."

Thursday 7th July 2005

Polish star on trial

Albion have handed a trial to Polish international Jaroslaw Bieniuk. The Amica Wronki defender will spend five days training at the club after being invited to The Hawthorns by Bryan Robson.

Amica's vice-president Arkadiusz Kasprzak admitted the trial could lead to a permanent move for 26 year-old Bieniuk. "There has not been a formal offer as such (from West Brom) but we believe it may lead to more talks," said Kasprzak. "We, as a club, have to discuss what is the right thing for us and the player."

Huszti linked again

Hungarian international Szabolcs Huszti is once again linked with a move to The Hawthorns.

The players agent Sam Stapleton said: "Huszti is regarded as the new Gera and it's important to find the right club for him. There is interest from Panathinaikos in Greece, as well as Rangers, and West Brom are contemplating following up their January interest. There are a few top Championship sides monitoring the situation but we'll see what happens. It's an exciting time for him and he is looking forward to a new challenge."

Twenty two year-old Huszti was reportedly a target for Albion during last summer as well as during the winter transfer window.

Tuesday 5th July 2005

Watson signs

Everton defender Steve Watson becomes Albion’s third signing in five days after putting pen to paper on a three year deal with the club. The 31 year-old, who can also play in midfield was out of contract at Goodison Park after turning down the offer of a new one year deal there.

The former England Under-21 international started his career at Newcastle United and made his first team debut for them aged just 16 years old.

After making more than 250 appearances and scoring 14 goals for the Magpies Watson made a £4 million move to Aston Villa in October 1998. He played 54 times for Villa before moving to Merseyside in July 2000 for £2.5million.

Albion boss Bryan Robson said of Watson’s capture: "Steve has great experience and will be a valuable addition to the squad. He’s a player I have always admired and I tried to sign him when I was manager at Middlesbrough but just missed out on him. I'm delighted to get him this time because he's a top utility player who can play at right-back, centre-half and in midfield."

Watson, speaking to the club’s official website said of the move: "I'm delighted to be here. It was my first session today and I've got a bit of catching up to do but I've thoroughly enjoyed it so far.”

"Sometimes you need to move. I wasn't playing regularly last season and although the gaffer offered me another deal, I thought it was time to move on. I need to be playing regularly and I thought a new club would be the best thing. I spoke to Bryan Robson in the summer and loved what he had to say. I'm a big admirer of him and he actually tried to sign me once before when I chose Everton over Middlesbrough, which makes me feel wanted.”

"It was one of the biggest decisions I've had to make since leaving Newcastle. It was a tough decision because the easy thing to do would have been to stay at Everton. It is a fantastic club, I had five great years there and I was really sad to go. The fans were fantastic with me and I've got no axe at all to grind with Everton but the contract I got offered wasn't what I wanted at this stage of my career and Albion was the most attractive offer.” 

"I've now got to try and get in the first team and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Robson dismisses rift reports

Albion boss Bryan Robson has rubbished reports suggesting there is a rift between himself and Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace over the club’s transfer policy.

Robson told the club’s official website: "There is absolutely no difference of opinion between me and the chairman. We already have three targets in and together we are working hard to add more new faces. It is nonsense for anyone to suggest that we are on a collision course over the acquisition of new players - or any other subject. We are working together very well at what is an important stage in the development of the club."

Monday 4th July 2005

Albion snap up Carter

Albion today completed the signing of Birmingham City midfielder Darren Carter for an initial fee of £1.5million. The left footed midfielder who has been capped at Under-20 level for England has signed a three year deal at The Hawthorns with an extra year’s option in the club’s favour. Blues could receive a further £250,000 depending on appearances and the success of the Baggies in the future.

Albion boss Bryan Robson spoke of his delight at finally clinching the deal: "I'm really pleased we've added Darren to the squad because he is a very promising youngster who has a big future ahead of him,'' Robson told the club's official website. "He has very good stamina and is very much a box-to-box player who can play in the centre of midfield or wide on the left. He is also left footed which gives us good balance in the squad, he has a good presence and he'll also make improvements when he gets a run in the team. Like Richard Chaplow, he has a big future if he keeps his feet on the ground - he is a good investment for the club."

Carter himself added: "I am really pleased to have got it all sorted out. There were a few last-minute details to clear up, but now that it's all sorted I cannot wait to join the boys for pre-season and get ready for the new season."

Solihull born Carter made 53 appearances, including 21 as a substitute, for Blues, scoring five times. He also made ten appearances for Sunderland during a loan spell at the Stadium of Light in late 2004.

Duo set to sign?

Everton's out of contract defender Steve Watson is reportedly in talks with Albion about a move to The Hawthorns after rejecting the Merseyside club's offer of a new one year deal at Goodison Park. The 31 year-old has spent the last five seasons at Everton after moving from Aston Villa for £2.5million.

Albion boss Bryan Robson has also admitted that he hopes to tie up a deal for Stockport County's young goalkeeper James Spencer. "We have made an enquiry and now it's up to us to put a package together that we would be happy with." said Robson.

Gaardsoe offered new deal

The club have offered Danish defender Thomas Gaardsoe a new three year contract Baggies boss Bryan Robson has revealed. "We've offered a new three-year contract and it's up to him whether he is happy with that," said Robson. "The situation will be ongoing over the next week." Gaardsoe moved to The Hawthorns from Ipswich in July 2003.

QPR midfielder linked

Reports suggest that Albion have had an enquiry for Queens Park Rangers' 22 year-old winger Lee Cook rebuffed by the London club.