Thursday 30th June 2005

Kirkland on trial

Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland moves to The Hawthorns on a two week ‘assessment period’. If the 24-year proves his fitness he will join the club on a season long loan deal. Liverpool paid Coventry £6million for Kirkland in August 2001 but his time at Anfield has been blighted by a number of injuries.

Albion boss Bryan Robson said of the deal: "I'm trying to get good competition for places all the way through the squad. Chris Kirkland is a top quality keeper who forced his way into the England squad and was then just a bit unlucky with injuries. The medical staff we've spoken to are confident Chris shouldn't have any ongoing problems after the operation he had on his back and hopefully he can stay away from injuries and get back to the form that got him his reputation."

Kirkland, talking to the club’s official website said: "I had the chance to go to Celtic but I wanted to stay in the Premiership as it is the place to be. All my family are down here as well and with Bryan Robson and Joe Corrigan here, it just seemed the right move - I'm sure I can justify that. It was hard to turn down Celtic because I know their manager Gordon Strachan from my days at Coventry City but I felt at this moment in time I've still got plenty to prove in the Premiership."

"I'm looking forward to competing for a first-team place. I know competition will be tough but I'll give it my best shot during pre-season and hopefully I can get a few games in. I know there is no guarantee I'll play here, I'll have to work for my place and hopefully I can impress the manager but that's the way I am anyway. I've worked hard at every club I've been at and it will be no different here. No-one can walk into any side, you have to prove yourself and I've got pre-season to do that.”

"It will be great to train with Russell Hoult and Tomasz Kuszczak, see how they train, and pick up a few bits from their games with them also picking things up from me. I'm sure we'll all help each other and it will be healthier for the club if we're all competing." 

Polish star linked

Albion are linked with a move for Polish international defender Jaroslaw Bieniuk. The 26 year-old, currently playing for Amica Wronki is said to be valued between £300,000 and £500,000. Bieniuk has won seven international caps and has captained his country on two occasions.

Tuesday 28th June 2005

Latics trial for Murphy

Albion keeper Joe Murphy joins League Division One side Oldham Athletic on trial. The 23 year-old Irish international will train with the Latics in an attempt to earn a permanent deal at Boundary Park after becoming surplus to requirements at the Hawthorns. Murphy moved to Albion from Tranmere in July 2002 and made a dramatic debut for the club, coming off the substitute’s bench to save a Michael Owen penalty at Anfield with his first touch of the ball after replacing the red carded Russell Hoult. The Dublin born keeper spent a large part of the 2004/05 season on loan at Walsall where he made 25 appearances.

Sunday 26th June 2005

Koumas set for Sunderland move?

According to reports Albion’s transfer listed midfielder Jason Koumas could be set to join Premiership new boys Sunderland on a season long loan deal. Over recent weeks Fulham, Blackburn, Everton and Portsmouth have all been linked with a move for the 25 year-old Welsh star.

Brentford defender linked

A report in the News of the World suggests that Albion are one of a number of clubs interested in Brentford defender Sam Sodje. Norwich, Blackburn and West Ham are also said to be keen on the Nigerian born star.

Saturday 25th June 2005

Albion hopeful on USA game

Albion chairman Jeremy Peace reveals that the club are hopeful that the LA Galaxy tour game scheduled for July 20 will still go ahead despite the MLS club arranging a fixture with Real Madrid for two days earlier.

Peace told the club’s official website: "We have agreed by e-mail and verbally with a senior executive of LA Galaxy to play them on July 20 which we regard as a binding commitment. Flights and hotels have been booked and visas arranged - all things that had to be done with short lead up time. I have spoken with LA Galaxy's president and left him in no doubt that we expect them to honour their commitment to Albion.”

"We published this game and another in California on our club website in good faith and also arranged a package tour for our fans who wished to travel to support the team. Now that we have spoken I am expecting LA Galaxy to resolve the situation over the weekend and we will keep our fans fully informed."

Friday 24th June 2005

USA Tour game in doubt

Doubts emerge about Albion’s tour game against LA Galaxy on July 20 after the American club announce that they will be playing Spanish giants Real Madrid two days earlier.

Kirkland deal moves closer

Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland’s agent Colin Gordon insists that the player will join Albion despite reports linking him with a switch to Celtic.

Gordon said: "Celtic are pushing really, really hard and Chris still has a very high regard for Gordon Strachan. They worked together at Coventry and he still calls him 'gaffer' but Chris feels Albion and the Premiership is the place to be. He is a little concerned Scotland means 'out of sight, out of mind."

"The opportunity at Albion is exciting for him and suits all parties. Albion get a top quality keeper for a season, Liverpool can see Chris prove his fitness and Chris gets the chance to show everyone what he can do. He wants to prove to the football world he is fit again and ready to re-establish himself, not just in the Premiership but as an England goalkeeper. There is a World Cup a year down the line and that is still very much in his thoughts."

"After all the injury problems, there will be a medical but it will hold no fears. Chris feels fantastic and has real confidence in his back for the first time in an age."

"I've spoken to the relevant parties in the last 24 hours and everything is in place for the deal to go through."

Thursday 23rd June 2005

Carter bid accepted

Albion reveal that Birmingham City have accepted a £1.75 million bid for their England Under-21 star Darren Carter. The deal will see Albion pay an initial £1.5 million with the rest dependent on appearances and how well Albion fare in the Premiership. Albion chairman Jeremy Peace told the club’s official website: "Bryan Robson has highlighted Darren as one of the players he wants to bring to the club, our offer has been accepted by Blues and we will begin talks with Darren now that he has returned from holiday."

Carter, who scored the penalty against Norwich that took Birmingham into the Premiership three years ago, has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place at Blues and spent three months on loan at Sunderland last season.

Fixtures released

Next season’s Premiership fixture list is revealed and Albion are handed a trip to Manchester City on the opening day of the season, Saturday August 13. They follow that up with a home tie against Portsmouth a week later before travelling to champions Chelsea on Wednesday August 24. The first derby game of the season is on August 27 at home to Birmingham City.

Boxing Day sees the club travel to Old Trafford whilst the first game of the New Year sees Albion play host to local rivals Aston Villa. The last home game of the season sees the club play West Ham on April 29 whilst the season finishes with a trip to Everton on Sunday May 7.

Wednesday 22nd June 2005

Everton keeper linked

Everton goalkeeper Richard Wright is linked with a move to The Hawthorns after doubts were raised about Albion’s move for Liverpool keeper Chris Kirkland. Wright moved to Goodison Park from Arsenal in July 2002 and was originally their first choice keeper but has since lost his place in the Everton team to the veteran Nigel Martyn.

Aston Villa are also rumoured to be interested in the former Ipswich keeper.

Tuesday 21st June 2005

Appleton to launch legal action

Former Albion midfielder Michael Appleton reveals he is suing the surgeon he is feels wrecked his football career. Appleton was forced to retire from the game two years ago after failing to recover from the cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered in a training-ground accident.

Amongst the claims Appleton is making is one that the unnamed surgeon operated on him when a rest period would have been more appropriate. He is also claiming that it was only when he obtained an opinion from a second surgeon that he discovered the true extent of the damage.

Season ticket boost for Baggies

The club reveal they are on course for a total sell-out of all available season tickets for next season’s Premiership campaign. There are 23,000 season tickets available this year and 15,000 fans have already renewed their tickets compared to 9,000 at the same stage last season.

Sunday 19th June 2005

Cardiff eye Horsfield

Cardiff City are said to be one of a number of Championship clubs that are interested in signing Albion striker Geoff Horsfield. The striker scored four goals for the club last season but his future at The Hawthorns appears unclear. Crystal Palace, Preston North End and Southampton are all also reportedly monitoring the situation.

Hoult wants out?

Albion keeper Russell Hoult is set to slap in a transfer request according to reports in the morning’s media. He is said to be unhappy at the prospect of losing his place in the Albion first team having seen the club linked with a number of goalkeepers since the end of last season. The 32 year-old keeper joined Albion from Portsmouth in January 2001 for a fee of £450,000 and has made almost 200 appearances in his time at The Hawthorns.

Saturday 18th June 2005

Villa in for Koumas?

Aston Villa are the latest club linked with a move for Albion's transfer-listed midfielder Jason Koumas. They join Fulham, Everton and Blackburn Rovers who are all said to be interested in the Welsh star who it is believed is valued at £1.5 million by Albion.

Friday 17th June 2005

Purse going nowhere

Albion defender Darren Purse’s agent Richard Cody dismisses reports that the player could be set for a move away from The Hawthorns after suggestions earlier in the week that he was a target for Hull City.

“There is nothing to report as far as Hull are concerned but there is some interest from West Ham,” said Cody.“ And there has been nothing concrete from them since last season - they tried to get him on loan when they were pushing for promotion but neither Darren or West Brom were interested. The fact is Darren doesn’t want to leave West Brom and, having spoken to Bryan Robson, we know the club has no wish to let him go. All Darren wants to do is regain his place in the Albion side and try to regain his captaincy.”

“Darren would be the first to admit that he made a few mistakes,” added Cody. “He had a few bad games and lost his place - these things happen but Darren is very happy at the club. He wants to be part of a club that’s moving forward and is happy to stay and fight for his place. He knows he needs to work hard and is ready for the challenge.”

New home kit unveiled

The club today unveil next season’s home kit. The shirt has one thick central blue stripe, the shorts are white and the socks navy. The kit is virtually identical to the one worn by the club during the early and mid 1970’s. It goes on sale at club shops from Friday, July 8 but fans can pre-order them now through Albion's online shop. Prices are as follows: shirts - £40 adults, £30 youths/children; shorts - £15 adults, £12 children; socks - £7 adults, £5 children.

Thursday 16th June 2005

Purse on way out?

According to reports Albion defender Darren Purse could be set to move to newly promoted Championship side Hull City. Purse failed to make an appearance in Albion’s first team after February and looks to be surplus to requirements at The Hawthorns as Bryan Robson sets about reshaping his squad ahead of next season. The 28 year-old joined Albion a year ago from Birmingham City for a fee of £750,000.

More pre-season dates announced

The club reveal that they will head off to Southern California in late July as part of pre-season preparations. Bryan Robson and his men will spend nine days there and will face two MLS sides. They open the tour with a game against LA Galaxy on Wednesday, July 20 at their Home Depot Centre Stadium, Carson and then will face Club Deportivo Chivas USA at Santa Barbara on Tuesday, July 26. Both games will kick off at 7pm local time (3am British Summer Time). They will be Albion’s first games in the USA since 1990.

Albion will also travel to Ninian Park to face Cardiff City on Sunday, July 31 (kick-off 3pm) and will play host to Spanish side Atletico Madrid on Sunday, August 7, again with a 3pm kick-off time.

Barca star targeted?

Barcelona’s Argentine international striker Javier Saviola is the latest name linked with a move to The Hawthorns. The 23-year-old former River Plate star has just completed a season on loan at Monaco and appears to be surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp although Albion will face stiff competition should they make a move for the player. Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool are all said to be interested in Saviola who joined Barcelona for 25 million euros in 2001.

Koumas linked with Rovers move

Transfer-listed Albion midfielder Jason Koumas could be set to join Blackburn Rovers on a season long loan deal according to reports in the media. If the move goes through it will see the Welsh international link up with his former national team boss Mark Hughes at Ewood Park. The 25 year-old has also reportedly attracted the interest of Wigan Athletic and Portsmouth.

Tuesday 14th June 2005

Crewe friendly announced

Albion announce that they have arranged a pre-season friendly game at Crewe Alexandra. The club will make the trip to Gresty Road on Friday, 15 July, the match will kick-off at 7-45pm.

The game will follow friendlies at Telford and Cheltenham on Saturday, 9 July and a trip to MK Dons on 13 July.

Watson unsure of future

Albion target Steve Watson reveals that he has not given up hope of staying at Everton despite rejecting the Goodison Park club’s offer of a new deal. The 31-year-old who is out of contract on Merseyside told the Express & Star: "I don't know what I shall be doing next and I've come away for a couple of days just to relax and try to forget about it all. I've thought about nothing else recently but have not made any firm decisions. I haven't yet given up hope of staying at Goodison and hope that I can have another talk with David Moyes when I get back.”

"I'm aware of Bryan Robson's interest and that's very flattering for me. It's the second time he has tried to sign me, dating back to his Middlesbrough days and of course, joining Albion is a move that would interest me if I am to leave Everton."

Monday 13th June 2005

Argentina legend in?

Albion boss Bryan Robson opens the door for Argentinian legend Gabriel Batistuta to join up with the club’s coaching staff during pre-season training.

Batistuta, who retired as a player in March had been linked with a backroom role at The Hawthorns earlier this year but the Baggies boss decided at the time against changing the coaching staff during the club’s crucial relegation run-in, Robson has now however revealed that he would be willing to allow the legendary striker to take a closer look at the club's pre-season training.

"I had a phone call from an agent saying that Batistuta would be interested in working with me and my staff because he wants to be a coach," said Robson. "I don't know whether it was truthful or whether the agent was just fishing. At the time, things were running smoothly within the club and I didn't want to upset anything or anyone here by bringing someone new in.”

"If Batistuta does genuinely want to come in during pre-season training to have a look at the way we train and have a bit of input with the strikers, I would certainly look at that. He could be a very good coach because of the talent he had, his reputation as a player, skill and knowledge of the game but it wouldn't be as a player/coach."

Robson admits Kirkland interest

Albion boss Bryan Robson admits for the first time that the club are interested in signing Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland. "We are interested in signing Chris and I think it would be for a certain amount of time," Robson told skysports.com. "I hope to have him over for training so that we can assess his fitness and if all is alright there could be a possible loan deal. I am hoping to have talks this week and a deal is something we are definitely looking at."

Biscan linked

Liverpool’s soon to be out of contract midfielder Igor Biscan is the latest name to be linked with a move to The Hawthorns. The 27 year-old Croat moved to Merseyside from Dinamo Zagreb in December 2000 for a fee of £5.5 million but has generally failed to impress at Anfield. He is also rumoured to be a target for Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Sunday 12th June 2005

Wolves star linked with switch

According to a report in the Sunday Mercury Wolves left back Lee Naylor is the latest target for Albion boss Bryan Robson. The former England under-21 international joined Wolves from school and has since made over 200 appearances for the club.

Carter to seek Blues talks

Albion target Darren Carter reveals he is to seek talks with Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce regarding Albion’s interest in him. The Birmingham-born midfielder said: "To be honest, the first I heard about it was when I read of it in the papers and people then started calling me. I'll speak to the gaffer and see what he says and what his plans are for me. I'll then take things from there when I know more myself."

Saturday 11th June 2005

Watson on way?

Albion are reported to be close to signing Everton defender Steve Watson. The 31 year-old Geordie is out of contract at Goodison Park after rejecting the Merseyside club’s offer of a new deal. Watson started his career at Newcastle United before moving onto Aston Villa in 1998. The former England B and under-21 international joined Everton in July 2000 from Villa for a fee of £2.5 million.

Kallon wants in

Monaco star Mohamed Kallon would be interested in joining Albion according to a representative of the Sierra Leone international striker. The 25 year-old has recently been strongly linked with a move to The Hawthorns.

Gianluca Tizi, a spokesman for the player's agent Claudio Vigorelli said: "I am aware West Bromwich Albion are looking for a striker and Mohamed Kallon has made it well known he would like to move to England.”

"I know Bryan Robson well and I know that my player thinks very highly of him as a trainer.”

“There has been an interest from other clubs, including Birmingham some time ago, but as yet I have heard nothing concrete from West Bromwich but if they were to discuss matters with Monaco I would personally recommend to the player that he accept a move. The player is not happy at the moment and wants to seek a new challenge. He has played in Italy and in the French League and a move to The Premiership is a probability."

Friday 10th June 2005

Carter Hawthorns bound?

Birmingham City confirm that they have received a bid from Albion for midfielder Darren Carter. The 21-year-old spent a spell on loan at Sunderland last season and the Wearside club were believed to be keen on taking him back to the Stadium of Light but Blues boss Steve Bruce revealed: "I can confirm we have had an offer from West Brom for Darren Carter and now we will see what develops." It is rumoured that the bid is in the region of £1.8 million.

Inamoto handed call up

Albion midfielder Junichi Inamoto is called up by Japan for next week's Confederations Cup tournament in Germany. Japan face Mexico in Hanover on Thursday, Greece in Frankfurt three days later and finish off their Group matches against Brazil in Cologne on Wednesday, June 22.

Thursday 9th June 2005

Kirkland set to join

Liverpool keeper Chris Kirkland looks set to move to The Hawthorns on a season long loan deal. According to reports the 24 year-old Leicester born shot-stopper will put pen to paper on the deal when he returns from holiday next week. The former England under-21 star moved to Anfield from Coventry City in 2001 for a fee of £6 million.

Kallon linked

Monaco's Mohamed Kallon is the latest striker to be linked with a move to Albion. The 25-year old Sierra Leone international was last year linked with a move to Birmingham City and is also said to be attracting the attentions of Charlton Athletic and Italian side Genoa.

Albion receive ticket boost

Albion reveal that 5,000 supporters have already renewed their season tickets, compared to 2,000 at the same time last summer. The club sold just under 21,000 season tickets last year, a new record.

Fuller departs

Albion's operations director Jonathan Fuller leaves The Hawthorns less than a year after joining the club from Stoke City. His departure is part of a management reshuffle being carried out at the club. Albion chairman Jeremy Peace explained: "As a club, we have got to do all we can to try and establish Albion in the Premiership. This process involves increasing the club's revenue streams to enable us to finance a team capable of remaining in the top flight. We believe the new management structure that the club is implementing will help us with this process."

Wednesday 8th June 2005

Record bid turned down?

Reports suggest that Albion have had a £4.5 million bid for Spurs striker Freddi Kanoute turned down by the North London club. The club are also believed to have had a bid to take the Mali international on a season long loan deal rebuffed earlier in the week

Toon striker linked

Albion are linked with a move for Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi. The Tyneside club are believed to have rebuffed the enquiry and the 23 year-old himself made it clear he is happy at United: "There is always talk at the start of a new season but my heart is in Newcastle and I want to help United win a trophy." Albion’s Premiership rivals Spurs are also reported to have an interest in the former England under-21 star.

Tuesday 7th June 2005

MK Dons friendly game announced

The club announce that Bryan Robson's team will travel to League One side MK Dons on Wednesday, July 13, kick-off 7-45pm to play a pre-season friendly. The club had earlier stated on it's official website that a game had also been arranged for Saturday, July 16 against Championship side Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough only for both clubs to later announce that the game would not be taking place.

Spurs star Kanoute linked

According to a report in 'The Express and Star' Albion have failed in a bid to bring Tottenham Hotspur striker Freddie Kanoute to The Hawthorns on a season long loan deal. It is believed both the London club and the player himself expressed no interest in such a move.

Kanoute looks set to be surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane with Spurs boss Martin Jol reportedly interested in signing both Porto striker Benni McCarthy and Crystal Palace's Andy Johnson.

The Mali international moved to North London from West Ham two years ago for a fee of £3.5 million.

Albion to move for England keeper?

Reports suggest that Albion have joined the long list of clubs interested in Norwich City's England goalkeeper Robert Green. The 25 year-old was yesterday reported to be in talks about a possible move to Fulham as a replacement for Edwin Van der Sar but the London club have since denied this.

Saturday 4th June 2005

Gera on target for Magyars

Albion midfielder Zoltan Gera scores two penalties to help his Hungary side to a 3-2 victory over Iceland in Reykjavic in a World Cup qualifying game. Former Albion target Szabolcs Huszti scores the winning goal for the visitors.

Gabbidon to return?

Cardiff City's Daniel Gabbidon is linked with a move back to The Hawthorns almost five years after being sold by then Albion boss Gary Megson. The 25 year-old Welsh international defender has attracted the attention of a number of Premiership clubs and recently admitted he would like the chance to play at the highest level: "The Premiership is the place to be and everyone wants to compete among the best players and the top teams," Gabbidon told the Wales on Sunday.

"The Premiership is where I want to play. Robert Earnshaw has gone there and proved himself and I want to have the chance to prove myself at that level as well."

Two more linked

Albion are linked with two more possible signings, Liverpool striker Neil Mellor and Cardiff City's Welsh international defender James Collins.

Injury and the signing of Fernando Morientes meant that 22 year-old Mellor fell down the Anfield pecking order last season despite scoring a number of important goals.

The 21 year-old Collins made history in May 2004 when he became the first player to be capped by Wales at every possible level through the various schools and youth sides up to senior level.

Friday 3rd June 2005

Robson turns down Niemi chance

It is revealed that Albion boss Bryan Robson has turned down the chance to sign Southampton goalkeeper Antti Niemi. The Finnish international's agent Richard Cody revealed that talks have taken place between himself and Robson but the Albion boss had decided to look at signing a younger keeper rather than the 33 year-old Niemi.

"Antti Niemi will definitely move this summer and there is an interest from Celtic but there is interest from the Premiership too and I can confirm that I have spoken to West Bromwich Albion about Antti but Bryan Robson has made it clear he wants a younger keeper for his squad and Antti will not be going there. He may get a younger keeper, but he will not get a better one."

Niemi has spent three seasons at Southampton since joining from Hearts for £2 million.

Inamoto on duty

In a World Cup qualifying game in Manama Albion midfielder Junichi Inamoto helps his country to a 1-0 win against Bahrain after coming on as an 88th minute substitute.

Thursday 2nd June 2005

Albion back in for Italian duo?

Juventus defenders Igor Tudor and Nicola Legrottaglie are once again linked with a move to The Hawthorns. Albion boss Bryan Robson tried to sign the pair during the January transfer window but the Italian side opted to loan out both players to other Serie A clubs, Tudor to Sienna and Legrottaglie to Bologna.

Croatian international centre half Tudor is also said to be attracting the attention of  Middlesbrough and Sampdoria.

Wednesday 1st June 2005

Albion in Kezman link

Albion are reported to be considering reviving their interest in Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman. The club were linked with the Serbian international last summer before the Londoners signed him from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven for £5 million.

The 26 year-old scored 105 goals for the Dutch club over four seasons but found his chances at Stamford Bridge limited last season.