Friday 30th June 2006

New away kit revealed

The club reveal the new away kit for the season. In a major change with tradition, the kit, produced by Umbro, is all black with a silver trim.

It receives a mixed response from supporters with a number claiming it looks more like a training kit.

It goes on sale on Sunday, July 16.

Open Day announced

The club announce that they will be holding a free Open Day in on Sunday, July 16.

The day will start with the official launch of the club's new away kit, which will be on sale in the newly-refurbished East Stand club shop from 10am.

There will also be the opportunity to go behind the scenes at The Hawthorns and the new indoor training facility in Halfords Lane.

The highlight of the day will see Bryan Robson and Nigel Pearson put the Albion players through their paces in a light training session on the Hawthorns pitch.

The BRMB Radio Roadshow will also be in attendance.

Thursday 29th June 2006

Albion in for Davenport?

Tottenham Hotspur defender Calum Davenport is the latest target for Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson according to media reports.

Albion are reported to have made a bid £1.3million for the 6’ 4” stopper, who is also said to be a target for Birmingham City, Reading, Watford and Celtic.

The 23-year-old started his career at Coventry City before joining Spurs in August 2004. After struggling to gain a first team place at White Hart Lane he spent loan spells at West Ham, Southampton and Norwich City.

Wednesday 28th June 2006

Cardiff to face Koumas battle?

Cardiff City could face competition for the signature of Albion midfielder Jason Koumas, according to the player’s agent.

City and Albion are currently trying to agree a fee for the Welsh international with the Baggies believed to be holding out for a fee of around £2million.

Koumas’ agent Peter McIntosh revealed that he believes if a bid is accepted, other clubs could then make their move.

"I don't know why no deal has been made between West Brom and Cardiff or anyone else, but until that happens we're snookered. We can't talk to anyone and Jason remains a West Brom player," McIntosh told the South Wales Echo.

"I think that if, say, Cardiff have an offer of £1m accepted, that's bound to alert other clubs who may have been waiting in the shadows - £2m might put other people off but, as I say, our hands are tied at the moment."

Sheffield United have also been linked with a move for the player.

Tuesday 27th June 2006

Hartson deal confirmed

The club confirm that Celtic striker John Hartson has joined the club for an undisclosed fee. The former Wales international has put pen to paper on a two year deal.

Albion assistant manager Nigel Pearson said of Hartson’s arrival: "He's been a player we've had in our minds for a while and we're just delighted he's now a West Brom player.

"It's a great signing for this football club and he adds to the quality we've got. His goalscoring record is excellent and he'll give us something we've been lacking. He's got a lot of experience, a winning mentality and I'm sure he'll be fantastic in the dressing room.

"We've got to make sure we bounce back as quickly as we can and John will be a big part of that." 

The player himself admitted that Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson was a huge factor in his decision to return south. "I had contact from a few clubs and I spoke to several managers but I told Bryan Robson, if a deal could be done, I would really like to come and play here, It's not about money. I could have earned more money if I stayed at Celtic because I had a year to run on my contract and I could have left on a free next year.

"The manager told me he was hoping to come straight back up and he wanted to hold onto everybody in the squad. When I looked at the squad of players and listened to the manager there was never any doubt this was the place I was going to come.

"I just really wanted the challenge of trying to take West Brom straight back up to the Premiership. It's a big club, there is a tremendous fan base and the squad is superb. There are a lot of internationals here and the whole thing really appealed to me.

"I've always looked up to Bryan Robson as a person and a manager and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"I haven't played that many games in the Championship but it's a good standard and there are some big teams, crowds and grounds.

"My initial targets are to meet my new team-mates, ease my way in, work really hard in pre-season, get my self fit, hopefully stay injury free and get some games under my belt.

"West Brom is a big club and it needs to be in the Premiership. I've been brought here to try and help that. I was relatively pleased to score 20 goals last season and I'll look to carry that on.

"There are a lot of good players here and there is a lot of competition, which is something I'm relishing. I had it at Arsenal with Ian Wright and Dennis Bergkamp, with Wales with Ian Rush and Dean Saunders and at Celtic with Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton.

"I just want to do what I've always done, which is win my headers and hold the ball up. If I can get on with my normal game I'm sure I can do well here."

Peace issues hands-off warning

Albion chairman Jeremy Peace takes the unusual step of releasing an official statement, detailing the club’s current transfer policy. In it he stresses that the club are looking to buy rather than sell players.

The statement read: “John Hartson has been signed to strengthen our squad for the new season. We said as soon as we were relegated that we would be looking to strengthen our squad not take it apart.

“We have already rejected approaches for certain key players and I would like to make it clear once again that we have no intention of selling any of them.

“We remain focused on strengthening the playing squad not weakening it.

“We want to return to the Premiership as soon as possible and any predators eyeing our top players are wasting their time.”

Kick-offs confirmed

Albion confirm the kick-off times for their final two pre-season games against Dunfermline Athletic and Real Sociedad.

The club round off their short tour of Scotland at Dunfermline on Tuesday, July 25, kick-off 7.45pm, before entertaining Spanish giants Real Sociedad at The Hawthorns on Sunday, July 30, kick-off 3.00pm.

Monday 26th June 2006

Hartson signs

It is announced that Celtic striker John Hartson has put pen to paper on a two year contract at The Hawthorns.

Albion had a £500,000 bid for the 31 year-old accepted by the Scottish giants at the end of last month and after discussions between the player and the club, the deal has now been finalised.

"I have had five fantastic years in Scotland and been lucky enough to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world," Hartson told www.stellargroup.co.uk www.stellargroup.co.uk

"Everybody at Celtic Football Club made my time there special and I would like to thank all the players and staff for making me so welcome. I would like to say a special thank you to the fans, who have been extraordinary. From day one they supported me and gave me all the encouragement I needed to give my best for the team.

"The feeling of scoring a goal at Celtic Park is something that will live with me always and for that I will always be grateful that I made the move to Scotland.

"But for a variety of reasons the time is now right for me to make a change and to return to English football. I spoke to Bryan Robson and was impressed with his plans for next season. Obviously he wants Premiership football back at the Hawthorns as soon as possible and that leaves me with another big challenge on my hands.

"I feel fit and healthy and cannot wait for the new season to start now. I am looking forward to a new adventure."

Hartson started his career at Luton Town before making big money moves to Arsenal, West Ham, Wimbledon, Coventry City and then Celtic. In five years at Parkhead he scored over 100 goals for the Scottish giants in all competitions and was named the PFA and Football Writers' Player of the Year for the 2004/5 season after scoring 30 goals in 49 games.

The former Welsh international has scored over 200 goals in first class football including 14 for his country.

Friday 23rd June 2006

Trio bid turned down

The club confirm that they have turned down a bid from Wigan Athletic, thought to be in the region of £10million, for the trio of Curtis Davies, Nathan Ellington and Zoltan Gera.

Davies and Gera have already been the subject of bids this summer whilst Ellington has long been linked with a move back to the JJB Stadium.

Baggies’ chairman Jeremy Peace however insisted that the trio were going nowhere: "They are not for sale. We have made it clear since the day we knew which division we will be playing in next season that it is our intention to strengthen the squad - not take it apart."

Baggies miss out on Weir

Albion target David Weir turns down the chance of a move to The Hawthorns and instead signs a new one year deal at Everton.

Birmingham City, Leeds United and Portsmouth were all also reportedly interested in the former Scottish international.

Villa target Gera?

Albion midfielder Zoltan Gera could be a target for local rivals Aston Villa according to reports in the media.

With David O’Leary looking likely to miss out on long-term target - Newcastle United midfielder James Milner - O’Leary could now be set to turn his attentions to Hungarian international Gera who is rumoured to be looking for a move away from the club.

Albion have already turned down a bid from Wigan Athletic for the player who missed most of last season through injury.

Jones confident on Koumas deal

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones reveals that he is still confident that Albion midfielder Jason Koumas will move to Ninian Park before the transfer deadline. Albion are believed to have slapped a £1.5million price tag on the player, a fee City are believed to be struggling to meet.

With the two clubs set to clash on August 8, Jones dismissed suggestions that Koumas, who spent last season on loan at Cardiff, could turn out against his club.

The Bluebirds boss told the South Wales Echo: "If it happens, it happens, but I don't think you'll see Jason in a West Brom shirt at Cardiff.

"They don't want him do they? So, even if he's back with West Brom, I can't see him getting in their team.

"Anyway, although we have until the end of August to sign any player, I hope Jason will be our player by the time we play West Brom."

City linked with Davies bid

Premiership Manchester City are the latest club to be linked with a move for Albion defender Curtis Davies.

The Baggies have already turned down a bid from Tottenham Hotspur for the highly rated youngster whilst Arsenal and Portsmouth are also said to be interested in signing the former Luton Town star.

Thursday 22nd June 2006

Fixtures announced

Albion will start the new season on August 5 with a home game against Hull City. It is the first time in seven years that the club have been handed a home game on the opening day.

The Hull clash is followed by two tricky away games, at Cardiff City on Tuesday, August 8, and at Southampton on Saturday, August 12. A first ever league clash with Colchester United follows at The Hawthorns on Saturday, August 19.

The first Black Country derby of the season takes place at The Hawthorns on Saturday, October 21, whilst the return game takes place on Saturday, March 10.

The clashes with Birmingham City take place on Saturday, October 28 (St Andrews) and Saturday, March 17 (The Hawthorns).

The festive period sees Albion at home to Preston North End on Boxing Day and away at Southend United on New Years Day.

Albion’s final away game of the season will be a first ever visit to Coventry City’s new Ricoh Arena whilst Bryan Robson’s men will end what is hopefully a successful season with a home clash against Barnsley.

Albion handed double TV date

Two of Albion's early season games are rearranged for live coverage by Sky Sports.

Bryan Robson’s men will now travel to League One outfit Leyton Orient on Thursday, August 24 (kick-off 7.45pm) in the Carling Cup first round whilst the visit to Sunderland, set for Saturday, August 26, has been put back two days to Bank Holiday Monday (kick-off 3pm).

Ina’s World Cup over

Junichi Inamoto's World Cup campaign ends after Japan fail to qualify for the second round.

The Albion midfielder started against the reigning World champions Brazil but failed to prevent his country crashing to a 4-1 defeat. 

Japan finished bottom of Group F with one point from three games.

Johnson links up with Foxes

Midfielder Andy Johnson, who was released by Albion at the end of last season, joins Championship rivals Leicester City.

The 32 year-old has put pen to paper on a one year deal at the Walkers Stadium.

Leicester boss Rob Kelly said of the signing: "Andy brings some much needed experience to the squad. We've got an emerging team here and I wanted to bring someone in who had got a good knowledge of the division. He ticks that box.

He is a different sort of player to both Gareth Williams and Stephen Hughes.

He has been promoted three times and is a winner. He's very combative and is a strong character."

Wednesday 21st June 2006

Albion handed O’s tie

Albion are handed a trip to Leyton Orient in the First Round of the Carling Cup.

The match will take place at The Matchroom Stadium during the week commencing 21st August and will be decided on the night with extra-time and penalties if necessary.

Roberts deal in doubt

Albion’s bid to resign Wigan Athletic striker Jason Roberts suffers a blow with the news that Premiership side Charlton Athletic are interested in the player.

Roberts, who left Albion two and a half years ago, looks set to leave the JJB Stadium this summer following a contract dispute.

Tuesday 20th June 2006

New Robinson bid rebuffed

Albion turn down a £1.4million bid from Watford for their former left-back Paul Robinson.

The 27-year-old started his career at Vicarage Road and played over 250 games for the newly promoted Premiership side before moving to The Hawthorns in October 2003.

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson told the club’s official website: "He's a big part of the team and a player I need to keep in the squad next season if we're going to challenge for promotion."

It is Watford's second bid for the player, having already seen a £1million offer turned down by Albion last month.

Reserves demoted in League reshuffle

The club announce that the forthcoming season will see the reserve team play in the Pontins Holiday League Division One (Central).

The 12-strong league will see the Baggies face Barnsley, Birmingham City, Bradford City, Huddersfield Town, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Port Vale, Sheffield Wednesday, Shrewsbury Town, Stoke City and Walsall.

Albion have spent the last four seasons in the Barclays Premiership Reserve League (North) but due to a restructuring of top flight reserve team football, only Premier League clubs can now be part of the Barclays Premiership Reserve League.

Albion will continue to play their home reserve games at The Hawthorns and Aggborough, Kidderminster.

Kuszczak misses out again

Tomasz Kuszczak's World Cup ends without him kicking a ball as Poland fail to qualify for the knock-out stages.

Poland’s 2-1 win over Costa Rica in Hanover means that they finish third in Group A with three points after defeats by Ecuador and Germany.

Baggies’ keeper Kuszczak was forced to watch all three of Poland's games from the bench.

Monday 19th June 2006

Hartson move in doubt?

Celtic striker John Hartson dismisses reports that a move to The Hawthorns is imminent.

Albion have had a £500,000 bid accepted by the Scottish giants and personal terms were believed to have been agreed but Hartson, just as his agent did on Friday, refused to confirm any deal had been struck.

"I've had contact with West Brom," Hartson told the Birmingham Mail.

"It's fair to say that it's in the public domain that they've made a bid for me.

"But I'm still a Celtic player as we speak, I've got another year on my contract but I've had interest from other clubs."

Hammam confident on Koumas

Cardiff City chairman Sam Hammam has revealed attempts to sign Albion midfielder Jason Koumas are progressing.

The Welsh international impressed whilst completing a season-long loan deal with the Bluebirds last season and has publicly stated he would like to return to Ninian Park as long as Dave Jones remains manager.

"Things are happening on the Koumas front, but I'm not saying any more until we are ready," said Hammam.

"He is one of our top priorities of the summer, I promise you that, and if there's a one-in-1,000 chance of us getting him, it will happen. That's how determined we are."

Sunday 18th June 2006

Inamoto stars

Junichi Inamoto becomes the first Albion player for 20 years to make an appearance at a World Cup Finals.

The midfielder came on as a half-time substitute for Takashi Fukunishi in Japan’s goalless draw against Croatia in a Group F qualifier.

Northern Ireland full-back Jimmy Nicholl, at Mexico in 1986, was the last Albion player to figure at a World Cup Finals.

Friday 16th June 2006

Hartson agent denies deal done

Celtic striker John Hartson's agent has dismissed reports the player has agreed personal terms with Albion.

Albion have already agreed a fee, believed to be £500,000, with the Scottish giants for the 31 year-old but his agent, Jonathan Barnett, denied the player has now agreed personal terms. “Those reports are absolute nonsense, I've not even had a meeting with them."

Albion set for Roberts move?

Albion are linked with an ambitious bid to resign former striker Jason Roberts from Wigan Athletic.

Roberts, whose existing contract with Wigan expires at the end of next season, has rejected the offer of a new contract from The Latics, alerting clubs to his possible availability.

Roberts moved to The Hawthorns from Bristol Rovers in July 2000 for £2million and quickly became a fan favourite at the club. However, after a falling out with former boss Gary Megson, Roberts left Albion for Wigan in January 2004.

Koumas no-go

Want-away midfielder Jason Koumas' agent has admitted that the Welsh international is likely to still be an Albion player when they return for pre-season on July 6.

The midfielder was expected to sign permanently for Cardiff City following a successful loan spell last season but the Welsh side are struggling to match Albion's reported £2million valuation.

The player’s agent Peter McIntosh admitted that there has been little interest elsewhere, despite Sheffield United reportedly monitoring the situation.

"At the moment there is nothing happening for Jason," said McIntosh. "He is a West Brom player at the moment and I think realistically he probably will be when the players return for training.

"There's been rumours about this club or that club being interested but until someone makes Albion an offer which they deem acceptable we cannot move forward."

Albion linked with Morrison bid

Albion are linked with a £2million move for Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison.

The 27 year-old Republic of Ireland international, who started his career at Selhurst Park, rejoined the Eagles last summer following a two-year spell at Birmingham City.

With new boss Peter Taylor having just been appointed, Morrison could be surplus to requirements at Palace with Taylor believed to be targeting Milton Keynes’ striker Izale McLeod.

United youngster targeted?

Manchester United defender Gerard Pique is a target for Albion according to media reports. Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson is reported to want the 19-year-old on a season long loan deal.

The Spanish born player has struggled to gain a first team place at Old Trafford but is a reserve team regular.

Wednesday 14th June 2006

Kuszczak sits out German clash

Albion goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak sits out Poland’s 1-0 defeat against hosts Germany in their World Cup group A qualifying match.

Pompey move for Gera?

Portsmouth are the latest club linked with a move for Albion midfielder Zoltan Gera.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp is said to be ready to make a £2million move for the Hungarian international who has already been linked with moves to Tottenham, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Fulham.

Gera, who suffered an injury-hit 2005/06 season, has long been rumoured to want to remain in the Premiership as opposed to play Championship football with Albion.

Keeper dismisses move rumours

Tomasz Kuszczak has insisted he is committed to Albion despite being linked with a move to Manchester United.

"There's been a lots of gossip about Manchester United and other clubs, but to be honest I take no notice of it," the Polish international goalkeeper told the Birmingham Mail.

"I still have a contract with West Brom and that is all people need to know.

"Sometimes clubs do become interested in players and I, like any other players, would find that flattering but I am contracted to Albion."

Kuszczak, who joined Albion in the summer of 2004 on a free transfer from German side Hertha Berlin, is currently on World Cup duty with his country.

Monday 12th June 2006

Hawthorns’ Spanish clash announced

It is announced that Bryan Robson’s men will round off their pre-season fixture list with a game against Spanish giants Real Sociedad at The Hawthorns on Sunday, July 30, kick-off time to be confirmed.

The club have also confirmed the final fixture of their pre-season tour of Scotland will be at Dunfermline on Tuesday, July 25, again with the kick-off time to be confirmed.

Spurs set for new Davies bid?

According to media reports, Tottenham Hotspur are set to make a fresh bid for Albion defender Curtis Davies.

The London giants have already seen a £3.5million bid turned down for the England Under-21 international but with Martin Jol’s side looking set to sell midfielder Michael Carrick to Manchester United, they could soon have the funds to test Albion with an improved offer.

Inamoto sits out Oz clash

Albion midfielder Junichi Inamoto was an unused substitute as Japan slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Australia in the opening World Cup Group F game.

Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura gave Japan a first-half lead but late goals from Tim Cahill (2) and John Aloisi were enough to see Australia pick up all three points.

Sunday 11th June 2006

Hartson keen on Baggies’ move

Media reports suggest that Celtic striker John Hartson has told Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson that he would be interested in a move to the club. The Welsh striker reportedly held talks with Robson on Friday and admitted he was keen to come to The Hawthorns in principle, provided he could agree personal terms.

Albion are already thought to have had a bid of £500,000 accepted by the Scottish giants but the player is thought to want a reported £2 million - the figure he would earn over the next 12 months at Parkhead - before moving south.

Newcastle United and Portsmouth have also been linked with the 31 year-old but their interest now appears to have cooled.

Weir set to decide on future

Everton defender and Albion target David Weir is set to announce his future plans this week according to media reports.

Everton are keen for the veteran defender to remain at Goodison Park but have only offered the out of contract Scot a one year deal whereas Albion are said to have offered him a two year contract.

The 36 year-old centre-back, who has made over 250 appearances for the Merseyside club, is also a target for Birmingham City and Leeds United.

Saturday 10th June 2006

Koumas linked with Blades’ move

Albion midfielder Jason Koumas is linked with a move to Premiership new-boys Sheffield United.

The Welsh international, who spent the whole of last season on loan at Cardiff City, was rumoured to be set for a return to the Bluebirds in a swop deal involving striker Cameron Jerome, but with Jerome having now joined Birmingham City, questions remain over whether the Welsh club can afford to finance the deal.

Despite Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson revealing he would be happy for Koumas to stay at The Hawthorns and push for a first team place, it appears Koumas’ time at the club is coming to an end.

Friday 9th June 2006

Inamoto talks on hold

Albion’s Japanese international midfielder Junichi Inamoto has insisted he will not make any decisions about his Hawthorns’ future until after the World Cup.

The 26 year-old has started just 20 first team games for the club since joining from Gamba Osaka in August 2004.

"I want to concentrate on the World Cup and not think or worry about West Brom for now,” said Inamoto.

“I'm still contracted to the club for another year and as far as I'm aware nothing's changed. A lot depends on what plans the manager has. But I won’t be deciding anything until after the World Cup.

"I've said before I'd rather be on the bench in the Premiership than not play in the Championship. I am hoping to speak to the manager after the World cup but for now I'm only thinking about playing for Japan."

The former Arsenal and Fulham star lost his Albion first team place towards the end of last season and has also slipped out of favour with his national side.

“I still feel I have a lot to offer Japan during this World Cup," said Inamoto. "It's disappointing I've not been starting games but I am determined to work hard during training and try to get back into the side.”

Kuszczak misses out

Albion goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is overlooked in favour of Celtic's Artur Boruc for Poland's 2-0 defeat in their opening World Cup Group A game against Ecuador.

Wednesday 7th June 2006

Robson targets Weir?

Veteran Everton defender David Weir is a target for Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson according to reports in the media.

The 36 year-old Scot is out of contract at Goodison Park and could be set to leave after only being offered a one year deal by the Merseyside club’s hierarchy.

Albion’s Championship rivals Birmingham City and Leeds United are also being linked with a move for the player.

Tuesday 6th June 2006

Portsmouth join Davies chase

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed he would be interested in signing Albion’s highly rated defender Curtis Davies.

Pompey boss Redknapp told the Portsmouth News: "It all depends on how much he costs. He is a young player with great potential."

Albion turned down a £3.5million bid from Tottenham Hotspur last month for the England Under-21 international but with Arsenal, Newcastle United and now Portsmouth all keen on the player it looks as if the club’s resolve could soon be tested with further bids.

Davies joined Albion last August for £3million from Luton Town and despite the club’s relegation from the Premiership the 21 year-old was impressive at the heart of the Albion defence.

Albion to move for MK Dons star?

Albion are rumoured to be ready to move for MK Dons striker Izale McLeod if they are frustrated in their attempts to sign Celtic star John Hartson.

Birmingham-born McLeod, who hit 18 goals last season, is being tipped to quit the Milton Keynes outfit after they suffered relegation to League Two.

Monday 5th June 2006

Baggies set for Dunfermline clash

Albion are in talks with Scottish Premier League club Dunfermline Athletic regarding adding another game to the club’s pre-season tour of Scotland.

The club have already set up two games north of the border, at Kilmarnock on Thursday, July 20 and Motherwell on Sunday, July 23.

If the game is confirmed, it will take place at Dunfermline's East End Park on the evening of Tuesday, July 25.

Sunday 4th June 2006

Campbell future in doubt

It is revealed that Bryan Robson's attempt to bring Kevin Campbell back to Albion next season could be scuppered by the player’s wage demands.

Club captain Campbell, a firm favourite of the Baggies’ boss, was expected to put pen to paper on a new deal but with club chairman Jeremy Peace yet to meet Campbell's agent Paul Stretford, doubts are emerging over the player’s Hawthorns future.

Saturday 3rd June 2006

Albion linked with Hungarian hot-shot

Albion are linked with a move for Hungarian international striker Peter Rajczi.

The Baggies are rumoured to be one of a number of clubs interested in the player following his impressive haul of 23 goals in 24 games for Hungarian giants Ujpest this season.

Rajczi, who is available as a Bosman free transfer, is keen on a move to England according to his agent James Erwood.

"Peter has one of the best scoring records in Europe at the moment," said Erwood. "The fact that he is free on a Bosman has alerted several clubs in both England and Scotland, including Birmingham, Watford and West Brom.

"Peter is keen to come over here as soon as possible and follow in the footsteps of Zoltan Gera."

Thursday 1st June 2006

Albion Reject Robinson Bid
 
Albion are reported to have turned down a £1million bid from Watford for left-back Paul Robinson.

The 27-year-old started his career at Vicarage Road and played over 250 games for the newly promoted Premiership side before moving to The Hawthorns in October 2003 for a fee of £250,000.

New kit revealed

The club unveil their new home and goalkeeper kits for the 2006/07 season.
 
The new home shirt is a traditional navy and white striped effort with the welcome return of stripes on the back.
 
The new goalkeeper kit is an all red shirt with black trim, black shorts and black socks with red trim.
 
The kits, produced by Umbro, go on sale on Thursday, 15 June.

Pompey set to join Hartson chase

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has admitted his club are likely to join Albion in the race to sign Celtic striker John Hartson.

The Scottish giants have reportedly already accepted a bid in the region of £500,000 from Albion.

In 1997, whilst in charge of West Ham, Pompey boss Harry Redknapp signed Hartson from Arsenal for £3.3million, selling him on two years later for a £4 million profit. Redknapp’s chairman Mandaric has admitted they may now look to reunite the pair at Fratton Park.

"I need to clear it with Harry," Mandaric told the Daily Record.

"He still admires John and if he is interested, we will see if we can bring Hartson to Portsmouth."

Blackburn Rovers have also been linked with a move for Hartson.

Baggies miss out on keeper

Long-term Albion target - Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland - is set to join Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan deal according to reports.

Albion had hoped to sign the former Coventry keeper permanently after he impressed despite an injury-hit loan spell last season.

But with Albion facing Championship football, Kirkland is keen to remain in the Premiership in an attempt to force himself back into the England squad.