Friday 31st March 2006

Albion handed Kirkland hope

Rumoured summer target, Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, is told he may have to leave Anfield if he requires first team football next season. 

Kirkland is due to return to Merseyside in the summer after an injury hit loan spell at The Hawthorns but the player himself has admitted the Reds will be looking to sell him.

With Jose Reina, Jerzy Dudek and Scott Carson all on the books at Anfield, Benitez admits Kirkland will struggle to get the regular football he needs next season.

"It is difficult because he is a good keeper, but with Pepe Reina, Jerzy Dudek and Scott Carson here, playing will not be easy for him," said Benitez.

"We have been playing well this season and keeping a lot of clean sheets.”

"We will talk with him and his agent to find a solution. He needs to play games."

Thursday 30th March 2006

Albion tie up new kit deal

The club announce that they have signed a two year deal with England kit manufacturers UMBRO to be the official supplier of the Baggies' playing and training kit.

Albion, who were said to have been approached by as many as ten other kit manufacturers, will be joining a UMBRO stable which already includes England, the Premiership champions Chelsea and Scottish giants Rangers.

Albion's Director of Sales & Marketing, Tim Gardiner, said of the new deal: "We are delighted to have UMBRO back on board. To be working with the likes of UMBRO and T-Mobile underlines the calibre of brands we want to be associated with. It also shows how far the club has progressed in the past few years.”

"I'm sure our supporters will be excited by this news and be looking forward to wearing Albion and UMBRO-branded gear from the summer onwards."

UMBRO's Director of Football, Simon Marsh, added: "It is with great delight we have now added West Bromwich Albion to our international portfolio of contracted teams.”

"UMBRO enjoyed a long and successful association with the Baggies in the past and as a consequence our heritage with the club is very evident. We therefore hope by way of this association we can help the club progress in the manner it so desires."

UMBRO previously supplied the Baggies’ kit from 1977-1989.

Gaardsoe’s season over

Albion defender Thomas Gaardsoe's season is over due to his on-going groin injury.

Danish international Gaardsoe had surgery on the problem back in January but it now appears he will need another operation.

"I can neither run nor kick and it doesn't look promising," Gaardsoe told Forza.

"The club doctor has started to say that I can't avoid a major surgery, but I am not so keen on it since he says it's only an 80 percent chance of success."

Tuesday 28th March 2006

Reserve game switched

Albion’s final reserve game of the season against Liverpool, scheduled for Thursday, April 13, is put back two weeks due to the Merseyside club’s involvement in the FA Youth Cup Final on the same night.

The game will now take place on Thursday, April 27 at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground with a 7:00pm kick-off.

Monday 27th March 2006

Heartbreak for Albion in London

A Robbie Keane double condemns Albion to a 2-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Albion, who impressed throughout, took a 21st minute lead when Curtis Davies headed home a Jonathan Greening free-kick. The lead lasted until the 68 minute mark when Irishman Keane netted from close range after being played through by Michael Carrick.

With the game heading for a draw a mistake by Albion keeper Tomasz Kuszczak handed Spurs the game on a plate. After messing up a routine clearance the Polish star was forced into pulling down England striker Jermain Defoe in the box thus conceding a penalty. Despite being extremely fortunate to escape a red card the keeper could do nothing to prevent Irishman Keane from netting a last minute winner.

The game was watched by a crowd of 36,152.

United sink ten man Albion

A youthful Albion reserve side sink to a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at Aggborough. Two second half goals from Giuseppe Rossi were enough to give United all three points.

Italian striker Rossi opened the scoring on 61 minutes and added his second just three minutes later from the penalty spot after Albion keeper John Bateman had brought the United player down. Bateman was subsequently given his marching orders and with all three substitutes having already been used striker Rob Elvins was forced to don the keeper’s gloves.
 
Danish international Thomas Gaardsoe, the only senior player to feature for Albion on the night, was forced off at half time due to a groin injury.

Friday 24th March 2006

Kirkland suffers new injury blow

It is revealed that Albion’s on-loan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is expected to miss the rest of the season after breaking a finger in a training ground accident yesterday.

Kirkland, on loan from Liverpool, now faces a six-week recovery period meaning he is unlikely to play again this season.

The keeper will now return to Anfield where he will also have to face the prospect of missing out on a place in England’s World Cup squad.

Speaking about the injury the 24-year-old told the club’s official website: "As soon as it happened, I knew I'd broken my finger. I just caught a ball on the end of my finger and I heard it pop and crack. I tried to carry on for a little bit but it was just too sore. It's a new break and I've just been unlucky again.”

"I'm lost for words at the moment. I have a lot of emotions. I'm very disappointed and upset. It's ruled me out for the rest of the season and any chance I had for the World Cup, which was slim. I'm not going to be a part of the last few games which is very upsetting. I can't do anything with the injury. I just have to let it heal - but I will come back from it.”

"I'm going back to Liverpool now but I've been told by them they are going to sell me in the summer so this injury has come at a pretty bad time. What I will say is that whoever takes a chance on me in the summer will see how hard I work and how much I want to play. It all depends who comes in for me now. Hopefully, West Brom will be one of those teams. I've just got to assess all the options open to me and take it from there."

"I know the injuries will put people off but the main thing is that it's not my back, which a lot has been made of. Wherever I am next year, I'll do my best and they'll hopefully have a very good goalkeeper on their hands."

"I've really enjoyed my time at Albion. Driving away today is going to be quite hard. It's a good family club and all the lads have been great since I've been here. I've felt like I've been here for years. All the staff have been tremendous and helped me and I'd like to say thanks to all the fans as well. I'm sorry I couldn't show more but hopefully I'll have another chance to do that.”

"I just wish the club, the coaching staff and the fans all the best in staying in the Premier League."

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson admitted his disappointment at the injury but revealed he would consider signing the big keeper at the end of the season. "It is really unfortunate for Chris. He went to save a shot in training on Thursday but he knocked his finger back and has got a hairline fracture that will probably put him out for the season," said Robson.

"We have a real interest in signing Chris permanently at the end of the season. Obviously it depends on our position, what division we are in, and if Liverpool are prepared to do a deal but as far as I'm concerned, even though Chris has had a few unfortunate injuries, I want to sign him. His back in the past has given cause for concern but he has proved that to be fine."

Kirkland made 12 first team appearances for Albion, the last one coming in the FA Cup defeat at Reading in January.

Thursday 23rd March 2006

Derby deny Horsfield move

Derby County manager Terry Westley has denied reports that Geoff Horsfield is set to join The Rams on loan.

Horsfield is currently on loan at Sheffield United from Albion until the end of the season when a permanent deal was to be concluded, but due to a falling out with Blades’ boss Neil Warnock and Albion’s refusal to have him back the striker finds himself in limbo.

"Geoff's a terrific player, I'd love to have him here partnering Kevin Lisbie up front - that'd be a great partnership but it's not going to be the case,” said Rams’ boss Westley.

Wednesday 22nd March 2006

Hammers clash on Sky

Albion’s final home game of the season against West Ham United is put back two days for live screening by Sky Sports. The game will now be played on Monday, May 1 with an 8pm kick-off.

Tuesday 21st March 2006

Reserves slump against Toffees

Albion reserves go down to a 1-0 defeat against Everton at Widnes’ Halton Stadium. Victor Anichebe grabbed the only goal of the game in the 55th minute but the Baggies will be boosted by the news that long-term injury victim Zoltan Gera completed a full 90 minutes.

Albion clarify Horsfield situation

Following reports that Sheffield United were looking to end the loan deal of Geoff Horsfield, Albion have insisted that the striker will not be returning to the club.

Albion are adamant that the deal will become a permanent move at the end of the season, as already agreed with the Bramall Lane club.

A statement on the Baggies’ official website read: "West Bromwich Albion have a done deal with Sheffield United regarding Geoff Horsfield, which covers the striker's loan until the end of the season and his permanent transfer for an already agreed fee on July 1."

"That deal will stand unless Sheffield United can find an alternative club to take on their responsibilities."

Horsfield has figured in just three games for his new side and with Blades’ manager Neil Warnock reportedly telling him that he will not play for United again the popular striker faces an uncertain future.

Monday 20th March 2006

Mourinho admits to taunts

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has admitted taunting Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson during the two club’s recent meeting.

Robson and Mourinho were involved in an angry touchline confrontation during Chelsea's 2-1 win at The Hawthorns earlier this month. Mourinho claims that he was insulted by Robson and that he responded by telling Robson he risked having a heart attack.

"I beat my record for patiently ignoring insults - more than an hour," said Mourinho  "I heard insults and more insults aimed at our bench.”

"After half-time we were intercepted by the opposition coach and I told him 'Calm down, careful with your heart'."

Saturday 18th March 2006

Saha double sinks Albion

Two goals from Frenchman Louis Saha help Manchester United to a 2-1 victory over Albion at The Hawthorns.

Saha opened the scoring, somewhat against the run of play, in the 16th minute, heading home Ryan Giggs' corner. United doubled their lead on 64 minutes with Saha grabbing his second of the game following Cristiano Ronaldo’s throughball.

Substitute Nathan Ellington gave Albion hope by pulling a goal back 12 minutes from time, but as so often this season it was a case of too little too late.

A season’s best crowd of 27,623 watched Albion slump to a fifth defeat in six home league games.

Academy team slump at Leeds

Albion’s Academy side suffer their first defeat in three games, losing 1-0 away at Leeds United.

Friday 17th March 2006

Fans flock to back the Baggies

The club reveal that they have sold the remaining few tickets for Albion’s clash at Villa Park on April 9. Bryan Robson’s men will be backed by a 3,700-strong following for the last local derby game of the season.

Tickets for Albion’s last ever visit to Highbury, Arsenal, on April 15 have also sold out.

Thursday 16th March 2006

T-Mobile extend Albion sponsorship 

Albion announce that club sponsor T-Mobile has extended its sponsorship deal for a further two years.

The new contract, reportedly worth £1.2million, is the largest in the club's history - surpassing T-Mobile's current two-year agreement which started in 2004. The deal will run from the beginning of next season to the end of the 2007/2008 campaign, with an option to extend it further.

T-Mobile's brand name will remain on the club’s home and away shirts.

Baggies’ chairman Jeremy Peace, speaking of the deal said: "Having T-Mobile on board for a further two years is great news for everyone connected with the club. Our relationship with T-Mobile has gone from strength to strength and has proved mutually beneficial. The way T-Mobile got behind the team last season, particularly when a lot of people had written us off, was terrific.”

"We look forward to continuing to work with them on a range of activities which will be of benefit to both parties and our supporters."

T-Mobile (UK) head of sponsorship Toby Hester added: "There was never really any question that we would extend our agreement with the Albion. It has been a hugely productive period for us and it is a pleasure to work so closely with such a professional and friendly club.”

"The fans are magnificent and I hope we can continue to interact with them in a way that stands out and surprises them."

Baggies receive Robinson boost

Albion’s relegation fight is boosted by the news that influential defender Paul Robinson will be fit to face Manchester United on Saturday. Robinson had been doubtful for the Hawthorns clash after limping off with a knee injury during last weekend’s game against Birmingham City.

The club have though revealed that midfielder Zoltan Gera will miss the United clash despite his 65-minute run out for Albion reserves on Monday night.

Wednesday 15th March 2006

Kozak looking good for Hawthorns future

Albion boss Bryan Robson has admitted that he has been impressed by on-loan Slovakian midfielder Jan Kozak and may move to make the transfer permanent in the summer.

The Artmedia Bratislava midfielder, who is on loan until the end of the season, impressed against Birmingham City at St Andrews on Saturday as well as on his full debut against league leaders Chelsea seven days earlier.

"I was really pleased with Jan again. He passed the ball really well," said the Baggies’ boss. "The system we're using at the moment allows him to play in a free role just behind Kevin Campbell. We've looked fairly solid playing that way so we'll keep looking at it.”

"At this moment in time, I'm not looking any further than the end of the season with Jan. But if he keeps performing like he is then he could be a future signing for the club."

Tuesday 14th March 2006

Kamara set for scoring help

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson reveals that he is planning on giving Diomansy Kamara extra coaching in an attempt to improve his goalscoring ability.

Kamara, who joined Albion in a £1.5million summer move from Modena, has scored just twice in 18 starts this season.

"He was really positive in his approach against Birmingham," said Robson. "He was looking really good on the attacking side apart from his actual finishing. We need to get that right.”

"Joe is still learning about the Premiership and the roles I want to play him in. But I think he could turn out to be one of the most dangerous players in the Premiership if he starts to put his chances away. We're going to start working with him on that.”

"If he can add an end product to his game then he'll be a really dangerous player because he's so quick. If Joe can be a little bit more clinical with his finishing he's going to be a real force in the Premiership. He puts people on the back foot because he's so direct and has got good balance."

The Baggies boss even likened Senegal star Kamara to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry: "When you're talking about Henry and Joe they've both got great balance when running with the ball, he's like him in that way because of his sheer pace. Where Henry is different is that he finishes well. Joe's got to improve on that side of his game. If he does that he'll be worth £20 million!"

Monday 13th March 2006

Reserves win

Albion reserves record a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Aggborough, Kidderminster. On-loan Uruguayan defender Williams Martinez headed the hosts ahead in the 16th minute with young striker Stuart Nicholson doubling the lead just three minutes later.

Hungarian midfielder Zoltan Gera completed 65 minutes of the game as he battles to regain full fitness following his long-term pelvic injury.

A crowd of 314 were in attendance.

Wallwork facing disciplinary tightrope

Albion confirm that midfielder Ronnie Wallwork will be available to face Manchester United at The Hawthorns on Saturday despite media reports suggesting he will miss the game due to suspension.

The Football Association has today confirmed the booking the player picked up at St Andrews on Saturday was his ninth of the season and not his tenth as was widely believed.

With the ten-yellow-card amnesty not coming into effect until April 10, Wallwork will have to avoid collecting another caution in Albion's next four games to escape a two-game suspension.

Despite the midfielder’s poor disciplinary record his boss Bryan Robson paid tribute to the player’s recent form. "In the last couple of games, Ronnie has been outstanding. Even when things have been going against us, he has kept us going.”

“The only unfortunate thing now is he is on nine bookings. That is why I'm going to have a word with him about being more careful because we can't afford to lose him for two games. He has been playing with more aggression and I don't want to take anything away from his game. But on Saturday, he could have stepped away from the challenge that earned him a yellow card, rather than kicking David Dunn.”

"Ronnie has an intelligent footballing brain and he should know when he can tackle and when he's being rash or not. It shouldn't affect his game at all."

Saturday 11th March 2006

City clash ends all square

Albion claim a point from a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrews but are left ruing a number of missed chances which would have given them all three points.

In one of the most important derby games in years, the hosts took the lead on 49 minutes when Mikael Forssell converted from the penalty spot after Curtis Davies was adjudged to have brought down the Finnish striker.

With Albion struggling to make a breakthrough Bryan Robson brought on both Kanu and Nathan Ellington, a move which paid off in the 70th minute when Ellington fired home from 20 yards after being set up by the Nigerian.

Former Wigan man Ellington missed a golden chance to win it for the visitors in injury time, hitting the bar from close range after being played through on goal by Jonathan Greening.

A crowd of 28,041 witnessed a result which leaves both clubs facing an uphill battle to avoid relegation.

Albion kids too good for Geordies

Albion’s Academy team make it two wins in a row by beating Newcastle United 3-0 at the club’s Great Barr training ground. Two first half goals from Rob Elvins and a second-half strike from Ibrahim Sissoko gave Craig Shakespeare’s side all three points.

Thursday 9th March 2006

Gera to miss St Andrews’ clash

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson rules Zoltan Gera out of Saturday’s game against Birmingham City at St Andrews. The Hungarian midfielder, who has been sidelined with a pelvic problem for the last five months,  had a 45-minute runout for Albion reserves in Monday's 1-1 draw with Bolton but is not yet considered ready for a Premiership return.

"Gera is still not ready to play in a game of this tempo," said Robson.

Wednesday 8th March 2006

Albion escape FA action

The Football Association have confirmed that Albion will face no disciplinary action following last weekend’s stormy meeting with Chelsea at The Hawthorns. Referee Mark Halsey had reported both sides for trying to intimidate match officials but the FA have now confirmed that Albion have no case to answer.

In response to the accusations against Albion the FA stated: "The match video has been studied and the Football Association will not be taking any formal disciplinary action on this occasion. The Football Association now considers this matter to be closed."

Chelsea meanwhile have been charged in connection with an incident just before half-time when their players reacted to a Ronnie Wallwork foul on Claude Makelele. The Blues have been charged with failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

An FA statement said: "The charge relates to an incident in the 43rd minute of Chelsea's game against West Bromwich Albion on March 4 when several Chelsea players surrounded referee Mark Halsey following a foul by West Brom's Ronnie Wallwork. Halsey reported the incident to The FA and expressed his view that a number of Chelsea players pressurised him at this time."

Both sides were also reported following the sending off of Arjen Robben but the FA's disciplinary committee decided that this incident did not warrant a formal reprimand although the two clubs would receive letters reminding them of their conduct on this issue.

Baggies handed programme award

It is announced that Albion's matchday programme has been named the best one for value in the Premiership by Programme Monthly – the country’s leading voice on football programmes.

It is the third time in the club's three Premiership seasons to date that Albion have received the award.

Tuesday 7th March 2006

Quashie's ban extended

Baggies’ midfielder Nigel Quashie is given an extra one-match ban and a fine of £5,000 after admitting to a Football Association charge of misconduct.

The Scottish international is already serving a four-match suspension for his straight red - his second of the season - against Middlesbrough on February 26.

The FA examined the 54th minute incident and charged the former Southampton midfielder with 'abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official', a charge that Quashie has now admitted.

The player will now miss the next four games, against Birmingham City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool.

Monday 6th March 2006

Reserves draw

In the Barclays Premiership Reserve League North, Albion play out a 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers at Aggborough, Kidderminster.

Young striker Stuart Nicholson put Albion ahead in the fifth minute racing onto a through ball from trialist Shana Haji but Henrik Pedersen equalised for the visitors just eight minutes later.

The game, watched by a crowd of 225, saw Zoltan Gera play the first 45 minutes as he battles to regain fitness following his long-term pelvic injury.

Baggies dismiss FA charge claim

Albion move to deny media reports that they along with Chelsea have been reported to the Football Association by referee Mark Halsey following ugly scenes at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson said: "Our club secretary, John Evans, has clarified that issue this morning. The referee has made no specific complaint to the FA about West Bromwich Albion following Saturday's game.”

"I haven't changed my mind about anything I said after the match - apart from that the referee got it spot on with his decision to send off Arjen Robben. Once I saw it on TV after the game, I could see it was a two-footed challenge."

Robson added: "As far as I'm concerned, that is the end of the matter. We have a big game against Blues on Saturday and that is where our focus lies."

Robson hints at Peace rift

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson reveals that he did not want recently departed striker Geoff Horsfield to leave the The Hawthorns, suggesting for the first time that there is a rift between himself and chairman Jeremy Peace over the club’s transfer policy.

Horsfield joined Sheffield United last month on a loan deal until the end of the season, with a permanent transfer worth £1.25 million due to follow in the summer.

"I don't know how it has been put over to the fans but I never wanted Geoff Horsfield to leave," Robson admitted. "It was a decision taken out of my hands and in the long term Sheffield United will pay £1.25 million.”

"Geoff got offered a longer contract at Sheffield United where he was getting paid more money than at West Brom. I couldn't convince the club that we should give Geoff a longer term contract with an improvement so it was taken out of my hands really."

"Everyone knows the board and the chairman do look at the budget and they will not over-indulge in the transfer market or in wages, especially the wages side because they don't want to put the future of the club in jeopardy," Robson continued.

"They play a little safe. I knew that when I came to the club. As a manager it does make your job that little bit harder because you can't just bring anyone in because you haven't got the wage bill to do that."

Saturday 4th March 2006

Narrow defeat for Albion against the champs

In an ill-tempered game at The Hawthorns Albion lose 2-1 to Premiership leaders Chelsea. Despite the hosts being arguably the better side, Didier Drogba opened the scoring for the Londoners six minutes into the second half following slack marking in the Albion defence.

The defending Premiership champions were reduced to ten men on 62 minutes after Arjen Robben was dismissed by referee Mark Halsey for a two-footed lunge on Jonathan Greening but despite having a man less the visitors doubled their lead in the 74th minute when Joe Cole netted from close range.

Bryan Robson’s men did pull a goal back two minutes from time through Nigerian star Kanu but despite a nervy finish Chelsea held on for all three points.

The game was marred by a number of unsavory incidents, one of which involved Didier Drogba appearing to fake injury in an attempt to get Baggies’ midfielder Jonathan Greening sent off. There was also a clash between the two managers after Chelsea boss Jose Mourhino sent his players out late after half-time thus delaying the kick-off to the second half. At the end of the game Mourinho refused to shake hands with his Albion counterpart.

A crowd of 26,581 were in attendance.

Robson blast for Drogba

Bryan Robson hits out at Chelsea striker Didier Drogba for his antics during the afternoon’s game at The Hawthorns. The Baggies’ boss accused the Ivory Coast star of trying to get one of his players sent off.

"Drogba just dives about all the time and that’s what he tried to do near the touchline,” said Robson. “He tried to even it up by getting our player sent off when Jonathan Greening never even touched him. For me he dives and feigns injury. My player never touched him, rolling about and feigning injury. That is him and his character."

Robson reveals Hasselbaink bid and Ugo disappointment

Albion boss Bryan Robson reveals that he tried to sign Middlesbrough striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink during the January transfer window. Robson was keen to bolster his strikeforce after selling Rob Earnshaw to Norwich but the move was scuppered because of Hasselbaink's wage demands.

"We looked at Hasselbaink at the last minute during the January window. I had conversations with Jimmy and his agent," said Robson. "But it was a case again of the wage bill here just couldn't take on someone like Jimmy and nothing happened."

The Baggies’ boss also admitted his disappointment at missing out on Boro defender Ugo Ehiogu but revealed the deal may still go through at the end of the season.

"Is there any chance of the Ehiogu deal being resurrected? In the summer, it might be," said Robson. "I was disappointed that that one fell through in January because I'd worked very hard at talking him into joining us. He wanted to move back to the Midlands but at the end of the day, finances got in the way as far as wages were concerned."

Quashie sorry for red card shame

Midfielder Nigel Quashie apologises for getting himself sent-off in Sunday's 2-0 defeat against Middlesbrough.

Quashie missed today’s clash with Chelsea as he began an automatic four-match ban which could be extended further at a FA disciplinary hearing on Tuesday. 

"I want to apologise for what happened on the football pitch and for my sending-off," said Quashie. "I'm disappointed in myself for the way that game turned out. My frustration just boiled over at the way the game was going. We were playing well and things weren't going our way and then I did something on a football pitch that isn't like me. I just saw red at that moment in time and really I should have controlled myself because we were in a good position to get back into the game.”

"I've let my manager, my team-mates and the supporters down. I hold my hands up. I've apologised to the manager, team-mates and staff and I owe the supporters an apology as well."

"When I return I'll be going all out to correct what happened."

Friday 3rd March 2006

Albion to hold double tribute

The club announce that it will be holding a joint minute's silence before Saturday's game against Chelsea in memory of former club employee Scott Poll and Stamford Bridge legend Peter Osgood.

Seventeen year old Scott, a lifelong Baggies’ fan, worked as a member of Albion's catering staff for three years and worked on matchdays and at club functions. He was killed during the early hours of Sunday morning in a hit and run accident.

Ex-England striker Osgood, nicknamed the 'King of Stamford Bridge', died suddenly on Wednesday morning while attending a family funeral. He was 59.

Thursday 2nd March 2006

Hoult can go

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson reveals that he is willing to allow goalkeeper Russell Hoult to leave The Hawthorns on loan.

"Russell and the chairman know that if a Championship club comes in and wants to take Russ on loan that is an option," Robson confirmed.

"I'd sooner Russ be playing first-team football and getting match fitness as long as we have automatic recall should we get any injuries to our other keepers," he added.

The 33 year-old keeper, who moved to Albion in January 2001, has made almost 200 first team appearances for the club but is currently third choice at The Hawthorns due to the form of Tomasz Kuszczak and Chris Kirkland.

Wednesday 1st March 2006

Kirkland off as reserve team slump

Albion reserves slip to a 3-1 defeat against Wigan Athletic at Robins Park Arena. On-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland lasted only five minutes before being handed a straight red card for handling the ball outside his area following a defensive mix-up.

Neil Mellor opened the scoring for the home side on the half hour mark and Andreas Johansson made it 2-0 a minute before the break. Kevin Lee gave the Latics a 3-0 half-time lead with a goal in first half injury time. Stuart Nicholson grabbed Albion’s consolation goal from the penalty spot in the 75th minute.

The Albion line-up included 17 year-old trialist, British / Iranian, Shana Haji.

International duo on duty

Albion midfielder Nigel Quashie played 90 minutes for Scotland as they lost 3-1 against Switzerland, at Hampden Park, whilst Diomansy Kamara also played a full game as Senegal beat Norway 2-1 in Dakar.

Davies dismisses Gunners talk

Young Albion defender Curtis Davies plays down speculation linking him with a move to Premiership giants Arsenal.
 
Davies was strongly linked with a move to Highbury during the January transfer window and reports suggest that Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger is lining up a summer move for the star.

"There are always little whispers but it was the same when I was at Luton with teams throwing their names in the hat trying to unsettle me,” said Davies.

"I'm happy at Albion. I've only been here seven months so it's ridiculous that people are trying to nick me already. I don't know if there is any truth behind it and there are a lot of rumours.”

"I'm just happy to play my football and I want to help us get away from the bottom three for once and for all. We've had a few chances to do that but it hasn't quite happened for us."

Davies did concede that things could change should the club suffer relegation: "If we were to get relegated, you don't know what the club might do. It's down to what the club's ambitions are. They might keep me to help get us back up into The Premiership or, if we stay up, keep me and try to push on.”

"It's out of my hands but I'm happy here and I want to give everything to West Brom which is the main thing."

Quashie opts against appeal

Baggies’ midfielder Nigel Quashie has opted not to appeal against the Football Association's decision to charge him with misconduct following his sending off in last Sunday's 2-0 defeat by Middlesbrough.

The £1.2million signing from Southampton, who has been charged with using 'abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official' following his sending-off, has also sent a letter of apology as a plea of mitigation to the FA.

The matter will go before an FA disciplinary commission at Soho Square on Tuesday, March 7.

Kirkland still harbors World Cup hopes

Albion’s on-loan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland reveals that he is still hopeful of clinching a place in England’s World Cup squad despite losing his spot as Albion’s number one.

The on-loan Liverpool keeper impressed for Albion until injury allowed Tomasz Kuszczak a run in the first team.

Kirkland was not expecting to be in Sven Goran Eriksson's squad to play Uruguay on Wednesday due to his lack of first team action: "I was not expecting to be in. You've got to be playing to be picked by England so I have got no arguments," said Kirkland. "I've just got to work as hard as I can to try and get back in the Albion team.”

"Have I still got a chance for the World Cup? I hope so. I got injured, he (Kuszczak) has come in and done great so I've got to wait for my chance and make sure I take it.”

"The World Cup is at the back of my mind. The most important thing is West Brom and staying up. That's all I am thinking about."