Tuesday 30th November 2004

Fernandez approach revealed

It emerges that Albion approached ex Paris St Germain coach Luis Fernandez about replacing former boss Gary Megson. The out of work Fernandez revealed: “I would appreciate England, I had contact with West Bromwich, but I did not progress it. Spain, of course, too."

Monday 29th November 2004

Albion claim point at Aggborough

At Kidderminster's Aggborough ground an 88th minute goal from Ronnie Wallwork earned Albion reserves a point in a 1-1 draw against Everton. James Vaughan gave the visitors the lead after 29 minutes. A crowd of 538 watched the game.

City game switched

Albion's game at home to Manchester City on the 22nd January is switched to a 5:15pm kick-off for the benefit of Sky TV. The game will be shown on the company's pay-per view service.

Sunday 28th November 2004

O’Connor loan spell extended

Midfielder James O'Connor's loan spell at  Burnley is extended for another two months. The 25-year-old has made six appearances for the Championship side after failing to establish himself at The Hawthorns this season.

Burnley boss Steve Cotterill said of the deal: "We've managed to extend the deal to three months, so that runs until January 22, I spoke to Bryan Robson last week and he was very obliging, so we thank him for that because we need all the help we can get."

Saturday 27th November 2004

United too good for Albion

In a disappointing performance Albion lose 3-0 to Manchester United at The Hawthorns in front of a new all seated attendance record for the ground of 27,709. Goals from Paul Scholes on 54 and 82 minutes and Ruud van Nistelrooy on 72 minutes were enough to see United pick up all three points. Nigerian star Kanu missed his first league game of the season due to a groin injury suffered in training while Darren Moore, Cosmin Contra and Darren Purse all picked up injuries during the game and face a battle to be fit for next Saturday's trip to Portsmouth.

Friday 26th November 2004

Corrigan appointed new keeper coach

Albion announce that they have appointed former Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Corrigan as their new goalkeeping coach after parting company with former Walsall keeper Fred Barber. 

Boss Bryan Robson, a former England team-mate of Corrigan's, said: "I would like to thank Fred for his services to the club. I feel it is important the club's goalkeeping coach travels with us on a matchday, which is something Fred could not do due to his commitments at Bolton, and that's why we've brought Joe in. Joe has an excellent reputation within the game. You've got to be good at your job if you've been the Liverpool goalkeeping coach for as long as he was."

Thursday 25th November 2004

AJ doubtful for United clash

Andy Johnson is doubtful for Saturday's game at home to Manchester United due to a hamstring injury suffered at Highbury.

Wednesday 24th November 2004

O’Connor happy to remain a Claret

Midfielder James O'Connor, currently on loan at Burnley admits that he would relish the chance to stay at Turf Moor.

He said: "It's coming to the end of the month but I'm hoping it'll go into another month. Originally it was meant to be a three-month loan so I'm sure I'll be around for another couple of months anyway. I think it will happen and I don't think it will be a problem. I'll definitely be here for another couple of months. I'll be very disappointed if I'm not."

Sunday 21st November 2004

United target the Horse

Striker Geoff Horsfield is reported to be a transfer target for Championship side Leeds United.

Saturday 20th November 2004

Albion proud after Highbury clash

The club gain their best result of the season by holding Premiership champions Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Highbury in front of 38,109 fans. The Gunners took the lead on 54 minutes when a Russell Hoult mistake allowed Robert Pires to open the scoring. Albion earned the point their performance deserved when substitute Rob Earnshaw grabbed a 79th minute equaliser after good work by Jonathan Greening.

Artim Sakiri, making his first appearance of the season for the club was one of  three international captains in the Albion line-up, Kanu and Zoltan Gera being the other two.

Albion linked with Juventus duo

Albion are linked with a move for Juventus' defensive duo Igor Tudor and Mark Iuliano.

Friday 19th November 2004

Trimpont denies Dindane claim

Anderlecht striker Aruna Dindane's agent Serge Trimpont has dismissed reports that Albion have first option on the player.

"It is not true that West Brom have first option on Aruna," Trimpont told skysports.com. "Gary Megson was pushing very hard to sign Aruna in the summer, but I don't know what is happening now he has gone. I have not heard anything new from West Brom about Aruna and the situation is the same. There are a number of clubs interested in Aruna, but it all depends on whether or not Anderlecht receive an offer for him and then we will see."

Albion youths handed City tie

Albion are drawn away at Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup 3rd round. The game will be played on or before Saturday 18th December.

Wednesday 17th November 2004

Burrows quits

Former assistant manager Frank Burrows leaves the club after turning down a role in Bryan Robson's coaching team.

Chairman Jeremy Peace speaking to the club's official website about Burrows' departure said: "I want to thank Frank for his efforts over the last four-and-a-half years and wish him, his wife Wendy and the rest of the family all the very best for the future."

"Following his appointment as our new manager, Bryan offered Frank a position on his coaching staff but he has decided to take a break and look for a new challenge elsewhere. We're sorry Frank has reached this decision but he has made his mind up and we won't stand in his way."

The youth team go out of the Midland Floodlit Youth Cup after losing 3-1 to Port Vale at The Hawthorns. Seamus Kelleher scored the Albion goal.

Monday 15th November 2004

Reserves suffer Villa defeat

At Kidderminster's Aggborough ground a strong reserve team lose 1-0 to local rivals Aston Villa. Gabriel Agbonlahor scored the only goal of the game.

Albion announce loss

Albion announce a pre-tax loss of  £100,000 for the year ending June 30. The club revealed a reduced turnover of £20.6 million for the year to June, down from £28.4 million in the previous 12 months when the club was in The Premiership.

It is also revealed that the club are planning to de-list from the London Stock Exchange and revert to being a private company.

Chairman Jeremy Peace also announced plans for the playing squad to be reduced in size. "With 31 players in the senior squad the club will now endeavour to reduce this number by approximately 25 percent over the coming months," said Peace.

Kanu in Ajax link

Kanu is linked with a move to former club Ajax in January. The Dutch club reportedly had scouts at The Hawthorns on Sunday for Albion's game against Middlesbrough.

Megson in at Molineux ?

Former Albion boss Gary Megson admits that he has applied for the vacant manager's job at local rivals Wolves.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "I have contacted Wolverhampton. Part of my agreement is that I can apply for any jobs in the top two divisions. Whether that's a certain club I don't know but I'll see what's around." He added: "I'm keen to get working at a club where I can achieve some of the things that were achieved at West Brom."

Albion linked with Reds striker

Albion are linked with a January move for young Liverpool striker Neil Mellor. The 22 year old had a spell on loan at West Ham last season but failed to impress.

Sunday 14th November 2004

Robson return ends in defeat

In Bryan Robson's first game as manager Albion lose 2-1 to Middlesbrough in a game televised live by Sky. A Darren Purse own goal gave the visitors the lead after 31 minutes before Rob Earnshaw equalised six minutes later with his 3rd goal in two games. Boro's Bolo Zenden grabbed the winning goal on 52 minutes. In a game that saw Cosmin Contra make his league debut for the club Albion missed out on a point when Nigerian star Kanu missed a last minute open goal much to the disbelief of the 24,008 crowd inside The Hawthorns.

Friday 12th November 2004

Megson settlement revealed

The club announce that they have reached a settlement with ex-boss Gary Megson over the remaining eight months of his contract.

Chairman Jeremy Peace said: "Both parties have moved as quickly as they possibly can to tie up the loose ends. We've reached an amicable agreement with Gary which means both he and the club can now move on. We want to thank Gary for his hard work over the past four-and-a-half years which has helped the club create a platform for what we hope will be sustainable Premiership football. We wish Gary all the best in his future managerial career."

The agreement means that Megson is now free to seek employment elsewhere with Black Country rivals Wolves said to be interested in him becoming their new manager following the dismissal of Dave Jones.

Thursday 11th November 2004

Robson expresses Kanu wish

New boss Bryan Robson makes it clear that he wants Nigerian star Kanu to remain at The Hawthorns despite rumours linking him with a move away from the club. Robson told the Press Association: "We want Kanu to stick around. He is a quality player. Let's just say it will cost a hell of a lot of money for anyone interested in him."

Dobie speaks on Millwall move

Scott Dobie reveals the reasons behind his move to Millwall.

The Scotland striker said: "A few of the lads told me to hold out because a new manager was coming in, but I really couldn't see things changing. I did the best I could, but now I am 26 and I feel I want to be kicking on and making more of an impression. It was like I was hitting my head against a brick wall. No matter how well I played or how well I did in training, I didn't feel as though I was going to get a chance. I got one game at Everton on August 28 and I scored, but since then I haven't really been involved."

Kanu out of Nigeria clash

Kanu pulls out of Nigeria's squad for next week's friendly match against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Wednesday 10th November 2004

Johnson announces Welsh retirement

Andy Johnson announces his retirement from international football. Johnson made his Wales debut against Italy in August 1998 and won 15 caps - the last coming in a 2-0 win in Latvia three months ago.

The 30 year old midfielder said of the decision: "I feel this is the right time to call it a day with Wales, I've really enjoyed my time with Wales. It's been a real honour to play for them. But I now feel it is the right time in my career to retire from the international scene and concentrate on my club football. This is not a decision I've made overnight. It is something I've been mulling over for a while as I'm not getting any younger."

Tuesday 9th November 2004

Robson returns

Former Albion star Bryan Robson is finally confirmed as the club's new manager. The ex-Manchester United and England captain has signed a 12-month rolling contract and has installed England Under-20s coach Nigel Pearson as his assistant.

"The board has conducted a comprehensive search of the manager market in the past two weeks," said Chairman Jeremy Peace. "We've looked at home and abroad and considered managers with experience of the Premiership and the Football League, as well as in foreign football, and, at the end of that process, our first and unanimous choice is Bryan Robson."

"Bryan was one of our all-time great players before moving on to enjoy an illustrious career with Manchester United and England, and then a successful new career in management with Middlesbrough. He has a formidable football pedigree and is highly respected by key figures in the game."

"Bryan has impressed me with his desire and motivation, not just to return to Premiership management, but to be manager of West Bromwich Albion. He has a strong affinity with the club and our supporters and his ambitions to continue the long-term building process at this football club are just as strong as the board's. Clearly, the first target is to retain our Premiership status and I feel with Bryan in charge, supported by Nigel, there will be total commitment and determination from everyone at the club to achieve this goal."

"I would like to thank Frank Burrows for his hard work in the caretaker manager role over the past fortnight and the rest of the coaching and playing staff, who have remained fully focused over the past two weeks. I would also like to thank the supporters for their continued support both at home to Chelsea and away at Southampton. I'm sure they will give Bryan their full backing - starting against Middlesbrough at home on Sunday."

 New boss Robson said of the appointment:, "I've been disappointed over the last two years not to have been offered a job like this, What I'd like to try and achieve is the success I had as a player here as a manager here."

"I don't think I've got anything to prove. I think my record stands up as a manager. People forget that Middlesbrough were 14th in the First Division when I took over, were moving into a new stadium and didn't have a training ground. In the seven years I was there, we got to three cup finals. Although there was a blot with relegation, there were reasons behind that because we got to two cup finals that season and the squad wasn't particularly strong to cope with it. But the past is the past and I think all those experiences have improved me as a manager."

"The only way I can improve on that now is by hopefully achieving the same or better at West Brom. If I do that then I'll have done a good job. The structure of this club is nice and solid and there is potential within the squad. My sole aim is to keep this club in the Premiership."

"I've got happy memories here, and it's not just the ambition, it's the passion I've got for this club that will give me that little bit more drive. The last thing I want is not to be a success at this club and then maybe lose what I've got with the fans because of that."

"My ambitions are similar to the club who want to go and prove they're a Premiership club and go on and do even more than that. There is mental pressure because you know how much it's going to cost the club to be relegated and that's why there is so much pressure on managers. But we're still man enough to want to come back into the game because of the desire and because it is in your blood. Now I've got a great challenge and I'm coming into a club where I know I've got the fans right behind me before I even start. I've always had a great rapport with these fans. I want to please them with the type of football we play and the priority is keeping this club in the Premiership."

New assistant Nigel Pearson has left his post as England Under-20s coach to become Robson's No.2. He said: "It was a very difficult decision to leave The FA, where I have had some wonderful years. Working with the best young players in the country has been a fantastic experience. However, joining West Brom was an opportunity that I could not refuse, and I am very excited about my new role."

Roach makes Hoddle claim

Glenn Hoddle's agent Dennis Roach claims that the former England coach never considered himself as a serious contender for the vacant manager's job at The Hawthorns.

Roach told the Press Association: "I had one meeting with the chairman of West Brom and then Glenn had a preliminary meeting with him too. At no time were finances or staff discussed because we were unable to agree the length of contract. Initially we talked about Glenn going to The Hawthorns until the end of the season, which suited him, but then the chairman moved the goalposts and wanted a longer contract. Glenn then wanted a get-out clause, and in the end the talks were going nowhere, so we regarded Glenn as being out of the running and it was forgotten about. However, Mr Peace came out on Saturday and said Glenn was no longer in contention, and we were both surprised and disappointed about that. As far as we are concerned it was a big mix-up, but Glenn wishes West Brom and their fans all the best for the future."

Reserves crash out of cup

A youthful reserve team go down 3-1 to Oldbury United at The Cricketts in the Birmingham Senior Cup 2nd round. Ex- Albion striker Les Palmer gave the hosts the lead before Ben Pringle equalised for Albion. Second half goals from Martin Keight and Richard Taylor were enough however to take Oldbury through to the next round.

Monday 8th November 2004

Dobie Leaves

Scott Dobie leaves The Hawthorns for Millwall in a £750,000 deal after snubbing a similar move to Preston North End. Albion will bank an initial £500,000 from Millwall, plus £250,000 if  The Lions into make it into The Premiership, and also 15 percent of any future sell-on fee.

"We are delighted to be signing Scott," Millwall assistant Ray Wilkins told the club's official website. "We have been in contact with West Brom for two to three months regarding Scott and asked if they could keep us informed about his situation, which they have done. First and foremost, Scott is a good height, he works his socks off and is a proven goalscorer."

Albion Caretaker-manager Frank Burrows said: "I think we've been good for Scott and he has played his part in getting this club into the Premier League. Scott dropped down the pecking order after the arrivals of Geoff Horsfield, Kanu and Robert Earnshaw but he's hungry and ambitious enough to look for first-team football elsewhere. Scott was very popular with the fans and we wish him all the best.''

Sunday 7th November 2004

Robson set to be unveiled ?

Reports claim that ex England captain and Albion star Bryan Robson will be named as the club's new manager tomorrow. The former Middlesbrough boss has been out of work since his short spell in charge of Bradford City ended in June.

Hoddle disputes claims

Glenn Hoddle has claimed that it was his decision to break off talks with Albion over the vacant manager's job. "I had only preliminary negotiations with West Brom but after three or four days I could see that we were not really right for each other," said Hoddle. "We did not discuss finances or staff so reports to the contrary are well wide of the mark. As far as I know Albion are planning to announce their new manager on Monday but I had made up my mind very quickly that this one was not for me."

Saturday 6th November 2004

Earnshaw off the mark

Robert Earnshaw grabbed his first goals for the club in a 2-2 draw away at Southampton. The Welsh striker struck in the 28th and 37th minutes whilst Anders Svensson scored both Saints goals on 27 and 87 minutes. A crowd of 31,057 saw Albion pick up their first away point since the opening day of the season.

Club issue Hoddle statement

The club issue a statement announcing that Glenn Hoddle will not become the club's next manager. "Glenn Hoddle has not been offered the job of manager of West Bromwich Albion and it will not be offered to him," Chairman Jeremy Peace said. "I had a preliminary talk with Glenn Hoddle earlier this week prior to drawing up a shortlist. But, because of the incessant speculation linking Glenn Hoddle with the job, I think it is important to stress we have decided he is no longer a contender. No further statement will be made by the club until the new appointment is announced."

Friday 5th November 2004

Albion accept Dobie offer

Albion accept a £750,000 offer from Preston North End for Scotland international Scott Dobie. The deal would see Preston pay Albion a guaranteed £500,000 for Dobie and the fee could rise by up to a further £250,000 if he helps North End win promotion to the Premiership. Dobie will now consider the move to Deepdale over the weekend before making a decision.

"We had been waiting for a figure off West Brom for Scott Dobie," said chairman Derek Shaw to his club's official website. "On Wednesday we finalised a figure that was £750,000, some of that based on promotion to the Premiership. Many people think we have no ambition and that we are not trying to do things, but I can assure them that we are. We are very, very disappointed, last night we got Scott down in the evening and we had good talks with him and his agent. We've offered him a good contract and he's gone away to discuss it with his family over the weekend. Originally they said they wanted to sleep on it overnight and this morning his agent has told us that Scott wants to think about it over the weekend. We really wanted to get that deal done and dusted this morning and get Scott Dobie signed up, but he is coming from a Premiership club and we must realise that."

Kanu made captain

Kanu is made permanent captain of the side by caretaker manager Frank Burrows.

"Kanu will be staying as captain, I just feel that Darren Moore, who is club captain, and Darren Purse, who is first-team captain, are natural leaders anyway. They will stand up, whether or not they wear an armband. You can't shut those up. I just felt that Kanu being given the armband and responsibility will bring more to the fold. I am pleased with what he tries to do on the pitch and by doing this I feel he will grown into it more."

"He is an intelligent man. He doesn't say a lot but when he does it's worth listening to. I felt that making him captain will gradually bring out that side in him. His experience and knowledge should be passed on - I want him to talk to Earnshaw and all the other players. If he stays captain in the long term he will get better as a person and will enjoy the extra responsibility. Over a period of six months he will be even better and become more involved, thinking about his own job and other people."

Thursday 4th November 2004

Gera a doubt

Zoltan Gera is a doubt for Saturday's trip to Southampton. The Hungarian midfielder is suffering from a stomach bug. Darren Purse will return after suspension and Geoff Horsfield should be available again after missing the Chelsea game due to a knee injury.

Kanu’s future in doubt

Kanu has cast doubt over his long-term future at The Hawthorns after admitting he has received offers to leave Albion. The Nigerian star confirmed he had been linked with clubs in the Premiership and abroad. "A number of clubs have been coming to me, especially from Spain, Holland and even from the Premiership," said Kanu.  "So far I am not doing badly in my present team but I cannot say at the moment that I am leaving them."

Wigan confirm Jewell approach

Championship side Wigan confirm that  Albion made an approach for their manager Paul Jewell. “Jeremy rang and asked me if he could approach Paul,” said Latics Chairman Dave Whelan. “Obviously it is a free world and he’s entitled to do that. He came through the correct channels but I told him you are wasting your time, it will take a small fortune to take Paul from Wigan. There is no chance of Paul going to West Brom he’s happy here and the issue is dead in the water.”

Tuesday 2nd November 2004

Hoddle set to take over ?

Reports claim that ex-England boss Glenn Hoddle is set to replace Gary Megson as Albion manager after being offered the job over the weekend.

The club later issue a statement denying this by saying, "The board are in the process of forming a shortlist of candidates for the vacant job of team manager and this will be finalised shortly, following interviews with these candidates, an appointment will be made and there will be no further comment from the club until that time. It is important that the right individual, with the right desire and motivation is appointed to continue the long term building process at this football club."

Gera receives call up

Zoltan Gera is called up by Hungary for their World Cup qualifier against Malta on Wednesday 17th November.

Monday 1st November 2004

Reserves hold United

Albion reserves hold Manchester United's second string to a 1-1 draw at Kidderminster's Aggborough ground. Scott Dobie gave Albion the lead in the 21st minute before David Jones equalised for the 'Reds' after 65 minutes. A crowd of 1,769 were on hand to watch the game which featured another 90 minutes for Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto.

Megson linked with Molineux hotseat