Wednesday 30th November 2005

Albion crash out at Old Trafford

In the Carling Cup fourth round Albion slump to a 3-1 defeat against Manchester United at an emotional Old Trafford. United opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty after he had been brought down in the box by Diomansy Kamara. Louis Saha doubled the lead on 17 minutes and John O'Shea made sure of victory for the hosts in the 56th minute. Nathan Ellington did pull a goal back fourteen minutes from time but it was too little too late. Prior to the game there were tributes, including an impeccably observed one minute silence for legendary United star George Best who died last week.

Horsfield linked with Tigers' move

Hull City are linked with a £600,000 January move for Albion striker Geoff Horsfield. The Championship side are looking to bolster their forward line after losing Ben Burgess for three months due to damaged knee ligaments.

Tuesday 29th November 2005

Reserves' cup clash postponed

Albion reserves' Birmingham Senior Cup tie against Moor Green at Damson Park is postponed due to a snow-covered pitch.

Monday 28th November 2005

Gera scoops Hungarian award

Albion midfielder Zoltan Gera is named as Hungary’s top player for a second successive year.

"It's a great honour for me that so many journalists appreciated my football and think that I was the best in two years," Gera said. "I'm happy to get this prize but I'm more critical with myself than the journalists.”

"I'd like to produce extraordinary displays more often and hopefully the best I did this year would be an average performance of mine in the future. I had a good spring, it's one of the best seasons of my career, but I wouldn't say the same about the autumn. I missed many games because of injuries and when I played I wasn't in perfect condition."

Duo to miss United trip

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson rules both Chris Kirkland and Steve Watson out of Wednesday's Carling Cup clash at Manchester United. Kirkland is still recovering from the effects of the bruised kidney suffered at Bolton last month whilst Watson picked up a hamstring injury during Sunday’s game at Middlesbrough.

"Watson's injury has settled down already," said Robson. "I won't risk him on Wednesday night but he should be okay for the weekend. Chris Kirkland trained very well this morning so he'll be in contention at the weekend or maybe the week after."

Albion linked with Hatters star

Albion are linked with a January move for Luton Town midfielder Carlos Edwards.

The 27 year-old Tinidad and Tobago international moved to Kenilworth Road from Wrexham at the start of the season and has impressed in Bedfordshire despite often playing out of position at full-back.

Sunday 27th November 2005

All square at the Riverside

Albion take home a point from an entertaining 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. Aussie striker Mark Viduka gave the hosts the lead on 12 minutes only for Nathan Ellington to level the score with his 5th goal of the season six minutes later. Albion took the lead on 57 minutes when Nigerian star Kanu cooly fired past Mark Schwarzer in the Boro goal but the lead lasted just nine minutes before Yakubu fired home a penalty after Paul Robinson was adjudged to have fouled Nemeth in the box. Despite a number of chances for both sides the game, watched by a crowd of 27,041, ended all square.

Thursday 24th November 2005

Albion rebuff Wolves’ Campbell bid

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson rejects a bid from local rivals Wolves to take club captain Kevin Campbell on loan. "Cambs is too important around the club for me to allow him out on loan," said Robson. "I know he's had injury problems and hasn't played a major part in my team selections so far this season but both he and Geoff Horsfield will be major players when they have recovered from the knocks they've had.”

"Also, in January, we're going to be losing Joe Kamara and Kanu for up to five or six weeks, so all of my strikers have got really important roles to play."

Dyer loan extended

Albion midfielder Lloyd Dyer’s loan spell at Championship side Queen's Park Rangers is extended to a third month. The 23 year old, who has made 10 appearances so far at Loftus Road will now remain with the London club up to and including Boxing Day. Albion will have the right to recall the player at any time if they so wish.

Tuesday 22nd November 2005

Earnie unhappy

Albion striker Rob Earnshaw raises doubt over his Hawthorns future by claiming he is frustrated with his lack of starts for the club. The Welsh star, who has started just four league games this season believes his lack of first team action is also damaging his chances of starting for his national side.

"We've had a chat and the manager seems to feel I'm an important part of things, but that is difficult to accept given the amount of starts I've had," said Earnshaw.

"It's been very hard for me and it's obvious that my situation is not helping my chances of starting for Wales. When the transfer window reopens in January I will need to consider my future."

The striker is immediately linked with a move to Albion's Premiership rivals Charlton Athletic.

Financial results announced

The club releases it’s annual financial results. They show a £5 million profit was made for the year ending 30th June 2005.

Monday 21st November 2005

Reserves' match postponed

Albion’s home reserve clash with Leeds United at Aggborough is called off due to a frozen pitch. An inspection was held at lunchtime and the pitch was deemed unplayable.

Saturday 19th November 2005

Albion hit Toffees for four

Albion register their biggest ever Premiership win by beating a poor Everton side at The Hawthorns 4-0. Nathan Ellington opened the scoring from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time after he had been upended by Toffees' defender Tony Hibbert. Neil Clement doubled the lead five minutes into the second half before Ellington notched his second of the game in the 69th minute. Welsh striker Rob Earnshaw completed the scoring five minutes from time. The result lifts Albion out of the bottom three ahead of next week's visit to Middlesbrough.

Robson confirms Keane interest

Baggies' boss Bryan Robson admits he would be interested in signing his ex-Manchester United team mate Roy Keane who yesterday left Manchester United.

"I think everyone in the Premiership will have an interest in Roy and we're no different," said Robson. "But it's really about what Roy has in his mind and what he wants to do," he added. 

Academy team crash

The Academy team's run of good form comes to an end with a crushing 7-0 loss at home to Manchester United.

Friday 18th November 2005

Albion kids handed away draw

Albion are handed an away tie at either Waltham Forest or Yeovil Town in the FA Youth Cup third round draw. The game will be played on or before Saturday, December 17.

Thursday 17th November 2005

Reserves slump again

A young reserve team slump to a 4-1 defeat against Manchester United at Ewen Fields, Hyde. Containing just one player with league experience - Russell Hoult, the Baggies found themselves 3-0 down at half time.

Kenny Cooper opened the scoring for the hosts after 14 minutes and Giuseppe Rossi doubled the lead three minutes before half-time. In first-half stoppage time Albion defender Adrian Manchester put through his own net to effectively kill the game off. Stuart Nicholson did pull a goal back for the visitors in the 55th minute but German midfielder Markus Neumayr restored United's three goal advantage on 74 minutes following a Hoult mistake.

Robson plays down Richardson reports

Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson plays down reports linking Albion with a January move for Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson. It had been claimed that Albion were set to make a £3 million move for the star who enjoyed a successful loan spell at The Hawthorns last season.

"I know there has been a bit about Kieran Richardson in the papers this week but it is all speculation," said Robson. "When I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer, he didn't want to sell Kieran. It was a definite no. He also didn't want him to go out on loan. That's still the situation and I don't think that will change. United have got a few injuries and Kieran has been involved in more or less every game so, I don't think there is any story there at all.”

"He also keeps getting into the England squad, as well as getting into the United team, so good luck to Kieran. He did a terrific job when he was here. If Sir Alex thought Kieran wasn't going to be in his plans for the back half of this season, I think he'd give me a call and offer me first opportunity to take him."

Wednesday 16th November 2005

Duo on duty

Albion duo Junichi Inamoto and Rob Earnshaw are both in action during the night's international games. Japanese midfielder Inamoto played 79 minutes for his country in their friendly game with Angola whilst Earnshaw appeared as a 66th minute substitute in Wales' 1-0 friendly defeat by Cyprus.

Tuesday 15th November 2005

Albion suffer Gera blow

Baggies' midfielder Zoltan Gera undergoes an operation in an attempt to cure the niggling groin injury which has kept him out of Albion’s last five games. It is feared the operation may sideline him for six weeks. Albion boss Bryan Robson however is hopeful that the operation will end the Hungarian’s injury problems once and for all. "Zoltan's had this ongoing problem with his groin for a while now," said Robson. "We were hoping to avoid surgery but he isn't really progressing so we now feel this is the best course of action. He is having an operation this afternoon and his rehab will probably take up to six weeks."

Kirkland ruled out

Albion goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is ruled out of action for another two weeks. The on-loan keeper suffered a bruised kidney in the game at Bolton last month and was advised by doctors to rest for between two to four weeks. Despite hopes he could be available for Saturday’s game against Everton, Baggies’ assistant manager Nigel Pearson has confirmed he will be missing.

"It's going to be another couple of weeks before Chris is back," Pearson told the club’s official website. "This type of injury can be very dangerous if you ignore it. With a goalkeeper throwing himself around, the risk is even greater.”

"It is frustrating for Chris and we're disappointed for him because we know how keen he is to make a career for himself as a regular goalkeeper. But it is vitally important he gets this injury sorted out because it is potentially a very serious problem that we have taken a lot of advice on. There are no short cuts with something like this. He's going to have to be a little bit patient and the only way to stop people talking about his injuries is by having a long run in the team. I have no doubts that will be the case over the next couple of years."

"There is no doubt Chris has a lot of qualities as a goalkeeper. He's got himself back in the England frame as well so he has short-term and long-term aims to concentrate on. I'm sure once he gets back in training he'll be fine again."

Richardson bid on cards?

Albion are linked with a £3 million attempt to resign Manchester United star Kieran Richardson. Reports claim Baggies' boss Bryan Robson is set to move for the midfielder, who had a hugely successful loan spell at The Hawthorns last season, when the January transfer window opens.

Davies misses out again

Albion defender Curtis Davies is once again an unused sub as England Under-21's crashed to a 2-1 European Championship qualifying play-off defeat by France in Nancy.

Saturday 12th November 2005

Free coaches for JJB trip

The club announce that they will be laying on 40 free coaches for supporters for the trip to Wigan Athletic on Sunday, January 15.

Baggies Chairman Jeremy Peace told the club’s website: "The provision of free coach travel has worked well over the past few seasons. I know that the coaching staff and the players appreciate the commitment our travelling supporters give to them throughout the season and hopefully our fans will see this as a reward for that loyalty."

It will be the fifth time in four seasons that the club has provided free coach travel to an away game.

Albion kids topple leaders

Goals from Rob Elvins and Ben Pringle help Albion's Academy team to a 2-1 win over league leaders Blackburn Rovers.

Kamara on target

Albion striker Diomansy Kamara is on target for Senegal as they beat South Africa 3-2 in the Nelson Mandela Inauguration Soccer Challenge in Port Elizabeth.

Friday 11th November 2005

Jewell dismisses Duke return

Wigan Athletic boss Paul Jewell dismisses reports linking Albion striker Nathan Ellington with a January move back to the JJB Stadium. Ellington moved to The Hawthorns in July but has struggled to claim a regular first team place under Bryan Robson.

''I bought him for £750,000 and sold him for £3 million,'' Jewell told Sky Sports News. ''We've done well out of that. Never say never but they also say never go back. I've seen a little bit of speculation in the newspapers but there's nothing in it.''

Sunderland clash on Sky

Albion’s Hawthorns clash with Sunderland on Saturday, January 21 is chosen for live screening by Sky TV. The game will be shown on their pay-per-view channel and will now kick off at 5:15pm.

Desailly linked

According to reports Albion are said to be one of a number of clubs interested in ex-Chelsea star Marcel Desailly who has just finished a playing spell in Qatar.

Koumas out of Wales squad

Albion midfielder Jason Koumas, currently on loan at Cardiff City, is ruled out of Wales' friendly match with Cyprus in Limassol next week due to an injury suffered Wednesday night playing for the Bluebirds against Sheffield Wednesday.

Davies misses out on international debut

Baggies' defender Curtis Davies is an unused substitute in England Under-21's 1-1 draw against France in the first-leg of their European Championship play-off qualifier at White Hart Lane.

Wednesday 9th November 2005

Albion target Duo?

Charlton Athletic midfielder Matt Holland could be a January transfer target for Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson according to reports in the morning’s media. The 31 year-old Irish international has found himself out of favour at The Valley and recently spoke out about his frustration at being on the sidelines.

Polish international defender Jaroslaw Bieniuk is also linked with a January move to The Hawthorns. The 27 year-old impressed during a trial at the club in pre-season and Robson is rumoured to be keen on bringing him back to the West Midlands permanently.

Monday 7th November 2005

Reserves lose at Aggborough

A reserve team featuring Moore, Gaardsoe, Hoult, Scimeca, Carter and Earnshaw go down to a 3-1 defeat to Everton at Kidderminster’s Aggborough ground. Per Kroldrup gave the visitors the lead in the 14th minute with Leon Osman extending the lead six minutes later. Paul Hopkins made it 3-0 in the 50th minute before Darren Carter grabbed a consolation goal for the Baggies with a 72nd minute free-kick. A crowd of 375 were in attendance.

Saturday 5th November 2005

Albion slump again

Albion slump to a third successive Premiership defeat following a poor performance at Upton Park, ex-England striker Teddy Sheringham scoring the only goal of the game after 57 minutes. The result leaves Albion 4th from bottom of the table and increases the pressure on boss Bryan Robson. A crowd of 34,325 were in attendance on a wet day in East London.

Albion on top in Academy derby

Albion's Academy team beat Black Country rivals Wolves 3-1 at Compton Park. Two goals from Rob Elvins and one from Ibrahim Sissoko were enough to give the Baggies only their second win of the season.

Friday 4th November 2005

Davies gets Under-21 call-up

Young Albion defender Curtis Davies is called up into the England Under-21 squad for the European Championship qualifying play-off games against France. The first game takes place next Friday at White Hart Lane with the second leg four days later at the Marcel-Picot Stadium, Nancy.

Thursday 3rd November 2005

Robinson escapes FA rap

Albion defender Paul Robinson is cleared of misconduct at an FA disciplinary hearing. The left-back was charged with using 'abusive and or insulting words' to referee Andy D'Urso following his dismissal for violent conduct in last week’s Carling Cup tie against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Robinson, who had denied the charge was represented at the hearing by Albion secretary/director Dr John Evans, with club captain Kevin Campbell appearing as a witness.

Evans, speaking about the decision said. "We're obviously very pleased with the outcome. Paul conducted himself very well and Kevin proved to be a very credible witness. The committee was also extremely fair. They appreciated what they saw on the video of the whole incident - not just the alleged discussion between Paul and the match official - and I'm sure that helped our case."

Gera to miss Hammers clash

Albion midfielder Zoltan Gera is ruled out of Saturday's game at West Ham United due to a recurrence of his groin injury. Gera, who has missed the last four Albion games due to the injury will also miss Hungary's international friendly in Greece a week on Wednesday.

Wednesday 2nd November 2005

Training ground extension gets go ahead

The club successfully obtain planning permission from Walsall Council to extend the pavilion at their Great Barr training ground. The £1 million scheme will include a classroom, a weights room, increased physiotherapy and gym space, offices for first-team and Academy staff, a kitchen and dining area and six new changing rooms. The club hope the work, which is due to start later this month, will be completed by the start of the 2006/07 season.

Work starts on indoor development

Work on the club’s new £1.7million indoor playing facility in Halfords Lane gets underway. The facility, on land at the rear of the Tom Silk Building will be one of the largest indoor pitches in the country when complete. The club hope the work, being carried out by Gateshead based Rubb Buildings Ltd will be finished by the end of the season.

Tuesday 1st November 2005

Old Trafford date confirmed