Sunday 31st October 2004

Holloway admits Hulse interest

Queens Park Rangers boss Ian Holloway says he may make a new bid for out of favour Albion striker Rob Hulse following the departure of Gary Megson. "Megson has just left so the situation might have changed," said Holloway.

Saturday 30th October 2004

Albion crash to Londoners

Despite a much improved performance from the previous week Albion crash to a 4-1 defeat at home to Chelsea. Goals from William Gallas (45) and Eidur Gudjohnsen (51) gave the Londoners a two goal lead before Zoltan Gera capped another fine display when he pulled a goal back for Albion on 56 minutes. However, goals from Damien Duff (59) and Frank Lampard on 81 minutes made the game safe for the title chasers. The game was watched by a record all seated crowd at The Hawthorns of 27,399.

Friday 29th October 2004

Brown loan deal extended

Simon Brown's loan deal at Kidderminster Harriers is extended until the end of the season. The 21 year old forward is currently sidelined with a cracked tibia although he is expected to be back in action in around three weeks time.

Thursday 28th October 2004

Big names top Peace wish list

According to reports Glenn Hoddle, Gerard Houllier and Gordon Strachan are at the top of chairman Jeremy Peace's wish list to replace Gary Megson. All three are currently out of work although doubts remain over whether the latter two would be interested in taking over at The Hawthorns. Ex-England boss Hoddle's agent Dennis Roach has however stated that the former midfield star would be interested in becoming the club's new boss.

O’Connor moves out on loan

Midfielder James O'Connor joins Championship side Burnley on a months loan. The deal which was agreed by ex-boss Gary Megson sees the Irish star team up again with Steve Cotterill who he played under at Stoke City.

Cotterill told his club's official website: "He'll bring energy, lots of it. He is as fit as they come and doesn't know when he's beaten. He's tigerish and I have to say, I don't know if anyone will outrun him this season. He's very determined, a winner and a great lad. James doesn't suffer fools and is probably his own biggest critic as he's so desperate to do well. He's the sort that we need and want at this Football Club. It might take him a little while to settle, but we'll have to see. He keeps going for the 90 minutes and has great legs, but he's got to get in the team first. He's a 100 per cent man and if I could have him at the club here permanently tomorrow, I would. There will be more competition in there now, which we haven't had before, although only in certain areas."

O'Connor said: "I'm hoping to get some games in here but judging by the way the team played on Tuesday, it will be hard to get in there!" He continued: "It has been very frustrating for me this season, having to sit and watch football games when you should be involved but it was great last season to get promotion to the Premiership and hopefully I can use the experiences I picked up then with Burnley. I played for a season with Stoke in the league after we got promoted and then there was last season with West Brom."

He added: "I've worked with the Gaffer before and he is a very good manager. The move came about quite quickly really, I was told about it and then spoke to the Gaffer and that was about it really. The lads have been doing really well this season since the Gaffer came in and once I knew Burnley were interested I wanted to come here." He concluded: "I'm a box-to-box midfielder really. I'll be looking to get into the team and play well whilst I'm here, but that's down to the Gaffer."

Wednesday 27th October 2004

New boss speculation continues

Speculation continues over the club's replacement for Gary Megson with initial reports claiming that former Albion star Sir Bobby Robson has been approached to take over at The Hawthorns although the former England and Newcastle boss was quick to reject the reports saying: "At this moment in time, there is no comment to make, as far as I am concerned, this is nothing more than conjecture."

Two other contenders do however admit an interest in the job. Former England captain and Albion midfielder Bryan Robson who has been linked with a management partnership with Sir Bobby Robson told the Express & Star: "I shall be applying. I've heard that rumour about me and Sir Bobby but I can assure you I have not spoken to him but it is definitely a job I would be interested in."

Ex-Brighton and Leicester boss Mickey Adams also declares an interest in the post "I made it clear I want to get back into it as soon as possible and this is obviously a post that would interest me."

Megson dismisses resignation claim

Gary Megson denies claims made by the club that he had resigned his post, "I certainly didn't resign. In terms of being sacked, you'd have to ask other people that but I can categorically deny I resigned," said Megson to Sky Sports News. "I wrote a memo to the chairman and the rest of the board yesterday just stating at the end of my contract on June 30 I wouldn't be staying at that."

Megson admitted his shock at being relieved of the managers post, "I was surprised I suppose, but I'm more disappointed than anything else. I wanted to stay at West Brom, I wanted to see my contract through," he added. "That's not my decision, that's been taken by somebody else. I enjoyed West Brom. I like going down and working there. It's gone now."

Although Megson wouldn't reveal the reasons behind why he decided he wasn't going to sign a new contract he did say the following: "I don't want to go into the reasons as to why I put the letter in," he added. "There were other aspects, like everyone has in their job I presume, where there's good parts of it and things you don't quite enjoy as much. I just felt like all the time it was 'What was happening with my contract, what's happening with my future?' and I felt it was starting to get away from us a little bit and the real issues, in terms of football, how were we playing and results we were getting were taking a back seat to my own personal situation. I felt the time was right there for me to come out and say from my own point of view what I felt."

Surprisingly he also appeared to deny having a difficult relationship with Chairman Jeremy Peace, "I'm sure in any manager-chairman relationship there are differences at times. I don't want to get myself a reputation as being difficult with chairmen. If I'm allowed to get on with my job and I can just get on and do what I want to do, I don't have a problem with anybody. In terms of myself, I can tell you now that I don't have a difficult relationship with anybody."

Having already been linked with the vacant manager's job at Leicester City Megson revealed that he is currently unable to look for another job, "I cannot look for work. I am told I am on gardening leave. Let the lawyers sort everything out," Megson said. "I am not available for any job. I'm getting paid by the club and it's for the legal people to sort out."

The departing manager also paid tribute to the Albion faithful, "In terms of the relationship with the fans, I hope I have still got that relationship when I return with another club," he said. "There's no higher compliment. The backing is fantastic, and some of the stuff they have done over the past three weeks has been brilliant. Standing up and singing 'stand up if you love Megson' is profound."

Tuesday 26th October 2004

Megson goes

After four and a half years at the club Gary Megson's highly successful reign as manager comes to an end. After earlier in the day announcing that he would not sign a new contract with the club, the board of directors relieved him of his duties.

A statement issued by the club read: "Gary Megson today informed the board of West Bromwich Albion by letter that he wishes to leave the club at the end of his current contract in approximately eight months' time on 30th June 2005. The club accepts this letter as a resignation and the board believes it is now in the best interests of West Bromwich Albion that Gary Megson no longer remains in charge of team affairs. As such, he has been relieved of his duties while contractual matters are resolved. This is a crucial period for the club and the board regards the timing and manner of Gary Megson's announcement as extremely unhelpful, particularly following the team's disappointing performance at Crystal Palace on Saturday. Nevertheless, the board intends to move swiftly to appoint a new manager who will be fully focused on the job of taking the club forward in The Premiership. Until such time, Frank Burrows will act as caretaker-manager. The board would like to acknowledge Gary Megson's major contribution during his term as manager and wishes him well in the future."

Among names linked with the vacancy are Sir Bobby Robson, Glenn Hoddle, Gerard Houllier, Gordon Strachan, Bryan Robson and Micky Adams.

Monday 25th October 2004

Reserves draw at Solihull

In the Barclays Premiership Reserve League North Albion play out a goalless draw against Birmingham City at Solihull Borough's Damson Park. Included in the Albion line-up is Neil Clement who is available again after serving a three game ban following his sending off against Fulham in September. Junichi Inamoto also completes another 90 minutes in his quest to regain full fitness following his lengthy lay-off.

Sakiri unhappy with Megson

Artim Sakiri follows Cosmin Contra in hitting out at Gary Megson for not giving him a first team chance.

"From the first day at West Brom, Megson was always saying to me that I have the qualities to play in The Premiership," the 31-year-old told the Macedonian press. "I still believe in his words but it is clear that I am not figuring in his plans at the moment. If my position doesn't change before the winter (transfer window), I hope that the club will loan me somewhere until the end of the season so that I can play. It would be pointless for me to stay at West Brom until June if I am not even on the bench."

Sunday 24th October 2004

Contra blasts Megson

Cosmin Contra hits out at boss Gary Megson accusing him of not giving him a chance at The Hawthorns following his move from Atletico Madrid.

"I am very disappointed. Megson refuses to give me a chance," blasted Contra. "What was the point in signing me? I can't believe he won't give me the opportunity to play in the first team and it is even harder because he doesn't talk to me. I am trying to understand exactly who wanted me to come to West Brom. Not a single person has told me what is happening or asked me my feelings on the current situation. I want to leave."

Saturday 23rd October 2004

Albion shambles at Selhurst

In a very poor performance at Selhurst Park Albion go down 3-0 to fellow strugglers Crystal Palace. Goals from Andrew Johnson on 11 and 50 minutes along with a goal from Fitz Hall after six minutes saw Albion condemned to a fifth successive away defeat. Japanese star Junichi Inamoto was an unused substitute for the game which was watched by 22,922 fans. Albion played in their traditional blue and white strip despite the club announcing that the new 3rd kit would be worn for the game.

After the game Gary Megson reveals that he cancelled a training session in the week because of a lack of effort from the players. "You try and do your business properly but last Monday Alan Crawford (first team coach) had to tell seven players to train properly," Megson stormed. "On Tuesday I was going bananas because training wasn't right and the players were just sauntering about as if the world owed them a living. I gave them Wednesday off but then on Thursday it was exactly the same as earlier in the week. I scrapped training after only 20 minutes because the endeavour and effort just wasn't there. What happened against Palace was symptomatic of how we have been going about our business - not just for this last week but for a while. In all honesty it was the same in the previous game against Norwich when we were fortunate to collect a point. It has got to be sorted out because the way we went about our business at Selhurst Park was totally unacceptable. What has been going on has got to change."

Albion linked with Nigerian star

According to BBC Sport Albion are being linked with a move for Nigerian midfielder Ifeanyi Ekwueme who currently plays for Polish side Wisla Plock. The Polish FA have ruled that Ekwueme, 24, is available on a free transfer after he turned down a new contract at Wisla and they refused to pay him. "There are a couple of clubs in Germany interested but he has set his heart on England," said his agent Ray Warner. The left-sided former Polonia Warsaw player has won 26 caps for Nigeria and appeared in the African Nations Cup.

Friday 22nd October 2004

Third kit unveiled

Albion today unveiled their new third kit which the team will wear for the first time in their Premiership clash against Crystal Palace tomorrow. Albion have been forced to launch a third kit to avoid clashing with Palace's red and blue stripes and the red and white stripes of Southampton in the Baggies next away game on November 6. The all white shirt follows the same design as the club's red away top and is accompanied by white shorts and socks. A limited number of the shirts will go on sale to fans from November 12th.

Thursday 21st October 2004

Megson defends Earnshaw

Albion manager Gary Megson hits out at criticism of club record signing Rob Earnshaw.

"I feel a bit sorry for him because everybody is describing his start as stuttering at best and on one television show I heard it called a nightmare," Megson said "But he hasn't really had a start. When he signed he was away with Wales so he immediately lost two weeks with us. He should have scored his penalty against Fulham and he was only a yard off scoring in his first minute at Liverpool. He trod on the ball when he was through on goal at Newcastle. If those chances had worked out everyone would be saying what a great start he'd had. It's a fine line between failing and succeeding. He hasn't been playing, not because he's done something wrong but because I thought Geoff Horsfield did really well at Newcastle when he came on and against Bolton."

Megson also hinted at a Earnshaw recall for the game at Crystal Palace on Saturday. "Like everybody else Geoff didn't exactly cover himself in glory against Norwich so that means we have got to think about things again," he said. "We've spoken to Rob about what we want, we want him playing on the shoulder of defenders. If he can get in behind the back four then that will cause problems for the opposition. It's entirely different for Rob here than at Cardiff. There is a lot more competition for places at West Brom. There is a lot of focus on him. He just needs a little bit of time to settle and that's the same with a lot of players who come from lower divisions." 

Wednesday 20th October 2004

Brown suffers break

It emerges that young striker Simon Brown, currently on loan at Kidderminster Harriers, has suffered a fractured tibia which he picked up during the weekend win over Scunthorpe. Harriers are waiting for news from Albion's medical team before confirming the length of Brown's absence.

Monday 18th October 2004

Youthful City too good for Albion

A very strong reserve team featuring amongst others Junichi Inamoto, Cosmin Contra, Artim Sakiri, Paul Robinson and Rob Hulse lose 3-1 to a youthful Manchester City at The Hawthorns. Jonathan D'Laryea opened the scoring for the visitors on 6 minutes before Artim Sakiri equalised with a superb 25 yard free-kick in the 23rd minute. Second half goals from Christian Negouai (50) and Stephen Ireland (81) were enough however to see the visitors claim all three points in front of a crowd of 678.

Fulham fined

Fulham are punished by the FA for failing to control their players in the game against Albion on the 18th September. Chris Coleman's side were fined £7,500, reprimanded and warned about their future conduct after being charged with 'failing to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from violent and/or threatening and/or provocative behaviour'.

Saturday 16th October 2004

Canaries clash ends goalless

A crowd of 26,257 watch Albion and Norwich City play out a goalless draw at The Hawthorns. The hard earned point takes Albion on to eight points for the season and leaves them in 15th place in the Premiership.

Thursday 14th October 2004

Fitness boost for Baggies

Andy Johnson and Paul Robinson are both declared fit for Saturday's game at home to Norwich City. Johnson missed his countries World Cup qualifiers against England and Poland whilst Robinson missed Albion's last two Premiership games against Newcastle and Bolton. 

Potters fail with Moore bid

Stoke City fail in a bid to take Darren Moore and Rob Hulse to The Britannia Stadium on loan. "We've enquired about Darren and Rob but a deal is unlikely to be done," Stoke boss Tony Pulis told his club's official website. " Gary Megson has said that they're not available but they are the type of players we want to bring to this club."

Wednesday 13th October 2004

Reserves win at Sunderland

Albion reserves record their second successive victory in the Barclays Premiership Reserve League after defeating Sunderland 3-0 at The Archibalds' Stadium, Durham. Scott Dobie (32), Adam Chambers (45) and Brian Smikle (62) were the Albion scorers. Junichi Inamoto completed his first full 90 minutes in an Albion shirt whilst Romanian International Cosmin Contra also featured for Albion.

Earnie on target for Wales

Jason Koumas and Rob Earnshaw both start for Wales in their World Cup qualifying game against Poland at Cardiff. Earnshaw grabbed his 9th goal in just 17 games for his country but it was not enough to prevent Wales slipping to a 3-2 defeat. Artim Sakiri features for Macedonia in their 1-0 defeat to Andorra.

Albion told Huszti price

Albion have been told they will need to pay a fee of around £1m for Ferencvaros star Szabolcs Huszti. "Szabolcs Huszti's price is 1.5 million euros and at the moment we are waiting for the offer of West Bromwich Albion," said Ferencvaros President Janos Furulyas.

Sunday 10th October 2004

Dindane on way in January ?

A report in The Sunday People links Anderlecht striker Aruna Dindane with a move to The Hawthorns when the transfer window reopens in January. The club failed in a bid to sign the Ivory Coast international before the August 31 deadline. The story also hints at friction between Peace and boss Gary Megson over the club's transfer dealings.

Saturday 9th October 2004

Albion stars in action

Jason Koumas starts for his country in their World Cup qualifying defeat against England at Old Trafford. He is replaced after 73 minutes by his Albion team mate Rob Earnshaw. England won the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Frank Lampard and David Beckham. Kanu (Nigeria), Artim Sakiri (Macedonia) and Bernt Haas (Switzerland) all make appearances for their respective countries.

Murphy injured on debut

The on loan Joe Murphy is forced off injured after 80 minutes of his debut in goal for Walsall in their much needed 2-1 victory over Colchester United at Bescot Stadium.

Friday 8th October 2004

Sky games announced

It is announced that two more Albion games are to be covered live by Sky TV. The home game against Newcastle on the 3rd January is moved to an 8-00pm kick-off whilst the game at Fulham, originally scheduled for Saturday, 15th January, will now take place the day after on Sunday, 16th January with a 4.05pm kick-off time.

Thursday 7th October 2004

Murphy moves to Bescot

Goalkeeper Joe Murphy moves to near neighbours Walsall on an intial months loan deal. The deal which could be extended to three months also allows Albion to recall the Irish international at any time. The 23 year old is currently third choice at The Hawthorns following the arrival of Tomasz Kuszczak.

Brown deal extended

Simon Brown's loan deal at Kidderminster Harriers is extended for another month.

Cadiz snap up Samba

Former Albion trialist Cherno Samba signs a deal with Spanish side Cadiz. wbaunofficial.com report that he has signed a four year deal with the Spanish Second Division side.

Dabo reveals snub

It emerges that Lazio star Ousmane Dabo apparently turned down a move to The Hawthorns. Albion were strongly linked with the French international before the close of the transfer window. Dabo told his club's official website: "I feel good here at Lazio. I have found a fantastic environment, They (the English side) offered me a lot of money, but it's my thought, in life money isn't everything."

Tuesday 5th October 2004

Huszti linked

Albion are again strongly linked with Hungarian left-back Szabolcs Huszti. Reports claim that chairman Jeremy Peace is to travel to Hungary this week for fresh talks with Ferencvaros over a deal.

Earnshaw honoured

Robert Earnshaw is named as Welsh Footballer of the Year by the Football Association of Wales. 

Earnshaw who has notched 8 goals in just 15 games for his country said of the honour: "If you get recognised for doing this then you are doing something right and I am happy"

Johnson withdraws from Welsh squad

Andy Johnson is forced to withdraw from the Welsh squad to face England on Saturday due to a back problem. He will also miss Wales' game with Poland on the 13th October.

Monday 4th October 2004

Reserves beat Rovers

Junichi Inamoto makes his first Hawthorns appearance when he plays 81 minutes for the reserve team in their 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers. Adam Chambers gave Albion the lead within 30 seconds of the second half starting before Ciaran Donnelly equalised for the visitors on 65 minutes. Youngster Rob Elvins grabbed the winner two minutes from time in front of a good crowd of 539. The Albion line-up included Joe Murphy, Ronnie Wallwork, James O'Connor and Scott Dobie.

Sunday 3rd October 2004

Gaardsoe speaks on clash

Reports in Denmark wrongly claim assistant manager Frank Burrows was involved in the bust-up on the coach after the Liverpool game in September. Adie Stovell was in fact the member of staff involved in the incident.

Defender Thomas Gaardsoe claims the club asked him if the coach should be sacked after the clash between the two. "That should never have been my task," Gaardsoe told Ritzau. "The club should take care of that on their own. He thought I talked disparagingly about our manager. He thought I had said taxi for Megson - in other words, a one-way ticket out for manager Gary Megson. Assistants know that if the manager is sacked, they go to. So that got him to lose his mind and he yelled at me, so I yelled back. He continued with that into the bus until he threw a water bottle at me. All of a sudden he went straight for my head and gave me one, until some players managed to stop it. It's a closed chapter now. I'm professional enough to continue my work."

Saturday 2nd October 2004

Albion claim first victory of season

Albion record their first victory of the season against Bolton Wanderers in front of the Sky TV cameras. Goals from Kanu on 56 minutes and Zoltan Gera after 65 gave Albion a two goal lead before Stelios Giannakopoulos pulled a goal back on 73 minutes, Albion however held on for a well deserved win in front of a crowd of 23,849.

Friday 1st October 2004

Peace denies Robson rumours

Newspaper reports claim that Sir Bobby Robson has been offered the job of Albion Manager. Robson is currently out of work after leaving his job with Newcastle United earlier this season.