Monday 31st October 2005

Reserves slump

Albion's reserve team slump to a 5-0 defeat against Newcastle United at Kingston Park, the home of Newcastle Falcons Rugby Union team. A Michael Chopra hat-trick and goals from Marc Walton and Robbie Elliott were enough to see off the challenge of a young Albion side, Thomas Gaardsoe being the only player with first team experience.

Sunday 30th October 2005

Magpies too good for Albion

Albion slump to a 3-0 defeat against a Michael Owen inspired Newcastle United at The Hawthorns. The England striker broke the deadlock just 25 seconds after the half-time interval, converting a Charles N'Zogbia cross from close range. The £16million pound man then doubled the lead with another close range effort in the 78th minute before Alan Shearer made it 3-0 ten minutes from time. A crowd of 26,216, boosted by a healthy contingent from the North East, were in attendance.

Robson rubbishes Kuszczak reports

Albion boss Bryan Robson dismisses reports claiming that keeper Tomasz Kuszczak is looking to leave The Hawthorns. Reports in the Polish media had suggested that Kuszczak had told the Baggies’ boss that he wanted to quit Albion in search of first team football.

"I've spoken to Tomasz about what he is supposed to have said in public and he claims he has not said it," said Robson. "I believe him because he said he had a problem like this before when he was at Hertha Berlin.”

"The fact of the matter is he's contracted to this club until 2007. We've also got a year's option on him, so he is going nowhere. That is the end of the matter as far as I am concerned. He needs now to get on with his job."

Saturday 29th October 2005

Albion handed Old Trafford trip

Albion are handed an away game at Manchester United in the fourth round draw of the Carling Cup. The tie will be played the week commencing Monday, November 28. The game will revive memories of two seasons ago when the Baggies beat United at the same stage of the competition, goals from Bernt Haas and Scott Dobie saw Albion record a 2-0 win at The Hawthorns.

Friday 28th October 2005

Kuszczak wants out

Albion keeper Tomasz Kuszczak reveals that he wants to leave The Hawthorns in an effort to claim regular first team football. The Polish international has started just five games for the club since joining in July 2004 and has now expressed his desire to leave.

"I have spoken to the manager recently and told him that I definitely wanted to leave, whether it's on loan or permanently," Kuszczak told the Polish press. "But to be honest, even if the club won't let me leave, I still want to go somewhere where I can play regular football. I was happy to tolerate being sat on the bench last season but not anymore."

"There is a lot of competition in the Premier League but I would be happy to play in The Championship where I am more likely to be spotted playing regular football than sitting on the bench."

"I got a chance against Fulham and believe I didn't play too badly but that one match doesn't change my situation at the club. Bryan Robson came up to me after the game and said "well done," but the fact is I have already started looking for a new club," he added.

Buzsaky keen on Baggies Switch

Rumoured Albion target Akos Buzsaky admits that he would be interested in a switch to The Hawthorns. The 23-year-old Plymouth midfielder has attracted the attention of a number of clubs with West Ham also said to be interested in the Hungarian star.

Buzsaky, speaking to Hungarian newspaper Nemzeti Sport revealed that he would be keen on a move to the Midlands. "I've read in the press that West Brom have already made an approach, but I've just signed a permanent three-year deal at Plymouth this summer. It sounds quite unbelievable to me that after just half a year I could play in The Premiership. Of course, I'd be the happiest person if this came true but until the facts are known I am trying not to care about it. I don't want to build my hopes up in case I'm disappointed."

Selection problems mount for Robson

Martin Albrechtsen is ruled out of Sunday's match against Newcastle United due to a hamstring injury. He joins Chris Kirkland and Paul Robinson who will also miss the game against Graeme Souness' men. Doubts also surround the fitness of Kanu, Zoltan Gera, Steve Watson, Diomansy Kamara and Darren Carter.

Thursday 27th October 2005

Robinson charged by FA

Baggies’ defender Paul Robinson is charged with misconduct by the FA following his sending off in Tuesday night's Carling Cup tie at Fulham. Robinson has denied the charge and has requested a personal hearing. The hearing is expected to take place on Thursday, November 3 at the FA's Soho Square headquarters.

Hoult recalled after Kirkland blow

Russell Hoult is recalled from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest after Chris Kirkland is ruled out for up to a month. The on-loan Liverpool keeper suffered a bruised kidney during Sunday’s defeat at Bolton and has been advised to rest for between two to four weeks.

"Chris suffered a really bad knock against Bolton on Sunday," Baggies’ boss Bryan Robson told the club’s official website. "We thought he'd got away with it but the severity of the knock has caused him to suffer bruising on one of his kidneys. It's nothing serious but he's been advised by doctors to rest for between two and four weeks. Both Chris and the club have got to take that medical advice on board. He will miss the Newcastle and West Ham games, but we're hoping he will be back after the international break."

Dyer loan extended

Albion midfielder Lloyd Dyer’s loan spell at Queens Park Rangers is extended for another month. The 23 year-old has already made five appearances for the Championship side during his spell at Loftus Road. Albion will however have a 24 hour recall option on Dyer.

Wednesday 26th October 2005

Albion scrap Robinson appeal

Albion decide against pursuing an appeal against Paul Robinson's sending off during last night's Carling Cup tie at Fulham. Baggies' boss Bryan Robson announced after the game that he would consider appealing against the dismissal but after seeing the referee's report the club have decided against any further action.

Albion's Secretary/Director Dr John Evans said: "We understand Paul Robinson's position over this particular incident, but having reviewed the evidence relating to the case we feel that any such appeal would not succeed."

Robinson will now miss Albion's next three games; against Newcastle United, West Ham United and Everton.

Tuesday 25th October 2005

Baggies through at the Cottage

Albion reach the fourth round of the Carling Cup following a 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Rob Earnshaw gave the Baggies the lead after just three minutes and the visitors looked comfortable until Luis Boa Morte equalised for Fulham on 63 minutes. Nigerian star Kanu looked like he had won the game for the visitors with a 88th minute goal following a blunder by home keeper Tony Warner but Heidar Helguson snatched a injury time equaliser to send the game into extra time. Nine minutes into the extra period ex-Fulham midfielder Junichi Inamoto scored a glorious 30 yard effort to send the Baggies through to the last 16.

The night was marred for Albion however when defender Paul Robinson was sent off for violent conduct just seconds from the end following a clash with Zat Knight.

Sunday 23rd October 2005

Late goals sink Baggies at the Reebok

Albion's poor run of form continues with a 2-0 defeat against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. Late goals from Hidetoshi Nakata (81 minutes) and Kevin Nolan (91) gave the Lancashire side all three points after Diomansy Kamara had missed a first half penalty for the Baggies. A crowd of 24,151 witnessed a poor game between two poor sides in tricky conditions.

Albion linked with Argyle star

Plymouth Argyle's Hungarian midfielder Akos Buzsaky is a transfer target for Baggies' boss Bryan Robson according to reports in the morning's media. The 23 year-old, who joined Plymouth from FC Porto in January is also said to be a target for Albion's Premiership rivals West Ham United.

Scimeca off to Blades?

Albion utility man Riccardo Scimeca is linked with a loan move to Championship pace-setters Sheffield United. The former England under-21 star has made just one start for the club so far this season.

Saturday 22nd October 2005

Academy team draw

Albion's Academy side go down to a 2-1 defeat at Stoke City, Seamus Kelleher scoring the Albion goal.

Wednesday 19th October 2005

Robson leaps to Wallwork's defence

Albion boss Bryan Robson issues a statement condemning the Albion fans that booed Ronnie Wallwork's name when it was read out prior to kick-off against Arsenal.

Robson said: "The reaction of a small section of supporters to Ronnie was very much noticed by the management staff and all of the players - and we are all very disappointed. It took a bit of the gloss off what was a fantastic result for this football club.”

"The reason we pulled off the Great Escape last season was because everybody connected with the football club - in particular the supporters - worked together and pulled in the same direction. We need that same kind of unity and backing this season if we hope to achieve what we want to.”

"All supporters are entitled to their opinion and we know it was only a small minority of fans who booed Ronnie but this kind of reaction doesn't help anyone - neither the player in question nor the team. That is why, on behalf of the rest of the management staff and playing squad, I would urge this small minority to join the rest of the supporters in getting right behind every member of the team."

"If these supporters saw our Amisco match analysis stats on Ronnie, they may have a different opinion about him. They clearly show that, whoever we play against, Ronnie is one of the hardest-working players on the pitch for his position. The information also states he is consistently one of our best passers and ball winners.”

"The thing about Ronnie is that even if he is having a poor game he never hides. He is an important member of the squad and will continue to be so."

Monday 17th October 2005

Reserves win in Lancashire

A strong Albion reserve team beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0 at the Lancashire FA's County Ground, Leyland. Rob Davies gave the visitors the lead after just three minutes and Japanese star Junichi Inamoto made it 2-0 just before half-time. The only downside to the night came in the 80th minute when young Albion defender Lee Baker was sent off for two bookable offences.

Robson dismisses reports

Bryan Robson rubbishes media reports linking Riccardo Scimeca and Junichi Inamoto with loan moves away from The Hawthorns. The Baggies’ boss also reveals that Andy Johnson’s proposed loan move to Coventry City now appears to be off.

"I've had a few of the boys in this morning to chat to them because I don't know where all this is coming from. What was in the national papers was nonsense. We're still in the cup and the only person I've said can go out on loan is Andy Johnson. I think the Coventry deal is dead though as far as Andy is concerned. At this moment in time we have big games coming up over the next month and I'm happy with my squad."

Kirkland linked with Gunners move

Albion goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is linked with a move to London giants Arsenal. Kirkland, currently at The Hawthorns on a season-long loan deal from Liverpool looks to have no long-term  future at Anfield following the Merseyside club's signings of Jose Reina and Scott Carson earlier this year.

Sunday 16th October 2005

Duo linked with loan moves

Out of favour Albion duo Junichi Inamoto and Riccardo Scimeca have been made available for loan by Baggies' boss Bryan Robson according to reports in the morning's media. Both players have struggled to gain a first team place this season and Inamoto has already been linked with a move to Cardiff City where he spent a successful loan spell last season.

Reports also claim that yesterday's goalscoring hero Darren Carter is a target for Sunderland and Coventry City striker Dele Adebola is a target for Albion.

Saturday 15th October 2005

Albion Sink Gunners

An inspired goalkeeping performance from Chris Kirkland helps Albion to a shock win over Arsenal at The Hawthorns. Goals from Kanu and Darren Carter were enough to give Bryan Robson's men all three points. Phillipe Senderos had given the Gunners the lead on 17 minutes with a close range header before Nigerian star Kanu grabbed a 38th minute equaliser for the Baggies against his former club. With 14 minutes remaining ex-Blues midfielder Carter scored his first goal for the club to give Albion an unlikely victory in front of a season's best Hawthorns crowd of 26,604.

Academy side draw

Albion's Academy team earn a 1-1 draw away at Crewe Alexandra. Stuart Nicholson gave Albion the lead with a first half-strike before Gareth Evans grabbed an equaliser for the Railwaymen.

Friday 14th October 2005

Albion dismiss Blatter claims

The club issue a statement refuting claims made by FIFA president Sepp Blatter on a national radio programme Thursday night.

Blatter had claimed he had spoken to an Albion "official" who, according to Blatter, said Albion do not field their best team when they play Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool because "they know they are going to lose".

An Albion club spokesman said: "We are astonished and totally mystified by Mr Blatter's remarks. We can categorically state that no Albion official has spoken to Mr Blatter this year - let alone in the past month. We also utterly refute what Mr Blatter suggests.”

"The management of the club field what they consider to be their strongest available side for every game - and will continue to do so. As always, this will be the case when the team plays against Arsenal tomorrow.”

"It is also worth pointing out to Mr Blatter that we did in fact draw our away games at Arsenal and Manchester United last season."

Hoult loan extended

Baggies' goalkeeper Russell Hoult's loan spell at Nottingham Forest is extended for another month. The extension means the keeper will now remain at the City Ground until Saturday, November 19 but Albion will have the right to recall him at anytime. Hoult will not however be allowed to play in any FA Cup ties for Forest with Albion keen to avoid the keeper being cup-tied.

Thursday 13th October 2005

Johnson set for loan deal

Albion boss Bryan Robson admits that he is willing to loan midfielder Andy Johnson out of the club. Both Coventry and Nottingham Forest have been linked with the former Wales international in recent weeks.

"Coventry have made an enquiry about him because of all the midfield players I've got," Robson told the club's official website. "And with him coming back from a long-term knee injury, I think it would be good for him to go out and get some first-team football. There are still some details that have to be sorted out with Coventry and it would only be a one-month loan. There's a good chance it will happen."

Gaardsoe linked with Town return

According to media reports Albion’s Danish international defender Thomas Gaardsoe is a loan target for Joe Royle’s Ipswich Town. The 25 year-old moved to The Hawthorns from Town in July 2003 for £520,000 and has made over 80 appearances for the club but has recently lost his first team place following the arrival of Curtis Davies.

Gera undergoes op

Albion midfielder Zoltan Gera undergoes a fifth operation on his damaged left hand in a final attempt to overcome the injury.

Wednesday 12th October 2005

Inamoto on duty

Albion midfielder Junichi Inamoto plays his second game in four days for Japan as they lose 1-0 to the Ukraine in a friendly.

Meanwhile, on-loan keeper Chris Kirkland was an unused sub for England in their 2-1 victory over Poland at Old Trafford as was Rob Earnshaw for Wales in their 2-0 win against Azerbaijan.

Tuesday 11th October 2005

Johnson linked with Sky Blues move

Baggies’ midfielder Andy Johnson is linked with a loan move to Coventry City. The former Welsh international is currently out of favour at The Hawthorns and is said to have already held talks with the Sky Blues over a possible move.

Robson reassures Carter

Albion boss Bryan Robson moves to reassure summer signing Darren Carter that he does have a future at The Hawthorns. The ex-Blues midfielder has started just two Premiership games this season but Robson has assured him that he does remain in his plans.

"Darren has done okay so far this season and put in a couple of solid performances. He is still very much in my thoughts at this time. Both he and Richard Chaplow are still learning the game to a certain degree and they know they can improve but the one thing both of them are doing is working very hard on the training pitch, which I am pleased about. Darren chats to myself and Nigel Pearson (assistant manager) a lot about his development because he wants to improve as a player. He has a real desire to get into the team and be a regular in there," said Robson.

Davies misses out

Young Albion defender Curtis Davies misses out on an England under-21 debut as he is forced to watch from the substitute's bench as his team mates stroll to a 4-1 win over Poland at Hillsborough.

Monday 10th October 2005

Reserves lose

A poor performance albeit from a young Albion reserve side sees them lose 2-1 to Wigan Athletic at The Hawthorns.

Andreas Johansson gave the visitors the lead two minutes after half time when he forced the ball over the line from close range. Albion grabbed an equaliser in the 65th minute thanks to an own goal from Latics goalkeeper Mike Pollitt, after Rob Elvins' close range shot had rebounded off the post it struck the keeper squarely in the face before finding it's way into the back of the net. Just five minutes later though  Johansson headed in at the far post following poor defending by Albion to give Wigan all three points.

A crowd of 386 were in attendance for the last reserve game to take place at The Hawthorns this season.

Sunday 9th October 2005

Chaplow denied Turf Moor victory

Richard Chaplow captains England's Under-20 side to a 2-2 draw against Holland at Turf Moor, Burnley. Goals from Grant Leadbitter and Dexter Blackstock looked to have given England a deserved victory before the visitors grabbed a late equaliser to deny Chaplow a winning return to his former ground.

Saturday 8th October 2005

Albion stars on international duty

Albion trio Kanu, Diomansy Kamara and Rob Earnshaw all feature for their respective countries in the day’s World Cup qualifying matches.

Kanu was on target for Nigeria as they beat Zimbabwe 5-1 but it was not enough to help them reach next year’s finals as an Angola victory over Rwanda sent them through instead. Kamara’s Senegal will also miss out on a finals place due to Togo beating Congo 3-2 thus winning the African qualifying Group One. Welsh striker Earnshaw played 76 minutes as his country beat Northern Ireland 3-2 in a thrilling game at Windsor Park but Albion’s on-loan keeper Chris Kirkland had to make do with being an unused substitute for England in their 1-0 victory over Austria at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Junichi Inamoto played the full 90 minutes as Japan drew 2-2 with Latvia in a friendly in Riga.

Academy team lose

Albion’s Academy team’s four match unbeaten run ends as they go down to a 4-2 defeat against Liverpool. Goals from Stuart Nicholson and Rob Davies had given Albion a 2-1 lead but the visitors came back strongly in the second-half to take all three points.

Friday 7th October 2005

Thursday 6th October 2005

Games switched

The club's Premiership games away at Bolton on Saturday, October 22 and Middlesbrough on Saturday, November 26 are both put back to the following day due to both club's involvement in the UEFA Cup.

Wednesday 5th October 2005

Inamoto wants out

Albion's out of favour Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto claims he may be forced to leave The Hawthorns during January's transfer window. The 26 year-old believes without regular first team football he may miss out on next year's World Cup for which his country have already qualified.

"I may look to go out on loan," said Inamoto. "In the reserves there are not many games where you can test yourself but I have had experience in the Championship and feel I can offer something. My condition improved a lot when I went to Cardiff last year and with the World Cup coming up I want to be playing regularly. If it's for one or two months then I would be willing to go out on loan - it's much better for me to be playing first-team football than for the reserves.”

"The fact I am not playing regular first-team football during a World Cup year is frustrating for me. I have spoken to the manager and what was said between us will remain private but I have taken that on board and am working hard but with these European games coming up for Japan I hope I can show other people what I am capable of. Who knows if I do well it may open up the opportunity of a month in January."

Tuesday 4th October 2005

Albion defend Gera block

Albion insist they have acted in accordance with FIFA rules in preventing Zoltan Gera from linking up with the Hungary squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Bulgaria and Croatia. The club claim that Gera is not fit to travel to Hungary due to a long-standing groin problem, a move that has infuriated Hungary coach Lothar Matthaus.

The German legend said: "I understand Bryan Robson and West Brom's behaviour because they are up to their necks in deep water, so they must try everything. I still trust West Brom to do the right thing with Gera and I don't want war between us, I want peace. Gera himself should insist on coming. He is important for the team and for all his many fans here. Gera would not be Gera without the national team - he would not be at West Brom without the national team. We gave him the captaincy and helped make him a star player.”

"We want to inspect Gera and if we agree with the West Brom doctors then of course we won't play him. We trust West Brom so why do they not trust us? Gera is a key player for us and we are not going to risk long-term injury for him, are we?," Matthaus added.

Albion secretary Dr John Evans quickly moved to deny the claims of the Hungary coach: "Our medical team has hidden nothing and has nothing to hide. It is very easy to sit 1,000 miles away and criticise but our medical staff have done everything by the book and by FIFA regulations. Hungary have every right to send a specialist to England to examine Zoltan."

Davies gets Under-21 call

Young Albion defender Curtis Davies is called up into the England Under-21 squad for their European Championship qualifiers with Austria, at Elland Road, on Friday and Poland, at Hillsborough the following Tuesday. He replaces the injured Calum Davenport and Liam Ridgewell in Peter Taylor’s squad.

Campbell not to blame says Robson

Albion boss Bryan Robson defends striker Kevin Campbell following criticism from supporters unhappy at the player’s recent performances.

"I disagree with what the fans are saying as far as Kevin Campbell is concerned. He led the line well at Sunderland and did well at bringing other people into the game,” said Robson. "He did exactly the same against Charlton. Kevin Campbell can't help it if we keep conceding goals. I feel the fans are being a bit harsh as regards Kevin."

Albion to extend smoking ban

The club announce plans to extend the no smoking area at The Hawthorns. Currently only the East Stand is a no smoking zone but from the start of the 2006-07 season smoking will be banned in the Halfords Lane Stand.

Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace told the club’s official website: "A number of Barclays Premiership clubs, including Everton, Tottenham and Middlesbrough, have introduced extensive no-smoking policies. Making the East Stand a no-smoking area has been very well received by our supporters. We believe that extending this policy to the Halfords Lane Stand will help make The Hawthorns an even more family-friendly environment. It is also in keeping with the trend towards making public places non-smoking areas."

Craven Cottage date set

Albion’s Carling Cup third round tie with Fulham at Craven Cottage is arranged for Tuesday, October 25 with a 7-45pm kick-off. With Albion’s trip to Bolton on Saturday, October 22 looking certain to be switched to the following day it appears the club will face two away games in the space of three days.

Megson keen to keep Hoult

Nottingham Forest boss Gary Megson reveals that he is hoping to keep on-loan Albion keeper Russell Hoult at the City Ground once his initial loan deal expires. "It is not something we have discussed yet. Russell is just over halfway through his month with us and as things stand, West Brom have got a 24-hour recall on him but we will speak to them and see what they want to do with him," said former Albion manager Megson.

Monday 3rd October 2005

Reserves lose

A strong reserve team go down to a 2-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers at Morecambe’s Christie Park ground. Second-half goals from Andy Taylor and Keith Barker were enough to give Rovers victory over an Albion side containing, Moore, Scimeca, Johnson, Kuszczak, Johnson, Ellington and Carter.

Sunday 2nd October 2005

Kirkland gets England call

Albion's on loan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is called up into the England squad for the vital World Cup qualifiers against Austria on Saturday, October 8 and Poland on Wednesday, October 12. Both games will take place at Old Trafford. Former Albion loanee Kieran Richardson is also named in Sven Goran Eriksson's squad.

Saturday 1st October 2005

Baggies slump again

Albion suffer another Premiership defeat, this time 2-0 away at Blackburn Rovers for whom Shefqi Kuqi grabbed both goals. The Finland star opened the scoring after 80 minutes and added a second two minutes from time. The defeat, Albion’s fifth in seven Premiership games leaves the club rooted in the bottom three.

Academy team extend run