Team News

West Brom Preston Team Sheet

Yet again Di Matteo is forced to make changes to a winning team, having not played the same team twice for the last 2 months almost.

Ishmael Miller starts up front as a replacement for Luke Moore in the lone striker position. Moore drops to the bench, Gianni Zuiverloon replaces injured Jonas Olsson.

Jerome Thomas has recovered, however, only makes the bench.

Preston make two changes, with former Baggie Richard Chaplow and Michael Hart coming in for Billy Jones and Paul Coutts.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Zuiverloon, Meite, Tamas, Cech; Koren, Watson, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Brunt; Miller. Subs: Kiely (gk), Thomas, Barnes, Cox, Mattock, Moore, Morrison.

PRESTON: Lonergan, Hart, Davidson, St Ledger, Chilvers, Sedgwick, Chaplow, James, Wallace, Brown, Mellor. Subs: Henderson (gk), Collins, Treacy, Carter, Parkin, Barton, Miller.

REFEREE: J Singh (Middlesex).

Swansea West Brom team news

Luke Moore returns tonight for the trip to Swansea and is joined by Ben Watson and Abdoulaye Meite as new faces to the team compared to last Saturdays home victory over Blackpool.

Luke Moore has recovered from flu as we mentioned earlier today and will start up front on his own, Miller ends up on the bench as a recovered substitute after his first start Saturday for over 15 months.

Meite replaces the injured Steven Reid, Gabriel Tamas will move over to right back and Ben Watson replaces Morrison who drops to the bench. Gianni Zuiverloon makes the subs bench but there is no place for the injured Roman Bednar and Jerome Thomas.

SWANSEA (4-5-1): De Vries; Rangel, Tate, Williams, Monk; Dyer, van der Gun, Britton, Pratley, Gower; Kuqi. Subs: Cornell (gk), Richards, Cotterill, Pintado, Beattie, Bauza, Trundle.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Tamas, Meite, Olsson, Cech; Koren, Watson, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Brunt; Moore. Subs: Kiely (gk), Morrison, Miller, Cox, Barnes, Mattock, Zuiverloon.
REFEREE: R East (Wiltshire).

Bednar and Reid out of Swansea line up as Baggies reel from FA fine

Roman Bednar and Steven Reid are both injured and will be unavailable for tommorrows crunch trip to Swansea. Bednar who only returned from a 3 match injury break Saturday is now ruled out with a thigh injury and Reid has a groing problem.

Ishmael Miller who only recently returned from a 15 month absense due to injury picked up a hamstring problem during the Blackpool game, however , he has reacted well to the treatment and will be fit to face Swansea. The same is also said for Luke Moore who has made a recovery from illness which forced him out of the squad on Saturday.

Jerome Thomas who is suffering with a hamstring problem will not be ready in time for the trip to Swansea, however, Di Matteo is taking it all in his stride.

“The injury situation doesn’t get better, does it?” joked Di Matteo.

“You have a good weekend and think you’re looking good for the next game – and then you’re not!

“We’ve lost Steven from Saturday with a little groin problem while this morning Roman felt his quad so he won’t be available either.

“Jerome is also still out but Luke is a bit better from his flu while Ishmael, who got a kick to his hamstring, is recovering from his knock.

“But we’ll need to assess Ish.

“He’s been out for a long time and the same applies to Steven.

“Steven hasn’t played a lot of games in a short period for a long, long time. That goes for James Morrison too.

“All three of them are feeling the games because they’re not quite up to the tempo.

“I wish I could start Ish every game but we need to take all of these factors into consideration.”

The both teams have been fined for failing to control their players after a brawl at Home Park during February. The fine was £12,500 for both teams, however, £7,500 has been suspended until June next year. Should either team be charged with the same between now and then they will have to pay the other £7,500 plus suffer the consequences of the further breach.

Albion Blackpool teams, Miller starts

Ishmael Miller gets his first start in over 15 months this afternoon against the Tangerines.

Di Matteo makes 2 chamges to the winning midweek team. After a superb goal midweek it is no surprise that the other addition to the starting lineup is Robert Koren who replaces the injured Jerome Thomas.

Luke Moore is the man replaced by Miller, he is ill and not on the bench, however, a nearly fit again Bednar is on the bench.

Ian Holloway names an unchanged Tangerines side to the one that beat Ipswich 1-0 a week ago.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; S Reid, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Koren, Morrison, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Brunt; Miller. Subs: Kiely (gk), Mattock, Bednar, Watson, Cox, Meite, Barnes.

BLACKPOOL (4-4-2): Gilks; Edwards, Baptiste, Eardley, Martin; Southern, Adam, Vaughan, Dobbie; Campbell, Euell. Subs: Rachubka (gk), Clarke, Burgess, Ormerod, Butler, Bannan, Husband.

REFEREE: J Moss (West Yorkshire).

West Brom Sheffield Wednesday Team news, Barnes on bench.

Lke Moore is back in the starting line up as two changes are made by Albion.

Graham Dorrans is the second returning player, with Ben Watson heading to the bench as well as the recovered Simon Cox.

Steven Reid keeps his place to make his home debut and Giles Barnes makes the bench too. He could well make his first senior appearance tonight. Joe Mattock drops off the bench for a total rest.

Ex Albion player Darren Purse is the team captain for the opposition tonight.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; S Reid, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Brunt, Morrison, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Thomas; Moore. Subs: Kiely (gk), Meite, Koren, I Miller, Watson, Cox, Barnes.

SHEFFIELD WED (4-4-2): Grant; Spurr, Purse, Beevers, Nolan; Johnson, Potter, O’Connor, T Miller; Varney, Clarke. Subs: O’Donnell (gk), Hinds, McAllister, Jeffers, Simek, Soares, Gray.

REFEREE: S Mathieson (Cheshire).

Morrison, Reid, Mulumbu and Cox in Albion QPR starting lineup

Morrison makes his first start for over 10 months today at QPR. Albion boss Di Matteo makes 4 changes to the team that beat Derby Last week.

Steven Reid comes straight in after joining on loan mid week, he gets the right back position.

Youssouf Mulumbu and Simon Cox return to the team and Ben Watson plays against his old team mates.

Abdoulaye Meite, Robert Koren and Graham Dorrans, who all played 90 minutes for their respective countries in midweek, and Luke Moore are the guys that drop to the bench.

Ishmael Miller is among the substitutes but there is no place for Giles Barnes.

Ex-Baggies loan signing Jay Simpson starts in attack for Rangers.

QPR (4-4-2): Ikeme; Connolly, Stewart, Gorkss, Hill; Leigertwood, Taarabt, Ephraim, Faurlin; Priskin, Simpson. Subs: Cerny (gk), Ramage, Vine, Buzsaky, Balanta, Borrowdale, German.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Reid, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Brunt, Mulumbu, Morrison, Watson, Thomas; Cox. Subs: Kiely (gk), Koren, Dorrans, Meite, Mattock, Moore, Miller.

REFEREE: S Attwell (Warwickshire).

Bristol City Albion Team Sheet Bednar Starts

For this live televised game the Albion have rung the changes yet again.

Bednar returns and Youssouf Mulumbu is back from suspension, these are the only two changes.

Luke Moore and Andy Slory are the casualty’s who drop to the bench, Abdoulaye Meite is now fit and another one of the substitutes.

Gary Johnson names an unchanged Robins team to the one that drew 1-1 at home to Leicester five days ago.

BRISTOL (4-4-2): Gerken, Nyatanga, Carey, Orr, Fontaine, Skuse, Elliott, Johnson, Clarkson, Haynes, Iwelumo. Subs: Collis, Maynard, Hartley, Williams, Sproule, Plummer, Edwards.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson, Zuiverloon, Tamas, Olsson, Mattock, Brunt, Koren, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Nouble, Bednar. Subs: Kiely, Slory, Moore, Cox, Meite, Thorne, Wood.

Referee: N Swarbrick (Lancs).

Injury updates for Bristol game

Roberto Di Matteo is hoping that a few extra days rest will help to get his injured squad back to fitness. Luckily, no further injuries were picked up last night, other wise not only would we be seeing youth’s on the bench, but more than likely playing.

Youssouf Mulumbu has now served his one game suspension and will be back for the televised trip to Ashton Gate.

Bednar’s a possibility, however, not a certainty. The Czech international picked up a back injury and although named on the subs bench, this was just to make the numbers up as he would not have been able to take part even if required, showing how desperately short the Albion currently are.

The Bristol game being put back for TV has given the injured an extra day to recover.

Di Matteo had the following to say:

“Roman has a back problem and wasn’t available to play.

“But playing on Sunday gives everyone an extra day to recover.

“We’ll have Youssouf back from suspension and we’re hoping Roman will be fit too.

Di Matteo has also spoken on the chase for loan signings:

“We are working away but it’s always hard to bring the right players in,”.

Cardiff West Brom team sheets

ROBERTO Di Matteo has been forced in to four changes tonight for the trip to Cardiff.

With 9 players unavailable, Roman Bednar is the newest casualty, a back injury the fault there. He makes the bench but is an unlikely participant.

Slory will hopefully get past the warm up tonight, make his full debut and join other new faces to the team sheet, namely, Gabriel Tamas, Frank Nouble and Luke Moore.

The benched Simon Cox, ends up on the bench.

Academy players Sam Mantom and Kayleden Brown, plus 19-year-old rookie midfielder Joss Labadie, are among the subs.

Cardiff are unchanged.

CARDIFF (4-4-2): Marshall, McNaughton, Gyepes, Gerrard, Kennedy, Burke, Rae, Wildig, Whittingham, Chopra, Bothroyd. Subs: Enckelman, Quinn, Taiwo, Blake, Feeney, Matthews, McCormack.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson, Zuiverloon, Tamas, Olsson, Mattock, Slory, Koren, Dorrans, Brunt, Nouble, Moore. Subs: Kiely, Bednar, Cox, Brown, Wood, Mantom, Labadie.

Ref: A Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

Jara out for the season – 7 to miss the Cardiff trip?

News that Gonzalo Jara is out for the rest of the season brings more headaches and a possible need to make more use of the emergency loan option.

The Chile international has taken an xray that has shown a fractured a metatarsal to his right foot.

Di Matteo will now be without seven regulars to choose from for tomorrows trip to Cardiff.

Abdoulaye Meite has a badly bruised ankle that won’t heal in time for the Cardiff game. also missing will be Youssouf Mulumbu and Jerome Thomas who are both suspended, Marek Cech, Ishmael Miller and James Morrison are also out with hamstring, ankle and heel injuries respectively.

Andy Slory may recover in time from the pre match warm up Achilles injury, and certain to start will be Frank Nouble who missed out at Reading due to being cup tied.

Di Matteo said: “It’s really bad news for us regarding Gonzalo.

“He got caught on the follow through and as well as having an open wound, he has also fractured a metatarsal.

“I don’t think he will play again this season, which is a massive blow for us.

Surely this whole injury crisis has to be in part, down to the very heavy schedule so far this month.

“He should recover in time for the World Cup but, unfortunately for both him and Chile, he won’t be playing any football in the next two-and-a-half months.

“Abou won’t be available tomorrow either. He was on the end of a nasty tackle. His ankle is badly bruised and he’s in a bit of pain.

“Andy didn’t train yesterday and we’ll have to assess him. But we haven’t ruled him out.”

Di Matteo said the quick turnaround of games means it is unlikely the club will be able to bring any fresh loan signings in for the Cardiff trip.

“Everyone knows we have an interest in Jason Koumas but there’s no more news on that one,” he added.

“He’s one of several players we’re interested in but nothing’s been done yet.”

Di Matteo’s selection headaches growing and growing

Roberto Di Matteo’s selection headaches have mounted tonight after Albion’s 4th game in under two weeks and 5th game in a fortnight. There are now another 3 games to come in the next 10 days too, including the FA Cup replay scheduled for Wednesday 24th.

Andy Slory should have started today, however, limped out of the pre match warm up with an Achilles injury so the Dutchman may be out for a while.

Gonzalo Jara, needed five stitches to a foot injury after todays game at Reading and Abdoulaye Meite was also forced of the Madejski Stadium pitch with an ankle injury.

Di Matteo is now going to have major concerns for the trip to Cardiff Tuesday night, what with these 3 injuries today and the existing injury list consisting of Marek Cech (hamstring), Ishmael Miller (ankle) and James Morrison (heel). Then of course we have Jerome Thomas with 3 matches left on his ban and a longer ban possible when he faces an FA charge. Now there is also Mulumbu banned for 2 games too, after this afternoons sending of for a second bookable offence.

“The number of games we’re playing is very demanding and I’m a bit sad because we’ve lost Jara to injury, Meite had to be taken off and Mulumbu is now suspended,” said Di Matteo.

“I already had a big injury list back home, so that’s a bit of a downside.

“I’ll have to assess the situation and then we’ll see what we have to do.

“Before today’s game, I already had five players out.

“Jara needed five stitches and we’ll have to wait and see on Meite’s injury – but hopefully it’s not too bad.”

Starting line up at Reading – Slory starts.

Simon Cox today returns to his home town club Reading where his career started, he joined the Royals aged nine and worked up through the ranks before making his League Cup debut at Luton in September 2005. He will be so happy that he has been handing a starting position.

Hopes are high with Baggies fans today, especially as the Albion have been quite successful in the FA Cup in recent years, reaching a Wembley semi final most recently.

Pointers for more success include the fact that Reading have not got passed this stage of the cup for 83 years.

Albion have the best away record in the country and are the championships highest scoring team.

The players want the cup run and are hungry for a trophy.

Reading on the other hand have beaten premiership opposition twice, both Liverpool and Burnley have fallen to reading.

Reading have won 4 of their last five games and beat Albion in the last FA Cup meeting between the 2 teams.

Andy Slory gets his full Albion debut, Roberto Di Matteo makes four changes to the victoriuos Scunthorpe team.

The Dutch winger gets the cup-tied Frank Nouble ‘s position.

Gianni Zuiverloon and Abdoulaye Meite come in, with Gonzalo Jara pushed into central midfield and Gabriel Tamas rested.

Youssouf Mulumbu and Robert Koren also meet the bench as Simon Cox comes in to the team.

Youth Sam Mantom, just 18 next Saturday, is handed an early birthday present as he is named among the subs.

Reading (4-5-1): Federici, Griffin, Ingimarsson, Mills, Bertrand, McAnuff, Howard, Karacan, Gunnarson, Kebe, Long. Subs: Hamer, Tabb, Henry, Church, Robson-Kanu, Rasiak, Pearce.

Albion (4-5-1): Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Mattock, Brunt, Cox, Jara, Dorrans, Slory, Bednar. Subs: Kiely, Koren, Moore, Wood, Tamas, Mulumbu, Mantom.

Ref: C Foy (Merseyside).

Nouble Starts and there are 3 more changes tonight

Fresh kid on the block, short term loan signing Frank Nouble is given his Albion debut as Roberto Di Matteo makes a total of 4 team changes tonight. Obviously Jerome Thomas was out, but the other three are chosen.

The West Ham forward Nouble replaces the suspended Jerome Thomas on the left wing as we suggested earlier today, however, Slory still gets no better than the bench.

Gonzalo Jara, Jonas Olsson and Robert Koren are all recalled after being rested at Plymouth, the benched three who they replace are Gianni Zuiverloon, Abdoulaye Meite and Simon Cox.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Mattock; Brunt, Koren, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Nouble; Bednar. Subs: Kiely (gk), Cox, Moore, Meite, Zuiverloon, Thorne, Slory.

SCUNTHORPE (4-4-2): Murphy; Byrne, Mirfin, Jones, Sparrow; Togwell, O’Connor, Moloney, McDermott; Wright, Hooper. Subs not used: Lillis (gk), McCann, Hayes, Forte, Woolford, Morris, Raynes.

REFEREE: K Wright (Cambridgeshire).

Eager Nouble may start tonight against the Iron

Frank Nouble has today spoken about his hope for the future and how he thinks he could help out tonight. Although a striker he has confirmed himself as a potential replacement for the suspended Jerome Thomas against Scunthorpe.

He said: “I just want to play in an attacking role, be it left wing, right wing or up front, I am here to gain some experience and help the team.”

The 18-year-old finalised his initial 28 day loan from West Ham earlier today and in time to face Scunthorpe at the Hawthorns tonight.

Continuing, Nouble said:

“I am very excited. I watch some of the games on TV and some of the teams like West Brom are big teams, so I want to see how I do at this level.

“I made my debut at 17 recently. I have just turned 18 and I want to get as much experience as I can in any league, be it the Championship or Premier League.”

The youngster’s arrival from Upton Park gives Roberto Di Matteo extra options in the quest for a replacement for Thomas, who begins his four match ban tonight.

Nouble agreed that Di Matteo’s friendship with West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola played a big part in securing the move.

He said: “Gianfranco Zola and the manager here are close friends, so it was easy for them to talk about me. I think Roberto Di Matteo definitely listened to what he said and I think he is happy I have come here.

“The manager here has Chelsea links and was a terrific player when at Chelsea with Gianfranco Zola.”

Albion first team coach Michael Appleton has also spoken about Nouble: “Frank is really strong and aggressive and he will give us an outlet sometimes when we need that, especially when teams are trying to frustrate us.

“He is versatile and can play in different positions, which is good for us. There may be times when we want to use him in the centre but he has played a lot of football lately in wider areas so I think we’ll look to use him in both areas of the pitch as and when we need to.”

So, with Thomas out and Nouble fresh whilst other players are suffering from the rigours of 4 games in 10 days, added to the fact that he cannot play Saturday at Reading due to being cup tied, it is very likely that he will start tonight.

Albion really do need to make changes quite often at the moment anyway, as by next Tuesday at 10 pm they will have played 5 games in 13 days, a ridiculous amount in such a short period.

More team changes to come for Scunthorpe game.

Marek Cech with an injured hamstring and Ishmael Miller who is suffering an injured ankle will both be missing from the Albion lineup for roughly 2 weeks, ruling them out for the Scunthorpe game immediately.

Jerome Thomas begins a four match ban against Scunthorpe, this is due to a second straight red card this season. Both came late in there respective games and seem rather annoying to say the least.

So the Albion will be ringing the changes yet again this coming Tuesday, the 2nd time after a run of games where the team remained the same. The lone striker up front formation will likely continue, however, we may see changes in the midfield and defence. A defence that seemed to be at sixes and eights quite often Saturday afternoon at Home Park, one that seems to be made up of decent stock, however, disjointed by the fact that they are not quite jelled as a unit.

This is all of course on top of the fact that the Albion are to play their third game in a week this coming Tuesday evening at home to Scunthorpe and in need of resting some and recalling others who were rested Saturday.

Plymouth Albion team sheet

Di Matteo names 4 new faces on the team sheet, the first change for 6 games.

Abdoulaye Meite replaces Jonas Olsson to join Gabriel Tamas in the Baggies defence.

Gonzalo Jara joins Olsson as a sub and Gianni Zuiverloon is recalled at right back.

Marek Cech is replaced by Joe Mattock at left-back.

Simon Cox replaces Robert Koren, who becomes a sub.

17 year old youth team midfielder George Thorne is on the bench.

PLYMOUTH (4-4-2): Stockdale; Duguid, Arnason, R Johnson, Sawyer; Clark, Fletcher, D Johnson, Judge; Mackie, Fallon. Subs: Larrieu (gk), Wright-Phillips, Barker, McNamee, Noone, Summerfield, Cooper.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Zuiverloon, Tamas, Meite, Mattock; Brunt, Cox, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Thomas; Bednar. Subs: Kiely (gk), Jara, Olsson, Koren, Moore, Slory, Thorne.

REFEREE: S Tanner (Somerset).

Plymouth Albion team news – Youth on bench

Roberto Di Matteo has this morning spoken of injuries that will effect today’s line up.

Marek Cech is not on the team sheet due to a hamstring injury picked up midweek against Blackpool.

Joe Mattock has recovered and is available for selection at Home Park so looking likely to replace Cech.

Ishmael Miller Will not be making the bench after damaging his ankle against Blackpool, bringing scary times for the youngster just back from a long term injury.

“Joe is fine now,” said the Baggies boss.

“Unfortunately Ish and Marek got injured on Wednesday and they will be missing today.

“We’re going to call-up George Thorne from the youth team so we have enough players on the bench.”

Blackpool West Brom team news

Albion name an un changed team for the fifth consecutive game tonight for the trip to Blackpool.

Joe Mattock is replaced on the bench by new signing Andy Slory and it is uncertain whether that is by choice or because he has failed to recover from sickness. Slory will most likely get a run out at some point even, if it is just to get some match practice under his belt.

Ian Holloway makes three changes to the Blackpool side that drew 1-1 with Coventry at the weekend.

Fresh in the door lloan signing DJ Campbell starts in attack along with Danny Coid and Ben Burgess who also enter the teamsheet.

They are in to replace Brett Ormerod, who is suspended, Gary Taylor-Fletcher drops to the bench and Alex Baptiste is left out altogether.

BLACKPOOL (4-4-2): Rachubka; Edwards, Coid, Crainey, Evatt; Southern, Vaughan, Bannan, Adam; Burgess, Campbell. Subs: Gilks (gk), Taylor-Fletcher, Martin, Euell, Butler, Husband, Dobbie.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Brunt, Koren, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Thomas; Bednar. Subs: Kiely (gk), Slory, Miller, Zuiverloon, Cox, Meite, Moore.

REFEREE: D Foster (Newcastle).

Ipswich Albion – team news

West Brom name an unchanged side for the third game in a row, sticking with the team that beat Newcastle 4 2 in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.

Roy Keane rings four changes to the Ipswich team who suffered a 2 1 defeat at Southampton three days ago dumping them out of the FA Cup.

David Wright, Pablo Counago, David Norris and Jon Stead come in, with Jonathan Walters left out altogether, and Owen Garvan, Stern John and Carlos Edwards dropping to the bench.

IPSWICH (4-4-2): Lee-Barrett; Rosenior, McAuley, Delaney, Leadbitter; D Wright, Norris, Peters, Colback; Counago, Stead. Subs: McLoughlin (gk), Garvan, Martin, Balkestein, Priskin, John, Edwards.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Brunt, Koren, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Thomas; Bednar. Subs: Kiely (gk), Mattock, Zuiverloon, Martis, Teixeira, Cox, Miller.

Albion Newcastle FA Cup 2010 team line ups

This all important FA Cup match, the third game between Albion and Newcastle, the second Hawthorns meeting this season, see’s Albion sporting an unchanged side to the one that drew 2-2 at Newcastle in the Coca-Cola Championship on Monday.

There is one Baggies change on the bench where Shelton Martis comes in for Luke Moore, who does not make the squad.

Chris Hughton makes five changes to the United side that faced Albion five days ago.

Tim Krul, Ryan Taylor, Fabrice Pancrate, Andrew Carroll and Tamas Kadar come in, with Steve Harper and Shola Ameobi dropping to the bench, and Peter Lovenkrands, Steven Taylor and Danny Simpson left out altogether.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Brunt, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Koren, Thomas; Bednar. Subs not used: Kiely (gk), Martis, Cox, Miller, Teixeira, Mattock, Zuiverloon.

NEWCASTLE (4-5-1): Krul; R Taylor, Coloccini, Kadar, Enrique; Pancrate, Nolan, Smith, Guthrie, Gutierez; Carroll. Subs not used: Harper (gk), Ameobi, LuaLua, Ranger, Tozer, Ferguson, Donaldson.

Newcastle Albion team news

ROBERT Koren gets his first league start in 11 games as Roberto Di Matteo makes four changes to the side that lost dismally by 3-1 to Nottingham Forest ten days ago.

Strike duo Luke Moore and Simon Cox are replaced by Roman Bednar coming in as the Baggies’ lone hitman.

Youssouf Mulumbu makes his first Coca-Cola Championship start in five games as Di Matteo opts to bolster his midfield.

Both full-backs from the previous match – Gianni Zuiverloon and Joe Mattock – are dropped to the dugout, with Gonzalo Jara dropping to right-back and Marek Cech promoted from substitute to left-back.

Chris Hughton makes five changes to the Toon side that beat Plymouth 3-0 in their FA Cup third-round replay five days ago.

Steve Harper, Shola Ameobi, Danny Guthrie, Danny Simpson and Alan Smith all come in, with Tim Krul, Ryan Taylor, Fabrice Pancrate, Nicky Butt and Andy Carroll dropping to the bench.

NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Harper; Simpson, S Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique; Guthrie, Smith, Nolan, Gutierrez; Lovenkrands, Ameobi. Subs: Krul (gk), R Taylor, Pancrate, Butt, Carroll, Kadar, Ranger.

ALBION (4-5-1): Carson; Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Dorrans, Koren, Mulumbu, Brunt, Thomas; Bednar. Subs: Kiely (gk), Miller, Moore, Cox, Teixeira, Zuiverloon, Mattock.

REFEREE: P Taylor (Hertfordshire).

Albion Fitness Boost’s

Both Chris Brunt and Gianni Zuiverloon are fit as Albion travel to Newcastle with an almost full strength team.

Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo can rest in the knowledge that midfielder Brunt has recovered from illness, right-back Zuiverloon has overcome an ankle problem he picked up in last Friday’s 3-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest and he can pick a team from the full squad less two.

The Italian tactician vowed to make changes after losing the second automatic promotion place because of the ridiculous home defeat to Notts Forest last friday, central midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu could find himself back in the starting XI against the Championship leaders at St James’ Park tonight as Robbie wields the axe.

Striker Ishmael Miller who came on as a substitute against Forest following a 13-month knee injury absence looked much better than he ever was and will at the very least be guaranteed a place on the bench if not a starting position.

James Morrison remains the only squad player sidelined due to injury as his heel problem has kept him out for nine months now, while defender Abdoulaye Meite remains at the African Nations Cup with Ivory Coast and unavailable for the coming weeks.

Massive injury boosts at the Hawthorns and transfer rumours

Not only are Youssouf Mulumbu, Jerome Thomas and Luke Moore all looking likely to be fit to start in the  Sky televised Rangers clash at The Hawthorns on Monday after their individual struggles struggles with injuries, however, James Morrison may also be back in training as early as next week too!.

With Thomas and Moore back in training and raring to go, Mulumbu is also showing no signs of any serious injury after his recent early bath in the Cardiff defeat.  Morrisons scarring is healing very well and he should be able to start light training any day soon.

The Rangers game will also see a return for Dean Kiely, who will be looking to make his claim for the number one shirt permanent whilst Scott Carson sits out due to his 3 match ban. Carson is expected to be fined by the club after his out of character head butt on Chopra, the club feel that his sending off and the very nature is deserving of a club fine.

Di Matteo has actually hinted that should Kiely perform well that there is no reason why he cannot keep the shot stoppers jersey indefinitely. This episode will see a young keeper on the bench in the form of youth keeper Ryan Alsopp.

In other news today, reports are rife that Albion are likely to make a big money offer for out of favour Stoke striker James Beattie.

Albion support RBL’s poppy appeal.

The Albion will be wearing specially designed shirts for tomorrow’s trip to Leicester, each player will be sporting a jersey with a poppy embroidered in the centre of the chest! The home team will also be wearing the same embroidered pattern on their shirts too.

After the game fans will be able to bid on each individual shirt by way of an auction run on the clubs own website wba.co.uk. All proceeds will be going to the Royal British Legion Poppy appeal, a very worthy cause and very much in the spotlight at present.

Last year the Albion claim to have raised in excess of £11,000 and are hoping to top the figure this year, showing how supportive they are of our military personnel both past and present.

Reading sees more returns than ever …

Saturday sees the Albion return to action after a 2 week international break, but but also sees a few other returns and hopefully could see a return to the top of the table. With the Baggies taking on struggling Reading and Newcastle having a tough trip to high flying Notts Forest in the early evening game, there is every possibility that the Baggies could find themselves top of the table come Saturday tea time. They may even still be there come supper time!

Other returns on the cards are possibly a Filipe Tiexiera return after Roberto Di Matteo has made it clear that the player is still within his plans and will get a chance. Tiexiera could well find himself starting this Saturday as Gonzalo Jara will not return to the Albion until Friday morning and midfield competition is not that great due to injuries throughout the club.

Other returns to action may well include Luke Moore who has returned to training this week after missing the last 2 games with a knee injury. Sott Carson, who although not missing from action has also been injured, appears to have recovered from his ankle injury and is expected to be on the team list even though he has still not resumed training yet. Graham Dorrans returned from Japan with the Scotland squad nursing a bruised foot, however, he has completed all training sessions since and appears a candidate to start against the Royals.

Marek Cech, Gonzalo Jara and Robert Koren all return to training tommorrow, however, their stamina levels will be a concern for Di Matteo. It remains to be seen, but they are unlikely to get starts when there are players available for their positions that have not suffered from travelling the world over the last 10 days.

Long term injuries Miller, Morrisson and Brunt are certain names that will not be on the team sheet for either Reading or any game in the near future. Then we have Jerome Thomas returning from a 3 match suspension, will he return to the team? That all depends on how Di Matteo really views the sending off and his stance on player discipline. He may well choose to make a stand against the first sending off since he has taken the helm.

Jara not coming home early to boost injury hit Albion

A glimmer of hope wash dashed when the Chilean FA refused to release banned Gonzalo Jara early from his international commitments. Jara was banned Saturday and as Chile have nothing to play for it seemed that there was every reason to allow him to return home early, however, Chile have refused and he will not return until Friday now. This leaves very little time to get over the travelling and be fit and in the mindset to play Saturdays clash against Reading.

With Dorrans returning from international duty for Scotland with a bruised foot and facing a fight to be fit for Saturday, Di Matteo is beginning to get a bit of a selection nightmare.

Luke Moore is doubtful with a knee injury and Chris Brunt is out for the next 3 games at least suffering with a calf strain. This is all adding up when you consider that Ishmael Miller is out til January at the earliest with a long term knee injury and James Morrisson is also on the long term injured list suffering with a heel injury.

Albion Rotherham team news

Bednar makes his first appearance of the season after completing his three-month FA ban and Albion welcoming him back to the squad with a clean start.

The only two survivors from the Tractor Boys clash are the full-backs Shaun Cummings and Marek Cech.

Other first timers this season are Abdoulaye Meite and Borja Valero, with Reuben Reid also making a start. Returning to the team sheet are Graham Dorrans,Craig Beattie, Leon Barnett and Dean Kiely, who captains the team.

Albion (4-4-2): Kiely, Cummings, Meite, Barnett, Cech; Reid, Valero, Dorrans, Beattie, Bednar, Cox. Subs: Carson, Mattock, Olsson, Wood, Moore, Mulumbu, Martis.

Rotherham (4-4-2): Warrington, Fenton, Mills, Joseph, Green, Harrison, Tonge, Cummins, Law; Liddell, Pope. Subs: Annerson, J Taylor, Brogan, Lynch, Ellison, R Taylor, Nicholas.

Ref: G Hegley (Herts).

Albion sign Chile International Gonzalo Jara

Albion have opened the cheque book yet again to the value of £1.4M to snap up versatile Chilean Gonzalo Jara. The ex Colo Colo defender, has signed a 3 year deal with the club keeping an option of a further year.

Di Matteo was quoted as saying “Gonzalo is an exciting, quick, technical and aggressive player,”  this will be welcome news from the Albion faithful.

The club scouting system has tracked Jara for 14 months and Di Matteo seemed happy to take him on board. At 5’ 10” he is not the tallest player on the books, however, comes with a good record. Jara, who has captained his country, has played at both full back and centre back, he has helped Chile move within easy reach of qualification for next year’s World Cup. Jara, who can also play as a holding midfielder, has scored on numerous occasions for both club and country.

Greening leaves, Carson gets armband.

Jonathan Greening has signed for Fulham as expected leaving Di Matteo the chance to pick his own club captain. Robbie has chosen young keeper Scott Carson as captain with Jonas Olsson taking the vice captains role.

Greening Joins Fulham on a year long loan with a view to a permanent deal, the £1.25 million that Albion paid Middleborough for him will be recovered in what is expected to be a £2m plus deal. A great servant to the club for some 5 years, Greening was part of the “Great Escape” squad and also has a Championship medal to boot.

Ipswich Albion team news.

Di Matteo is forced in to 1 change for the home tie with Ipswich Town, with Koren recalled to replace the suspended Dorrans. Cummings and Mattock are poised to make their home debuts to face Roy Keanes Portman Road outfit in what looks like an easy game for the Baggies.

Albion (4-4-2): Carson, Cummings, Martis, Olsson, Mattock, Brunt, Koren, Mulumbu, Cech, Moore, Wood. Subs: Kiely, Beattie, Barnett, Cox, Reid, Thomas, Valero.

Ipswich (4-4-2): R Wright; Bruce, D Wright, Balkestein, Garvan, Walters, Smith, Trotter, Martin, Stead, Wickham. Subs: Lee-Barrett, Upson, McAuley, Counago, Priskin, Colback, Quinn.

Ref: S Tanner (Somerset).

Peterborough 0 West Brom 1 Match Highlights

Albion could have gone either way tonight, missing club captain Greening, was an uninjured absentee, making it look like he was on his way out of the club. They could have easily been expected to be subdued by this news, however, by the 41^st minute it looked like Albion were cruising to yet another victory when Chris Brunt made it 3 nil. In the end Albion were lucky to hang on, however, a determined show by the visitors without the regular club captain saved the day.

After 3 minutes, a weak but on target shot slid under the squirming Posh keeper, giving Luke Moore the opening goal. By 15 minutes Albion were dominating and Posh changed tactics by going on the offensive, this seemed to be working quite well until Albion launched a counter attack. Chris Wood fed a ball through to Luke Moore whose 12 yard shot hit the back of the net. That put posh back on the defensive as the Albion launched attack after attack culminating in a mazy right wing run by young loan player Cummings, his cross was met by Brunt who made no mistakes. Three nil and game set and match it seemed.

Posh were not giving up and continued battling right up to the stroke of half time, when they got the goal they probably deserved. Mackail-Smith found the right position to head home from a Shaun Batt cross. This gave hope to the home side and meant that an interesting second half was on the cards.

Posh started the stronger side after the break and soon got their reward when McLean beat Jonas Olsson to slot in a short range effort. Albion were now clearly going to be under pressure for the remaining 30 odd minutes and posh appeared to have got level when their goal was disallowed for a foul on Albion keeper Carson. This prompted Albion in to a little work and they nearly scored another when Moore should have had his hatrick but was denied by Lewis in the Posh goal.

Albion managed to hang on to victory which was soured by Dorrans injury time sending off, his foul on Charlie Lee was terrible and not needed.

Peterborough Albion team news

Loan signing Shaun Cummings is handed his Albion debut as he comes straight in for the injured Gianni Zuiverloon at right-back who has an injured hamstring. There are 2 further changes to the team that beat Forest, these see Marek Cech and Chris Wood returning to replace Koren and Greening. Koren drops to the bench, however, Greening is off the team sheet altogether fuelling speculation of an imminent move.

Scott Carson gets the captains armband for the night, although this could prove permanent if rumours are to be believed.

Peterborough (4-4-2): Lewis, Lee, Morgan, Zakuani, Williams, Batt, Diagouraga, Coutts, Boyd; Mclean, Mackail-Smith. Subs: McKeown, Martin, Frecklington, Keates, Rowe, Pearce, Green.

Albion (4-4-2): Carson, Cummings, Martis, Olsson, Mattock, Brunt, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Cech, Moore, Wood. Subs: Kiely, Barnett, Koren, Beattie, Thomas, Reid, Cox.

Ref: G Horwood (Beds).

Albions Roman Bednar returns to first team.

After a police caution and a 3 month ban by the FA, the Albion have now concluded their own internal investigation. Albion have handed out the largest fine allowed by the club and decided that coupled with the other punishments Bednar should be allowed back to the team with a clean slate.

From the very beginning Bednar has shown much remorse and cooperated fully with both the police and the FA, he has expressed a wish to be given a chance to make up to the club and fans. Roman has also volunteered to assist the FA in promoting their Drug Education programme and has pledged to give his own time and money to help set up a special Drug Education Module as part of the Albion Foundation’s Kickz programme.

Forest 0 West Brom 1 Match Highlights

Former Albion favourite Robbie Earnshaw let the Albion of the hook when firing a 78^th minute penalty well wide, the penalty looked like securing a point for Forest until the sad effort ended up in the crowd.

Chris Cohen’s 52nd-minute own goal was more than the Albion could score, however, ultimately good enough to secure all 3 points. Brunt’s 4^th minute free kick was tipped wide by the forest keeper in what looked a very promising start to the first away game of the Albion’s campaign.

3100 plus Albion fans went home happy after doing enough to win, although the latter stages of the game proved to be owned by a rampant forest. Luckily Carson and Olsson proved to be good enough to defy the Forest efforts. Cohen had been unnerved enough by Moore, whom missed getting on the end of a Greening cross, Cohen finally managed to get a touch on the ball with his knee, this catapulted the ball in to the back of the net.

Forest will feel aggrieved at the result as they were by far the better team, although, even with 5 agonising minutes of added time at the end of the second period did not result in them getting the breakthrough that they seemed to deserve. As shown by the 6 bookings, this was a very hard fought derby game with all the usual ingredients.

Forest (4-4-2): Camp, Gunter, Morgan, Lynch, Cohen, Anderson (Earnshaw 66), Majewski (McGugan 55), McKenna, Tyson; Garner, Adebola (Blackstock 73). Subs not used: Smith, McGoldrick, Davies, Mitchell

Albion (4-4-1-1): Carson, Zuiverloon (Barnett 71), Martis, Olsson, Mattock, Brunt (Cech 74), Greening, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Koren (Beattie HT); Moore. Subs not used: Kiely, Cox, Wood, Reid

Goals: Albion – Cohen (og 52)

Bookings: Forest, McKenna (dissent 52), Garner (dissent 76). Albion, Zuiverloon (handball 56), Moore (foul 58), Martis (foul 68), Carson (unsporting behaviour 76)

Ref: K Stroud (Hants)

Attendance: 22,795

Forest Albion team news

Graham Dorrans gets his first start of the championship season as Di Matteo makes two changes to the side that produced a 1-1 draw with Newcastle on opening day. A change in formation sees Chris Wood drop to the bench after Tuesdays Carling Cup victory, with Joe Mattock making his league debut for the Baggies as he comes in at left-back for Cech, after his late return from international duty.

Forest (4-4-2): Camp, Gunter, Morgan, Lynch, Cohen, Anderson, Majewski, McKenna, Tyson, Garner, Adebola. Subs: Smith, McGugan, Earnshaw, McGoldrick, Davies, Blackstock, Mitchell.

Albion (4-4-1-1): Carson, Zuiverloon, Martis, Olsson, Mattock, Brunt, Greening, Mulumbu, Koren; Dorrans, Moore. Subs: Kiely, Cox, Barnett, Wood, Cech, Beattie, Reid.

Ref: K Stroud (Hampshire).

Albion sign Jerome Thomas.

Albion’s 5^th summer signing comes in the form of 26 year old free agent Jerome Thomas. The pacey player made his name with a 3 year premiership spell at Charlton before returning to the premiership last season when Harry Redknapp took him to Pompey.

Released by Pompey in June after an early season back injury ruled him out for the rest of the season, Thomas became a free agent who had until now been overlooked. He started his career before joining Arsenal at 18, where he won an FA Youth cup medal. He also played for England at under 19, 20 and 21 levels, with 2 caps for the latter. The right footed Left winger has scored a total of 10 career goals.

Bednar 3 month ban – but good news.

The FA have imposed a 3 month ban on Roman Bednar after he admitted possession and use of a prohibited substance, breaching FA Rule E25. He was summonsed to report to Derby County this afternoon following the allegations made in the News Of The World earlier in the year.

Luckily for Bednar the suspension has been backdated to the day Albion suspended him, meaning that it could have been a shrewd move by the Baggies. Albion now intend to complete their own internal investigation over the coming days and will decide on the strikers future. Should the Albion forgive and forget, Bednar will be eligible to rejoin the squad for training and match action immediately. The striker has continued to train with the Albion all this time, with permission from the FA on the basis that it was away from the rest of the squad and that he trained alone.

Di Matteos first win at the helm

A potential is how some parts were portraying Albion’s foray into the Carling Cup at Gigg Lane, however, goals by Graham Dorrans, his first ever for the Baggies and a Craig Beattie deflected shot soon put paid to that idea.

After only 3 minutes the predictions could have been confirmed when Danny Carlton dived at a Jones freekick narrowly placing his header over the bar when Kiely was in no position to stop it at all. Teixeira pounced on a loose ball when Paul Scott made a mistake surging into the box, only to be stopped by Ben Futcher with a very strong tackle. Luckily for the Albion the ball ran kindly for Dorrans, who kept his cool to hit home his first-ever Albion goal from just 12 yards.

4 minutes later Cox burst into life and showed his strength to easily beat his marker before launching a 25-yard effort straight at Bury keeper Wayne Brown. Reid and Gianni Zuiverloon worked well together when Reid was fed by Beattie, Reid fed it through to Zuiverloon who hammered just over the bar from 20 odd yards.

Cox saw a tap in to an empty net disallowed just before a deflected shot by Beattie hit the back of the net of Burry’s Jones in the 25^th minute. End to end football pursued until half time, however, Albion never looked like loosing their lead.

The second half produced a different story with endless Bury chances including a disallowed goal, however, the final action was when Dorrans flashed a long shot just wide of the post.

Bury (4-4-2): Brown, Scott, Futcher, Sodje, Buchanan; Racchi (Johnson 60), Dawson, Barry-Murphy (Baker 55), Jones, Carlton (Rouse 30), Lowe. Subs not used: Belford, Creswell, Patel.

Albion (4-4-2): Kiely, Zuiverloon, Barnett, Olsson, Mattock, Teixeira, Martis, Dorrans, Reid; Cox (Wood 80), Beattie. Subs not used: Carson, Greening, Valero, Moore, Samuels, Knight.

Goals: Albion, Dorrans (5), Beattie (25)

Bookings: Bury, Dawson (foul 81). Albion: Reid (foul 61)

Ref: R Shoebridge (Derby)

Attendance: 3,077

Bury V Albion team news

8 changes are penned on the team sheet for the visit to Gigg Lane in the Carling Cup first round game. Joe Mattock, Reuben Reid and Simon Cox are all handed their full Baggies debuts, with Kiely returning to the first team at his old club.

Leon Barnett, Filipe Teixeira and Craig Beattie all make their first appearances of the season and Graham Dorrans is to be promoted from the bench. Some of the changes are forced, with Chris Brunt, Robert Koren, Youssouf Mulumbu and Marek Cech all away on international duty. Other changes are by choice of the manager, which is always a better sign.

Martis is moved forward to replace a benched Greening and Olsson takes the armband.

BURY (4-4-2): Brown; Scott, Futcher, Sodje, Buchanan; Racchi, Dawson, Barry-Murphy, Jones; Carlton, Lowe. Subs: Belford (gk), Johnson, Creswell, Baker, Rouse, Patel.

ALBION (4-4-2): Kiely; Zuiverloon, Barnett, Olsson, Mattock; Teixeira, Martis, Dorrans, Reid; Cox, Beattie. Subs: Carson (gk), Greening, Valero, Wood, Moore, Samuels, Knight.

REFEREE: R Shoebridge (Derbyshire).

Albion sign Leicester starlet Mattock

Albion have added to their defensive strength by Signing highly rated left back Joe Mattock. The 19 year old has signed a 3 year deal with an option on an extra year from Midlands rivals Leicester City.

Mattock has 5 under 21 caps with England and can also play on the left in midfield if required.

Wood starts in opener versus Newcastle.

Young New Zealander Chris Wood has been handed his debut on the opening day of the season, reinforcing how much confidence Di Matteo has in the youngster. He will partner Luke Moore up front. £1.9 million signing  Simon Cox has to be satisfied with a place on the bench, whilst Chris Brunt has recovered enough to secure a starting place. Also starting is Robert Koren and a seat on the bench is reserved for new signing Reuben Reid.

Newcastle caretaker manager has chosen a familiar line up to last seasons premiership team so Albion will not be faced with any surprises.

West Bromwich Albion(4-4-2): Carson, Zuiverloon, Martis, Olsson, Cech, Brunt, Mulumbu, Greening, Koren, Moore, Wood. Subs: Kiely, Cox, Beattie, Teixeira, Reid, Barnett, Dorrans.

Newcastle United (4-4-2): Harper, R Taylor, S Taylor, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Nolan, Smith, Duff, Carroll, Ameobi. Subs: Krul, Barton, Xisco, Geremi, Lualua, Kadar, Ranger.

REFEREE: M Dean

Newcastle team news

Chris Brunt will need a late fitness test for Saturday’s Coca-Cola Championship opener which sees Newcastle visit the Hawthorns.

Last season’s top scorer has suffered a thigh injury during pre season training and has been sat out for a few days. Robert Koren will be available after he returned home to Slovakia for the birth of his son last week.

Players that Albion will definitely be without include James Morrison who has a heel injury, Ishmael Miller and Neil Clement who are both suffering with dodgy knees and Roman Bednar who is still suspended whilst the FA probe the drugs scandal surrounding him.

Labadie rejoins Shrews

JOSS Labadie has rejoined League Two Shrewsbury on loan until January 2010.

Although West Brom are keeping an option to recall the 18-year-old midfielder after the first 28 days of his Prostar Stadium spell, they are unlikely to be using the option. Joss signed a new 1 year contract, with a further 1 year option at the clubs discretion and will be looking for a more successful season after last terms early finish. A metatarsal injury ended his loan spell with the Shrews after just 1 game and the Croydon reared youngster will be hoping for much better season in 2009/10.

Another youngster, David Worrall is heading back to his footballing roots by rejoining his first club, Bury. Worrall will go on loan with Bury to gain more first team experience. At19, the midfielder has not shown enough about himself to become a regular at the Hawthorns, so back to Gigg Lane he heads for at least a month and possibly the season.

Albion signed Worrall from Bury for an initial £50,000 fee in March 07. He had loan spells at both Accrington Stanley and Shrewsbury last season, but the Albion, however, will not allow him to play for Bury in next weeks Carling Cup.

Further Albion signings imminent?

ROBERTO Di Matteo welcomed another, his third fresh face, to The Hawthorns on Friday night after the Baggies signed the fast Rotherham wideman Reuben Reid.

Di Matteo has not put on record the fact that further new arrivals, before Saturday’s Coca-Cola Championship curtain-raiser at home to Newcastle (ko 3pm) will not be coming in. He has, however, hinted that further new faces may be coming inwards before the big KO. It is thought that there are plenty of on going discussions to bring in cover for positions that Robbie feels are weakly represented in the squad. As usual, lips are tightly sealed at the Hawthorns about any transfer targets and what moves are being made, this is typical of how the club like to conduct business.

Now that pre season friendly’s are over it is likely that any new faces will not be getting a place on the team sheet for the opener, however, they will need to be proving themselves in training.

RIP Sir Bobby Robson

Sir Bobby Robson, the former England manager, has died aged 76.

The national team’s most successful manager since 1966, he was best-loved for guiding England to the World Cup semi final in 1990.

Robson began his football career while still at school in Langley Park, Durham. He signed with Fulham in 1950 and went on to play for West Bromwich Albion and England. However, he was better known as a coach, managing Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, PC Porto and Newcastle United. He was voted European manager of the year in 1997.

Robson made 20 appearances for the England team himself after making his debut in 1957. He played for Fulham and West Bromwich Albion.

Perhaps this will be a welcomed release from the pains and stress of the cancer that had attacked this great sporting legend? Instead of suffering when the season starts, Sir Bobby will be able to gaze down from heaven and enjoy the game that he has added to so much.

To a great sporting legend, arguably the best England manager ever there was and a great footballer too …

To the man that touched so many and gave more to the football world than he could ever have expected to have gained …

To the gentleman that you were …

We say to you Sir Bobby Robson – “Thanks for everything, not least the memories, thank you your distinguished career that gave so much to so many and thank you for being a gentleman right to the very end. God Bless You Sir and may you rest in peace.”

Bombers Eternal Star

TONY Brown seemed humbled as he looked at his star in the pavement of Broad Street. Having been a unanimous choice of Baggies fans in an online poll run by Broad Street Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with the Albion last season.

‘Bomber’s’ star is now eternally in place on Birmingham’s Broad Street, taking pride of place outside Deutsche Bank. After a slap up lunch in Cielos of Brindley Place he viewed his star for the very first time, joining the likes of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, comedian Jasper Carrott and glam rocker Noddy Holder on the Walk of Starroad street, walk of starss.

DO-HEON Kim returns to Korea

Making on 26 first team appearances for the Albion since joining on a loan deal in December 2007, Kim Do-Heon has struggled to break in to the team and finally returned to his home country of Korea. Having cost West Brom half a million when his loan deal went permanent the following summer after a promotion clinching goal at QPR, Do-Heon has been a net loss of some £140,000 for the Albion.

Suwon Bluewings have snapped him up for a conservative £360,000 figure, giving him a return to the K-League club.

The 27-year-old midfielder arrived at The Hawthorns with an excellent pedigree when signed from Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma but was used little too allow him to adjust to the Coca Cola Championship.

After sustaining a medial knee ligament injury at Middlesbrough in September 2008 he made even less appearances with his last of the total 26 coming as sub in the final game of last season at Blackburn.

Bednar gets to keep squad number.

Suspended striker Roman Bednar has been allowed to keep his squad number for the coming season and is also back at the clubs training ground.

The club are allowing him to train at the clubs facilities although he is still not allowed contact with his team mates, this is to allow him to stay fit whilst awaiting the outcome of the FA inquiry.

Albion have only allowed him the training facilities after the FA cleared Bednar to train at the club on the provision that he does so only when the rest of the team are not present. An FA inquiry is under way to look at the facts surrounding a News Of The World sting that appears to show him purchasing a large quantity of cocaine outside his house. Bednar has always stressed that it was not for his own use, however, it remains to be seen how the FA will find.

The very fact that the Albion are allowing him these facilities and continuing to give him a squad number could be a sign that they are prepared to give him a second chance, however, they may well be thinking that he will be far more valuable to sell if 100% fit.

West Brom squad list for 2009/10 announced

Simon Cox the new £1.9million striker has been given the No.31 shirt and Jonas Olsson has moved from 26 to number 3 taking Paul Robinsons old jersey.

17 year old New Zealand international Chris Wood and Youssouf Mulumbu, ex  Paris Saint-Germain player have been given 15 and 21 respectively.

Joss Labadie (25), David Worrall (29), Paul Downing (30), Lateef Elford-Alliyu (32), Dwayne Samuels (33), Josh Knight (34) and Romaine Sawyers (35) are all youngsters that have been granted a senior shirt.

Posh and Forest ticket sales

Tickets for Albions trip to Peterborough Utd on Tue 18th August were supposed to go on sale to away season ticket holders on Monday. Due to posh not yet sending the tickets out this has now been delayed indefinitely.

Albion’s Coca-Cola Championship trip to Nottingham Forest on Sat August 15th will go on sale to away season ticket holder on Monday as originally planned. An allocation of 2,200 will probably mean that this game will be a sell out. Supporters can pay on the gate should there be any tickets left, however, a surcharge of £2 will be applied.

Tickets will go on sale to home season ticket holders on the internet on Wednesday, July 29, to home season ticket holders in person and on the phone on Saturday, August 1, to members on Thursday, August 6 and, subject to availability, on general sale on Monday, August 10.

Seats for the City Ground clash are priced as follows, £28 adults, £20 seniors, £12 for students (with ID) and under 18s, with the price of £6 for under 12s.

Albions new Umbro away kit goes on sale tomorrow at the club shop and the Merry Hill store too. Prices start at £29.99 for infants with the adult version at £39.99. 

Albion – A new beginning

It seems like a new beginning at the hawthorns of late, players are finding that they can stake their claim from a level surface, Di matteo is looking only at present performances as he has no past ones to gauge from. The only past he seems to be taking into account is the fact the he was in a Chelsea side that saw Neil Clemence emerging through the ranks, Di Matteo has been quoted as saying that Clem “will be like a new signing”, that “he could be a very good player for us”.

Luke Moore it appears is right at the top of the strikers list training hard and performing well, seems he may have a very big part to play this season. With Miller in need of a few months to get back to full fitness and Bednar an uncertain quantity after his drugs scandal, Luke Moore can certainly capitalise on the situation.

In defence Dwayne Samuels seems to have captured interest, although quite young he has shown that he certainly has a good future ahead of him. Marek Cech, also a left back has not faired so well it seems as Di Matteo has stressed that he may need to look elsewhere to replace Paul Robinson who left to join Gary Megsons Bolton.

John Hartson Seriously ill

Tonight John Hartson is seriously ill in hospital after brain surgery.

John was diagnosed with testicular cancer only days ago after complaining of headaches, the cancer has been found to have spread to his body and brain.

Although John did not make an impact at the Hawthorns, players and staff alike have stressed their upset and expressed their best wishes to both John and his family. John, who began his career with Luton Town before becoming Britain’s most expensive teenager after a £2.5million move to Arsenal in January 1995, also played at West Ham, Wimbledon and Coventry before he joined Albion from Celtic in 2006. He played 24 games at the Albion, scoring six goals before he retired in February last year.

Top 5 candiates for captain

With all the speculation surrounding the imminent transfer of Johnathan Greening, the current club captain, it will be no surprise if we see a replacement whether Jonno stays or not. We look at our top 5 candidates for the job come the opening day of the new Championship season.

The oldest player on the books at the Hawthorns is without doubt Dean Kiely and if he has a place in Roberto Di Matteos plans, this added to the fact that he is a keeper must make him a possibility for the role of club captain for at least a season. Taking in to account that there are very few established players with age and character currently at the Hawthorns, Di Matteo may use Kiely as a guiding light for the younger players, Kiely can certainly boast experience both at club an country levels. He may be just the man to bring stability to the team, if young Carson makes many more mistakes Kiely must certainly be inline to reclaim his number 1 spot too.

Iglesias Borja Valero the ex real Madrid player and Albions record transfer has to be in with a chance of claiming the captains armband. After strengthening up in the premiership last season, this technically gifted player will no doubt be a regular on the team sheet every Saturday afternoon. Having played alongside Beckham he will have lots to offer the team and although still quite young, he has without  doubt the credentials for the job.

Robert Koren at 29 and a regular in the blue and white stripes, has age and longevity in his favour and must surely be on Di Matteos list for the possible captains vacancy. As Slovenian national captain he is would not be new to a captains armband. His versatility and obvious love for the club must make him our favourite to replace Jonathan Greening, missing only 4 games last season, he will likely be one of the names on 90% of team sheets this season.

At 6ft4in the left-sided centre-half Jonas Olsson can certainly be classed as big and bold enough for the job, as a centre half  he is positioned perfectly on the pitch for being selected as captain too! His age may be against him and a little lack of the English language could also prove to be a reason why he would not be chosen for the role.

As existing club captain and still a player presently, Jonathan Greening has to be on the list. He has expressed a willingness to stay should a suitable deal be agreed, however, will Di Matteo be willing to trust the captaincy to a player who cannot be 100% happy at the club.

A new West Bromwich Albion news and blog site

Westbromblog.co.uk where i will be aiming to keep you up to date with news and events from the Hawthorns

Read more...