Posts Tagged ‘di matteo’

Tamas, Valero and Dorrans futures in the spotlight

Although Albion are flying high and Tamas has made a great impression at the Hawthorns, Di Matteo is not guaranteeing that he will be making the loan a permanent deal.

“He’s been very good for us,” said the Albion manager.

“He’s brought a bit of experience, composure and calmness.

“He’s been a good loan player in that position for us.

“He played in the 2008 Euros for Romania and I saw him because they were in same group as Italy and France.

“I wasn’t particularly looking at him – but I do remember him.

“It’s too early to say whether we will sign him.

“We have an option and we’ll see towards the end of the season.

“We will sit down with his agent and see what we can do.”

There is of course no rush as Albion have an agreement to buy the player at the end of the season for £800,000 should they decide too, they have no need to rush and can have him if they want.

Di Matteo has also today spoken of Borja Valero and the possibility of him returning to the Hawthorns this summer.

The Midfielder returned to Real Mallorca for a season long loan and is having a great season, however, although Real have an option to buy the Albions most expensive ever player, they may not be able to raise the money. Di Matteo is well aware of how well Valero is playing this season, however, is also under no illusions that Spanish La Liga football probably suits him better than the English game.

“Borja is doing very well in Spain with Real Mallorca,” said Di Matteo.

“They’re in a great position.

“It’s a season-long loan so at the end of that we will sit down and have a discussion.

“Spanish football probably suits him a bit better than English football.

“I can see the qualities he has.

“It doesn’t surprise me that he’s doing so well in Spain because technically he’s a fine player.

“I’m not shutting the door on anybody.”

On the home front, however, 2nd best player outside of the Premiership, Graham Dorrans is considering his own options. He is not proven in the Premiership and says that he would rather prove himself at the higher level with the Albion. Thus suggesting that the young Scottish international will be with the Albion until at least the January transfer window should the Albion gain promotion.

Dorrans was just pipped to the post midweek in the FA player of the year awards, losing out to only Newcastle’s Kevin Nolan.

Swansea West Brom preview.

The Albion will be missing Bednar and Reid for tonights trip to Swansea and may also be missing Ishmael Miller in what is one of the most important games of the Championship run in for both the Albion and Swansea.

This clash between 2nd and 4th in the table is an all important game for both as it represents a possible last chance for Swansea to make the guaranteed promotion spot as well as representing the chance to allow Albion to make the gap quite daunting for both Swansea and Forest.

Swansea City have captain Garry Monk returning to the squad to give them a boost, when the top scoring team of the championship vitit the lowest scoring team. Returning from a calf injury, the captain joins Nathan Dyer as a returnee to the team after he too has recovered from an ankle injury.

Albion may be hoping for a return to the team for Shefki Kuqi as otherwise ex Albion striker Craig Beattie will be starting and he has already scored against his old club once this season.

Roman Bednar who only recovered a few days ago now has a thigh injury picked up in training and Steven Reid suffered a groin injury in the home win over Blackpool. Winger Jerome Thomas has failed to recover from his hamstring injury so he too will be missing once again.

Gianni Zuiverloon could be making a return tonight after being missing for a few weeks after 2 or 3 bad mistakes in previous back to back games. He will likely joined by another player who was missing recently, Luke Moore has now recovered from last weeks bout of flu. Di Matteo is hoping that the break has given Zuiverloon the rest he needed to regain his form.

“Yes, Gianni’s in contention for tonight,” said the head coach.

“I haven’t made my mind up yet but there is a possibility for Gianni to be back in the team.

“He wasn’t going through a good patch of form and it was affecting the team a little bit as well, so that’s why I left him out for a short while.

“Usually, a little break helps with some training.

“You can pick yourself up and we’ve also spoken to him.

“We’ll see how he goes.”

Although this clash is the top v bottom scoring teams, Swansea have one of the most water tight defences in the Championship having conceded only 9 goals at home. When you look at how many of the Albions goal scorers are missing tonight you could easily expect the possibility of Swansea being the first to do the double over the Albion this season.

Will Albion be the third team to win at Swansea this season? The stats are against this and are shown in the odds. Swansea are 6-4 with Sky and Albion slight outsiders at 7-4, the draw being 12-5 which West Brom Blog feel is good value. After offering the winning bet for Saturdays game where we suggested over 2.5 goals you may fancy following us tonight where we expext a goaless draw or possibly a single goal victory either way. This in mind it may be worth placing sensible money on under 2.5 goals which is 5-7 with Betfair or no goals at half time which is 7-4 with Betfair.

If you want to place your bet at Betfair we have a special free £25 bet on offer there so head down to Betfair now.

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 preview and betting advice

Albion are considering giving Ishmail Miller his first start for over 14 months, he has made appearances but not started a game since his 13 month long injury lay off with a knee ligament injury. Miller has played in 5 games since recovering and suffered an injured ankle in between too, however, Roberto Di Matteo is considering giving him a start, although he has confirmed it will not be for the full 90 minutes.

“He just needs to work hard in training and get some minutes in the games,” said the Baggies boss.

“I don’t think he’s ready yet to last 90 minutes but at some point I’d like to throw him into the cold water and start him.

“It’s down to him.

“It depends how his attitude is and how much he wants to get that start.”

James Morrison has played 222 minutes in four games after his return from nearly a year out with a heel problem and has shown excellent promise along with being the difference between winning and sharing the points.

“I am a little surprised by how many minutes Mozza has played since returning,” he added.

“He’s not 100 per cent match fit or on top of his form yet but just the fact he’s in the team is important.

“With him the team always has a player who wants the ball and can create a chance for us or has the final pass.

“I think he will get better game after game.

“But we also have to monitor him because playing too many games in a short period of time might increase the risk of getting an injury.”

The return fixture was a 5 goal affair with Graham Dorrans scoring an 83rd minute winner at the Tangerines by way of a penalty. Blackpool are now 7th in the table, aiming for the play offs and play a very attacking game, therefore tommorows game could be quite an open affair, something Di Matteo relishes. Albion have managed a massive 84 goals this season and there is no reason why they cannot complete yet another double of the season, beating Blackpool would be 5th double of the season.

“For the neutral the last game with Blackpool was a good game to watch because there was action and goalscoring opportunities,” said the Albion boss.

“I like the way they play.

“They try to play football and play the right way.

“They create a lot of chances and have a lot of attempts on goal.

“They also give you chances as well and let’s hope they’re going to play like that when they come on Saturday, and it’s going to be an open game rather than one team trying to be positive and the other being destructive or defensive.

“I said earlier in the season they have been the surprise team this year because they have done extremely well, in my opinion.

“It’s nice to see the way they play as well.”

Albion join forces with all 72 Football League Clubs in a united week of action to raise awareness and vital funds for Help for Heroes – The Football League’s Official Charity Partner for the 2009/10 season.

Football for Heroes week is taking place from March 6-14 and showing The Football League’s support for the efforts of our Armed Forces.

The Baggies are holding their ‘Football for Heroes‘ game this weekend.

Captain Scott Carson said: “The Football League could not have picked a more worthwhile cause for its official charity.

“There’s always a lot of talk about footballers being heroes and role models.

“But the real heroes are those who go off to serve their country in the military and who have to deal with the consequences.

“It’s a very humbling experience to think we can do something, however small, to promote their cause so all the players will be delighted to play their part on Saturday.

“The charity does a lot of great work to rehabilitate members of the British Armed Forces injured in the line of duty.

“It’s easy to forget that the troops that do get hurt while fighting for the country have to get on with their lives once they return home, and any support that any of us can give them is extremely important.”

Albion and Blackpool will come out of the the players’ tunnel led by a Help for Heroes banner.

Albion have invited uniformed soldiers from West Bromwich to attend the game as VIP guests and they will form a guard of honour as the players emerge from the tunnel.

Baggies head coach Roberto Di Matteo and Blackpool boss Ian Holloway will wear Help for Heroes wristbands during the game.

Albion’s players have signed two Football League Help for Heroes balls, which will be auctioned off for the charity at a later date.

Lord Mawhinney, Chairman of The Football League, said: “The contribution being made by our armed forces around the world is both outstanding and humbling.

“As a nation, we seldom thank them enough for the sacrifices they make.

“The Football for Heroes week will provide an excellent opportunity for supporters to show their appreciation for the work they do.”

So all in all the game promises to be a cracker and have much to offer besides. Where will the sensible money be on this game?

Well the bet of the day has to be a toss up between over 2.5 goals and an Albion victory outright.

You can find all the best prices on every market here on our All Best WBA Match Odds

Nouble Off whilst Koren and Barnes Speak out.

Roman Bednar is fighting hard to get fit in time for the visit of Blackpool to the Hawthorns, whilst Jerome Thomas is a major doubt with a hamstring injury suffered during the Owls game midweek.

Bednar has been missing from the Baggies team for 3 games with to a groin injury but could just make it to face Ian Holloway’s men if he comes through training tomorrow.

“We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see if Roman is okay,” said Di Matteo.

“If he is able to train with the team then we will include him for selection on Saturday.

“If he is not able to train then he will be out of the picture.

“Jerome Thomas is very doubtful for Saturday.

“I found out after the game he had a little problem.

“It’s not a bad injury, it’s a tight hamstring and we’ll see how it improves.”

Simon Cox is a better prognosis, he is now fit and available to play should he be called upon.

Frank Nouble has returned to West Ham after the Albion decided not to extend his loan any longer.

Giles Barnes spoke today of how he has called on his team mates to reproduce the battling sprit from the Owls victory and coast to promotion with ease.

“Everyone who comes to us has to be scrappy because they won’t beat us in a football game of out-passing us,” said Barnes.

“After about 60 to 70 minutes you know things can happen so it’s a case of riding the storm.

“I don’t think we should look at other teams, just keep getting win, win, win and not worry about other teams.

“Even when we go away people try to stop us playing football and get in our faces.

“But we proved on Tuesday we can get into people’s faces and battle.

“It’s was a massive win.

“It was massive for the whole club not just the head coach.

“If we can lock down that automatic spot then we’ll be happy.

“We have to get our professional head back on and be ready for Saturday.”

Robert Koren meanwhile issued a similiar statement when professing how he does not want to end up in the lottery of the play off’s.

Koren who scored a tremendous goal midweek to gain all 3 points for the Albion was at the club when they suffered defeat at the hands of Derby in the play off final at Wembley, he has no desire to suffer the stress or upset of that again.

“I was involved in the play-offs when I arrived at the club and my experience is not nice,” said Koren.

“I prefer the top two so hopefully we will get good results at the end of the season and stay out of the play-offs.

“The play-offs are very difficult and there is a lot of pressure on those games.

“I think we have enough quality to show in the last 11 games that we are good enough.

“We have done a great job so far and we need to stick together.

“We have our fans behind us and they are doing a great job, and on the field we have to play our part.

“Everybody needs to play a part and if we believe it as one, we can do it.”

Koren would like nothing better than to be travelling to the World Cup as a premiership player and thinks the return of long term injured players will bolster the Albion and help secure automatic promotion.

“That is one of the biggest things,” Koren added.

“We have a big squad now with good players and it’s good to see all of the injured players coming back.

“They are showing the right spirit and from the first one to the last one we need to look like a team together.

“From the first to the last everybody has to stick together as a team.

“It’s not about personal things, it doesn’t matter who is playing, we need to stick together, get the right results and reach first or second place at the end of the season.”

Cardiff West Brom Preview

Away to promotion rivals Cardiff and the Albion squad is as short as little is to large. No less than 7 first team regulars are missing and Di Matteo will be forced into yet more changes, having to draft in even more youth’ and be preying for 150% from his men.

He has included 17 yr old Academy starlets Sam Mantom and Kayleden Brown in the squad travelling to Sth Wales, drafting in 19 yr old midfielder Joss Labadie too, who has just returned from loan at Cheltenham.

Di Matteo says:

“We have shown lots of fighting spirit during the season and it’s our philosophy to never give up,”

“We will be competitive tonight, for sure, and I am 100 per cent certain that the players that go out onto the pitch will give everything they have.

“I am trying to be positive.

“We have some problems but we’ll try to cope with them.

“It’s not the end of the world and we could be worse off.

“We have shown real spirit during the season and we never give up.

“I am looking at tonight and thinking ‘interesting’!

Albion’s inaugural trip to Cardiff’s new stadium tonight, pairs the top and second top scorers together so could be a right firecracker of a game. Especially when you consider, Scott Carson was sent off and refuses to forgive Chopra. Chopra on the other hand has admitted that he will continue to provoce ugly scenes as it the only way he knows how.

Cardiff were mauled big style 2 games back by the toon, however, returned to winning ways when beating bottom half club Peterborough.

Making a return tonight must be Frank Nouble, who missed reading due to being cup tied.

“It’s fantastic to have Frank back,” added Di Matteo.

Cardiff will be looking to take a stronger grip on a play off place, whilst the Albion will be looking to break even further clear of Nott’s Forest whom they have points and a game in hand over.

X-rays showing the Chile defender Jara, has fractured a metatarsal in his right foot, he is no doubtful to play again this season. Defender Abdoulaye Meite is out with an ankle injury, while winger Andy Slory is to be missing with an achilles injury. Di Matteo will be also without Youssouf Mulumbu and Jerome Thomaswho are serving suspensions, Marek Cech with a hamstring injury, Ishmael Miller with another ankle injury and both long term injured players, James Morrison and Giles Barnes with heel and achilles injuries respectively.

So a great bet on tonight’s game could well be over on the goals market, bearing in mind the teams scoring more goals than anyone else in the division.

Sky Bet are offering you a £10 Free Matched Bet and have odds of 5/6 on over two and a half goals.

They go 6/5 on the draw and 15/8 on a Cardiff victory, however an Albion win is 11/5, now that is an excellent price considering the Albion’s away record this season.

Bet 365 are offering 5/6 on both teams to score at any point in the game. They are also offering a special too, Roman Bednar to score first in a 2 all draw is offered at 75 – 1.

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 Matteos take on Koren and Koumas …

Speaking to Sky Sports today Roberto Di Matteo stated that a line had been drawn under the Robert Koren hand shaking episode and that it was unfortunate that the agent chose to get involved.

When asked about the point made by the agent that Koren had been played out of position for 80% of the season he said:

“Perhaps the agent should become the manager here as he obviously knows more than most managers” with a wry smile on his face.

He was then asked by the Sky News reporter if Jason Koumas was on his way to the club. With a child like expression on his face, the sort that reveals he is not quite telling the truth he said:

“He is a good player”

This seems to be a sure fire pointer that Jason Koumas will surely be strutting his stuff back at the Hawthorns very soon.

Koren wanted out and probably still does …

Robert Koren’s agent has accused the club of denying the midfielder a move in January, using this as the excuse for Korens refusal to shake Di Matteos hand upon his substitution against scunthorpe.

Zoran Krneta has stated that Koren’s angry reaction when sustituted on Wednesday night was not aimed at his team mates, but a message to the head coach and club in general.

Krneta said Koren wanted to leave the Hawthorns on loan in January although Albion have always said that they had no official offers.

Di Matteo branded Koren’s actions as ‘selfish’ and claimed it showed a lack of respect for Simon Cox, who came in his place.

Krneta has been quoted as saying:

“Robert has played over 150 games for West Bromwich Albion since arriving on a free transfer. I would say that over 80 per cent of those games he has played out of position. He always gives 100 per cent on the field for his team mates. He is also captain of Slovenia and going to the World Cup.

“To not shake the manager’s hand was not a reflection on the team or the player coming on but a message to the manager, no-one else. I’m not saying what he did was right and I’m sure he will apologise. Perhaps there is a deeper issue that the manager needs to discuss with Robert.

“There were several offers in the January window, from the UK and abroad, to take Robert on loan and they were turned down.

“Perhaps Robert feels that it’s time to move on as he feels he can’t give any more than he is doing for Albion.”

Albion go top after 2 nil win

A Roman Bednar opener on 13 minutes and a Gianni Zuiverloon goal late on was enough to take the Albion to the top of the table after Derby beat Newcastle emphatically and Coventry just edged out Forest in the East – West Midlands Derby.

Scunthorpe ended up with ten men, however, they should have been playing with just 9 when Dorran’s was brought down by the last man.

The game was a scrappy affair for most of the 90 minutes and Scunthorpe could have easily got back in to it on many occasions.

A sour note on this great night was the sight of Robert Koren blanking Di Matteo when he offered his hand as Koren was subbed.

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).

Blackpool 2 West Brom 3 match highlights

For 20 minutes neither team could take the game by the horns and it was free kick after free kick for either team. By the 25th minute Blackpool took the lead with a shot from Keith Southern, this was not really showing a fair scoreline as neither team deserved the lead and one just knew that an Albion equaliser was due within minutes.

Well Roman Bednar proved this point on 29 minutes, when his shot was on target beating the keeper. The next ten minutes passed and still neither team could really say they had the advantage. It was still pretty close when on the 40th minute up popped Bednar again, his shot was again on target and beat the Tangerines keeper quite easily.

West Brom now took control and continually troubled Blackpool with endless shots and chances but the half time whistle saw them go in with just a 1 goal advantage, probably a fair scoreline considering how close the first 40 minutes had been.

Anwele Story came on for Jerome Thomas on 53 minutes and Albion continued to control the game, it was only time before they extended their lead even though Blackpoool were having the odd chance. On 65 minute Bednar was replaced by Miller and the Albion are still in control. The first half saw Bednar as Albions key player, however, the second half has been a star performance for Dorrans.

From around the 70th minute Blackpool start getting the upper hand and looked likely to get an equaliser, partly down to Albions nerve cracking and Blackpool’s determination in front of their home fans. On 80 minutes the equaliser came from Dobbie when Rob Edwards managed to get the ball in to the box from a throw in.

Albion fans, players and Di Matteo alike, were cursing and could have easily settled for a draw or given in completely as many team would have done to such a high flying in form team.

Blackpool were in complete control, however, when Albion managed to get on the attack in the 83rd minute, Miller was brought down in the box. Up steps Dorrans with only 1 goal out of his last 2 penalty’s. Would the Albion youngster be able to keep his nerve?

He sure did and the Albion were back in front with only 7 minutes to go.

It was cue the kitchen sink time and Blackpool certainly did so, Albion were under siege but managed to keep their nerve and run out 3 – 2 winners with all three points. This places the Baggies back in the guaranteed promotion spot.

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.