Posts Tagged ‘hawthorns’

Dorrans Penalty wins the spoils for the Baggies

West Brom moved a step closer to the Premiership after a second 5 goal thriller with Blackpool this season. This was the fifth double for the Albion of the season and a mirror of the Bloomfield Road game earlier in the season. The last game was won by a debatable penalty and the same happened at the Hawthorns this afternoon.

Charlie Adam’s scored in the 12th minute before Ishmael Miller equalised a minute later and by half time there was only one team in the game, or so it seemed.

Koren put the Baggies in front in the 53rd minute, however, the Tangerines fought back and equalised through Brett Ormerod on 72 minutes. 6 minutes later, however, Dorrans fired home another penalty and Albion held on for all 3 points.

After Blackpool opened the scoring they had another chance almost from the kick off, however, seconds later Steven Reid’s header was cleared off the line and Albion started to take control. Miller’s pace allowed him to get the better of Tangerines defender Rob Edwards and reach Chris Brunt’s pass and he put the ball through the legs Matt Gilks in to the back of the net.

Jonas Olsson had a header come back off a post but neither Reid or Miller could get the ball to score.

Giles Barnes replaced James Morrison when the teams came back out. Koren hit a 25 yards shot over the bar when Brunt was in a far better position in the 52nd minute, however, he made up for it just 80 seconds later from more or less the same position. That was the Slovenian’s second goal in 2 games.

On the hour Miller was replaced by Roman Bednar and from this point Blackpool started to get a foothold back in to the game. Miller was looking very tired and the lack of games was obviously showing through. In the 72nd minute they got their reward when Brett Ormerod headed of the underside of the bar and the ball smashed in to the back of the net from an Adams cross.

Just 6 minutes later, history repeated itself when the Albion were awarded a decisive penalty that Blackpool were very unhappy with. It was certainly no clear cut penalty, however a penalty it was and Graham Dorrans happily scored from the spot. That was more or less it, Albion closed the game down and held on to gain all 3 points.

This win saw them claw to within 4 points of Newcastle who have a game in hand, but more importantly see’s the Albion go 5 points clear of Forest who lost this afternoon, meaning Albion have their promotion chances down to their own performances now. Albion now need to do better than Forest in 10 of their 11 remaining games and they will most likely be in the premiership.

Esprit UK Sponsor Albion Shirts Again

Albion have clinched a 2nd deal with Esprit UK to have their logo on the Albion shirts for a 2nd time during the Albion Blackpool game tommorrow.

The Local firm who are owned by life long Baggies fans appeared on Albion shirts for the televised victory over Newcastle in the FA Cup.

Esprit UK, the 4th of the single shirt sponsors are the first to take a non televised game and also the first to take the option twice, others that have sponsored the shirts are Blue Square, Victor Chandler and Sbobet.

News from the Hawthorns is that they have now a shirt sponsor for every home game of the season remaining, so there is very limited opportunity to get sponsorship in this way now, short of away games and dare we say it – play off games should the club not win automatic promotion.

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.”

Bednar out, Miller and Barnes in?

Roman Bednar may well miss the trip to QPR this weekend, however, there is some great news in the fact that Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed Ishmael Miller and Giles Barnes are possible starters for the Loftus Road clash.

Bednar has a groin problem, picked up versus Reading in the cup replay and may be unfit to play. Barnes stepped up his comeback from long-term injury midweek when playing all 90 minutes of the Walsall reserves game. Miller on the other hand played for 70 minutes in the same game, a sure sign that his ankle must now be up to the job.

The returning internationals have all signed back in at the Hawthorns without a glimmer of an injury and Di Matteo had this to say:

“All the internationals will be reporting back tomorrow morning for training,” said the Hawthorns boss.

“Some are back already and some are not depending on where they’ve travelled from.

“Everyone seems to have come through the games fine.

“Roman Bednar is still injured and is doubtful for Saturday.

“Miller and Barnes played in the reserves on Tuesday night and both are in contention for Saturday.

“It’s good news.”

Michael Appleton has spoken of his surprise at Giles Barnes’ comeback from injury, the youngster on joined the Baggies last month and was still recovering from a ruptured Achilles he suffered last summer.

“I think he is ready, from my point of view and what I saw on Tuesday,” said Appleton.

“I was delighted he got 90 minutes. He looked strong at times and I knew he was quick without the ball but I didn’t realise he was that quick with the ball!

“For me he is around about ready for a place on the bench.

“Whether he gets that is a different question and one the head coach has to decide on.

“But I’m sure he will be in our thoughts on Saturday in terms of being on the bench.”

“He has probably surprised the playing staff,” the Baggies’ first-team coach added.

“But the work he has put in behind the scenes with the physios has been second to none and the physio and sports department have been working hard with him.

“They deserve to take a bit of credit because there was a lot of work he needed to do in the gym in terms of rehab and ‘prehab’ work and he did a lot of that before he even got onto the field.

“We are delighted he is at the stage he is now but I don’t think he would have been if he hadn’t done the work previously.

“He is a talented player who has been in the Premier League with Derby and he has played in some big games in the past.

“He has been to two or three clubs and had trial periods and it hasn’t worked out for him.

“Whether those clubs have been prepared to take a chance is another question.

“You would have to ask them.

“From our point of view, we recognised that he needed to do a lot of work before he even tried to kick a ball or get back on the training field or somewhere close to the first team.

“And the lad’s attitude and work rate to do all that before he even started to kick a ball was spot on – and that’s why we took a gamble on him.

“Touch wood he can stay away from injury because, if he can, we’ve got a real player on our hands.”

Watson Arrives For The Season

Wigan midfielder Ben Watson has now arrived at the Hawthorns for the rest of the season in what could be the first of a few season long loans to come.

Watson will be unable to play in the Reading FA Cup replay as like Nouble he is cup tied, however, will be available for the visit of Derby on Saturday.

Baggies head coach Roberto Di Matteo said: “Having lost Gonzalo Jara for the remainder of the season to injury, we have been looking to strengthen the central midfield area and we are very pleased that he has joined us.

“Ben is very good technically and is a competitive player who knows the Championship very well. He has played many times at this level and knows what is required, which should help him to hit the ground running.”

Wigan have added a clause to the loan, allowing them to recall at 24 hours notice any time after Albion play Coventry on the 24th of March.

Watson comes to the Albion after spending a good while on loan at QPR, making 16 appearances and scoring twice.

Starting his career at Crystal Palace, he debuted at the age of 17 and made 169 appearances for the South London club, scoring 18 times.

Wigan battled for the young players signature, beating Middlesbrough to land him, he cost £2 million but has only made 7 appearances.

Watson has played just 33 minutes for the Latics since ereturning from QPR in December and is raring to go.

He said: “I was called back from my loan and told I would get a chance to play at Wigan, but I’ve only played half an hour in six weeks so it has been frustrating.

“That’s not what I want. I am at an age where I need to be playing first-team football and when the chance came to come to Albion I didn’t need any persuading at all.

“It’s frustrating that I can’t play in the game tonight against Reading, but I’m cup-tied, so I will raring to go against Derby if I get a chance on Saturday.”

Dorrans Centre Of Transfer Rumours

The Sunday Mirror are claiming that Graham Dorrans will be leaving the Hawthorns this summer. Both North East teams Newcastle United and Sunderland are supposedly lining up summer offers for the young Albion Star.

They are not the only teams in the running either if the rumour mill is to be believed. Manchester City scouts were spotted at the Hawthorns last home game against Scunthorpe and seemingly keeping tabs too. Another team that will no doubt renew their interest is ex Albion chief, Tony Mowbrays Celtic, who already made enquiries in the summer. Mowbray was the architect of Dorrans move to the Hawthorns in the beginning. This saw the Albion adding an extra 12 months to the players contract which was already for 4 years with a years option, showing how keen the club are to hold on to one of their most talented players.

It is also suggested that local rivals Villa and Birmingham are also looking to try their luck at recruiting the player, who cost as little as £100,000.

The very fact that the Albion extended the contract added to the fact that the Premiership looms on the horizon would lend the most intelligent to believe that the Albion will, be unwilling to let the player go without a struggle. Although as is the norm for the Hawthorns, money talks and the right offer could trigger a departure.

Bristol City Tickets Latest

Tickests are on sale until 4PM this afternoon and available from the club ticket office at the Hawthorns. Once 4PM passes, the only way to get in to Ashton Gate will be by using the cash only turnstile at the away end on the day.

There are only around 500 tickets left so it will be wise to consider whether travelling without a ticket is worthwhile. If all tickets sell, there will be a 2000 strong Black Country following for this televised match.

Seat prices are as follows, £25 adults, £20 seniors, £15 students and £10 juniors.

Quarter finals to be televised.

Whoever wins the replay between Albion and Reading this time next week will play either Villa or Palace on Sunday, March 7 (ko 1.45pm).

Will it be a live televised game on Sunday March 7th from the Hawthorns or the Madjeski?

All FA Cup quarter final games will be screened live on ITV1.

Here are the times and dates for each game.

Saturday, March 6

Portsmouth v Blues (ko 12.30pm)

Fulham v Bolton or Tottenham (ko 5.20pm)

Sunday, March 7

Reading or West Brom v Crystal Palace or Villa (ko 1.45pm)

Chelsea v Manchester City or Stoke (ko 4pm)

FA Cup draw may match Albion and Villa

This afternoon’s FA Cup draw see’s the possibility of the Baggies facing local rivals Aston Villa at the Hawthorns.

Still two games need to be settled, however, should Villa and Albion both progress to the quarter finals they will be paired against each other.

After an entertaining draw today, Villa need to replay against Crystal Palace and then the result of that will see them play the winners out of next Wednesday’s Albion, Reading replay.

Chelsea face Manchester City or Stoke in the quarter-finals. The reigning champions easily beat Cardiff City 4-1 yesterday to make the next round and they will host either City or the Potters, who played out a 1-1 draw at Eastlands last night.

Elsewhere, Portsmouth will face Birmingham while Fulham meet Bolton or Tottenham.

FA Cup quarter-final draw:

Chelsea v Manchester City or Stoke

Fulham v Bolton or Tottenham

Reading or West Brom v Crystal Palace or Aston Villa

Portsmouth v Birmingham

Ties to be played on the weekend of March 6 and 7.

Reading Albion preview, team news and odds detail

Reading and West Brom meet tomorrow in an all Championship FA Cup fifth round tie and Albion are not expecting anything like the easy 3 to 1 victory they had at the Hawthorns in October.

In a game where one club is struggling near the foot of the table and another club is topping the table, you would not expect the struggling club to be so expected to win. The Royals, however, have beaten top opposition including the premier giants Liverpool and also Burnley, to get thus far.

Saturday’s game at the Madejski Stadium looks likely to render the pair’s differing league fortunes irrelevant, with Reading as sure that they will get through to the quarter final as any of the other 15 teams still in the hat.

The Baggies head for the Madejski Stadium looking to book a place in the quarterers but have to get past a rejuvenated Reading team, who have only lost three times in 11 games since new head coach Brian McDermott took over and have moved within a point of Coca-Cola Championship safety.

Royals tactician is looking to mastermind another scalp en route to a place in the last eight, with Albion the team in his sight’s..

Reading will be without defender Zurab Khizanishvili, the Georgia international made his home debut in the win over Plymouth on Tuesday night but is now cup tied having played for Blackburn in the FA Cup already.

Matt Mills is available again, however, after serving a one-match ban and he should take Khizanishvili’s place in the centre of defence.

Sigurdsson, who has scored in both rounds has been out with a foot injury while Czech Republic international Matejovsky has been struggling with an abdominal injury, however, both are rumoured to be close to fitness and may play a part.

Roberto Di Matteo has to make changes again, not only because of being involved in so many games of late, however, also because of injury, cup ties and suspension issues.

Loanee Frank Nouble is ineligible for the tie having played earlier in the competition for West Ham.Then there will be others missing, striker Ishmael Miller (ankle), defender Marek Cech (hamstring), winger Jerome Thomas (suspended) and midfielders James Morrison (heel) and Giles Barnes (Achilles) all remain unavailable.

Di Matteo has also confirmed that youth team players will be on the bench for the match, with the Baggies boss possibly having his mind on Tuesday’s crunch Championship clash at Cardiff.

Young Graham Dorrans may be rested for tomorrow’s FA Cup clash at Reading, the Baggies midfielder who is on top form this season, is carrying a slight hip flex injury.

Although not serious, Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo may be tempted to give him a break, although still will be viewed in many quarters as the wrong thing to do with so many other forced changes coming.

Roberto Di Matteo said: “Graham Dorrans has been fantastic for us, also because he has been playing with a little injury in the last three weeks.

“I am aware of it and wary of it.

“You always try to think ‘maybe I can pull him off’, but it’s kind of difficult because he can be so influential for us.

“He’s got a little problem on his hip flex, which we’ll have to monitor.”

Di Matteo has some pedigree in the FA Cup, scoring in two finals for Chelsea back in 1997 and 2000.

“I’m not sure if it’s helped our league campaign but a win gives you confidence,” he added.

“Every win gives you confidence, whether it’s in the league or cup. It gives you a belief. It’s a nice habit.

“It’s a great competition the FA Cup in England. We’ve tried our best in previous games and that’s what we’ll do on Saturday – we’ll try to get through to the next round.”

Paddy Power are offering a free tenner bet for all new account’s and the odds available are 7/4 on Reading, 12/5 the draw and 7/5 on the Albion with 80 more bets available on the game.

Sky are offering 7/4 on Reading, 12/5 the draw and 6/4 on the Albion. They too are offering a free tenner bet, however, this is a tenner match bet.

Ladbrokes will give you 8/5 on either result with 12/5 the draw like elsewhere and are also offering West Brom Blog readers a free tenner too.

Bet 365 are now running a great new incentive where you can pick your own bonus and one that is far greater than before, get up to £200 as a starter with maybe more to follow. Their odds on the game are slightly different with 7/4 Reading, 6/4 Albion and 23/10 the draw.

Keep an eye out around the West Brom Blog for plenty of special offers at all the sports books and a few offers at online casinos and poker rooms.

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.”

Today’s transfer news – Koumas – Woods – Dorrans

Manchester City are appearing to be tracking Graham Dorrans and manager Roberto Mancini, it’s suggested is planning a £6million raid on the Hawthorns take the Albion midfielder to Eastland’s according to local and national media reports. The fact that the Albion added an extra year to an already valid 4 year contract recently seems to point to the fact that either he is not for sale or an over priced offer is all that will be accepted.

The Baggies are also reportedly planning an emergency loan move for Wigan midfielder and ex Albion favourite Jason Koumas. The Welshman is one of several apparently being tracked by the club as they are looking to bring in extra loan cover because it is available and the final run in may see many extra games.

Albion have not made a formal offer to Wigan for the player who made over 140 appearances for the Baggies during his five years at the Hawthorns after joining from Tranmere.

The 30 year old was a great favourite following his £2.2million move from Tranmere in 2002, although towards the end seemed rather distracted and not so bothered.

He left for Wigan in a £5.3 million transfer following the club’s failure to win promotion at Wembley after being defeated by Derby in the play off final. This was the final straw for the player who really wanted premiership football, so although probably welcomed back, he may not be received in the same way as he was the first time around, with many fans possibly not prepared to forgive and forget.

Any loan signings are likely to be delayed until the middle of next week, because any loan deals at this stage of the season can only be for for a maximum of 93 days. Therefore next Thursday is the first day Albion could bring in a player and ensure they are available for the play-off final on May 22, if that is how the Albion’s season is destined to finish.

Young Albion striker Chris Wood is on the radar for Bristol Rovers who are looking to secure their front line and as there is now plenty of cover here at the Albion, he could well go out to gain much needed experience.

Comedy Commentary from Tom Ross at the Hawthorns

Tom Ross -

“Sparrow has swopped wings again, he doesn’t half fly around the pitch, him.”

Bomber -

“OOOOOh Tom that was poor” …

When Sparrow gets booked …

Tom Ross -

“That’s a Cheep yellow card” …

Bomber -

“Tom just concentrate on the game”

West Brom Scunthorpe Preview

West Brom will be aiming to keep up the pressure on Newcastle the Championship leaders and fight of Notts Forest who are hot on their tails for the 2nd auto promotion spot to the Premiership.

The Iron come to the Hawthorns at a time when the Albion have found their form both at home and away at long last. Scunthorpe will still be smarting from the late Crystal Palace winner on Saturday, after making a break from the risky bottom of the table with 2 wins before that game. Nigel Adkins this morning confirmed that he will be without Marcus Williams and Garry Thompson for tonights game at the Hawthorns.

Left-back Williams is banned for 1 game after the sending off at Palace on Saturday, when he committed a professional foul on Kieron Djilali. Williams has a hamstring injury and will not be available for a few weeks.

West Brom will probably give fresh in the door loan signee Frank Nouble his debut in place of the 4 match banned Jerome Thomas. His arrival is designed to combat the loss of Ishmael Miller, however, he is equally capable of playing an attacking midfield position or as a winger on either side too. Andy Slory is also competing for his first start on the wing too, so it could be a toss up between the ex Feyenoord player and the ex West Ham player. It is doubtful that both will get a starting place, however, very likely that one will be on the bench and one on the pitch at the start.

Marek Cech is ruled out once again with the hamstring injury that will see him miss at least another week and a half. Jonas Olsson, Gonzalo Jara and Robert Koren will all be pressing for a recall and whilst missing at Plymouth will be in contention, as Di Matteo will likely ring changes due to the stack up of games this month.

The ever present Roman Bednar may well be a casualty tonight down to the same issue of fitness levels befa;
lling the whole team and the club have stressed how they do not want to burn out 22 year old Graham Dorran’s too.

Giles Barnes and James Morrison are both long term injury concerns and unlikely to be available until April at the earliest.

Tonight’s betting news is as you would expect favouring the Baggies and the only way to make a killing will be to choose a scorer or even a scorer and Albion win.

A Roman Bednar first goal in a 3 to nil win see’s a return of £280 for a tenner. You can get any tenner bet matched with a free tenner bet if you sign up with Sky Bet through West Brom Blog, meaning that your £10 would return £560 instead of £280, what better time than to take your free tenner bet with Sky Bet than today.

Sky are offering 2/5 for an Albion win, 10/3 on a draw and 15/2 on an unlikely Scunthorpe victory.

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.

West Ham striker Frank Nouble to sign tomorrow

News from the Hawthorns seems to confirm that Albion will be signing the powerful West Ham striker Frank Nouble on loan tomorrow once the window is open for loans.

Although signing in time for tomorrows visit of the Iron, he will unlikely make the team sheet, however, may be a possibility for the bench.

Nouble’s initial month long stay at the Albion will see him available for the matches against Cardiff, Bristol City, Derby, QPR and Sheffield Wednesday.

At 6ft 3in the player would be a great asset for the trip to Reading in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, however, as he is cup tied will be unavailable for the game.

This is certainly making full use of the emergency transfer window, as Roberto Di Matteo has lost Ishmael Miller to an ankle injury for at least two weeks along with Jerome Thomas who is banned for 4 games.

West Ham signed Nouble from Chelsea in the close season on a 5 year contract.

He made his debut versus Wolves when the Hammers won by 2 goals to nil in the opening game so should go down quite well at the Hawthorns just for this reason. He has made 8 more first team appearances since.

Nouble is not shy of goals, he has scored 2 goals 10 times whilst playing for Chelsea reserves.

Filipe Teixeira loaned out to Barnsley

Barnsley have completed a loan swoop for West Brom midfielder Filipe Teixeira with minutes to go before the transfer window closed.

The 29-year-old will initially join the Tykes on a month-long deal, but could make a permanent move.

The former Portugal U21 international is set to be out of contract at The Hawthorns in the summer and Barnsley boss Mark Robins is keen to run the rule over the talented playmaker. It is unusual for the Albion to let a players contract run down, recent years have seen departures rather than attempts to hold out to the very end.

“Filipe is technically a top, top player,” Robins told his club’s official website.

“He is a playmaker who was instrumental in helping West Brom win promotion a couple of seasons ago.

“He will come here initially for a month, but his contract is up at the end of the season and will give both parties the chance to have a much closer look at each other.

“Filipe needs to play games and if we can get him playing to the top of his ability then he will be a very, very good addition to our squad and will benefit us greatly.”

Martis exits Hawthorns on deadline day

Doncaster Rovers have signed West Bromwich Albion defender Shelton Martis for an undisclosed fee at the end of the transfer window.

Martis has returned to the Keepmoat Stadium on a permanent basis after impressing during a brief spell on loan at Rovers in the first half of last season. He scored once in five appearances for the rovers side last season and has now signed a 3 1/2 year contract to return to Doncaster.

The 27-year-old joined West Brom from Hibernian in 2007, making just 25 appearances during his time at The Hawthorns.

Previously at Darlington, the centre-half started this season as a regular in the Albion team, but he has appeared just twice as a late substitute in the Championship since early October.

West Brom land Feyenoord winger Andwele Slory

West Brom have landed Feyenoord winger Andwele Slory for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day.

Albion have been looking to sign the odd player in the January transfer window and Roberto Di Matteo has managed to get the Holland international in with hours to spare.

“Everyone knows we’ve been looking to bring in an offensive midfielder with pace and we’re delighted to have signed Andy,” the Italian told the official site.

“He can play wide or through the middle behind the striker and he’ll be a good addition to the squad.”

Slory has penned a five-month contract with the option of another year after completing a medical at the Hawthorns on Monday.

The 27-year-old, was also linked with a move to Blackburn but chose the Albion in the end and could make his Baggies debut at Blackpool on Wednesday so long as international clearance is secured.

“I am very excited to begin this new adventure,” the player told Feyenoord’s official website. “I’ve always dreamed of a foreign adventure.”

Wednesday game moved as FA Cup date set

West Broms Coca-Cola Championship home tie with Sheffield Wednesday, Saturday, February 13 has been moved to Tuesday, March 9 with a 7.45 pm K O, this is due to the Albion’s FA Cup game against Reading.

Albion’s FA Cup fifth-round trip to Reading will take place on February 13 3 pm KO.

If there is no result at Reading and the tie was to go to a replay, the replay will take place at The Hawthorns on Wednesday, February 24 7.45 KO.

Albion Newcastle FA Cup tie tickets latest

Albion are urging fans to arrive as early as possible for tomorrow’s cut price FA Cup clash with Newcastle at The Hawthorns (ko 3pm). The second game in 5 days between the clubs is expected to get a good crowd.

Although there is no shortage of tickets for the East Stand, Birmingham Road End and West Stand and the fact that tickets remain on general sale at the box office until 5pm this afternoon as well as between 9am and 3pm tomorrow if there is still availability, Albion are still issuing a cautionary warning.

Supporters are urged to leave plenty of time to buy a ticket, or collect pre-paid tickets from the East Stand box office, to ensure they get into the stadium in time for the start of the fourth-round tie.

Ticket prices in all areas have been reduced to £20 adults, £10 seniors/under-18s/students and £5 under-16s. Supporters are reminded there are no concession prices available in the West Stand.

Di Matteo dismisses Cech rumours

According to the official club site, Roberto Di Matteo has dismissed claims that Marek Cech is on his way out of the Hawthorns. He has also stressed that he will be reporting Cech’s French agent to UEFA as what he has done is obviously wrong and against the rules.

Cech who played at St James Park on Monday night has also got 14 Championship games under his belt this season and seems very much part of Di Matteo’s plans.

The rumour circulated by the French agent was that the Slovakian international was set to join French top-flight outfit Rennes. Albion and Di Matteo claim this is complete fabrication and that they have had no contact with Rennes whatsoever.

Also today, Di Matteo is reportedly still looking to bolster the squad sooner rather than later. The fact that International loans are not allowed after the end of the January transfer window seems to suggest that incoming loans will be international rather than domestic loans, which are available all season. It is unlikely that any money will be spent now, so loans are very much on the agenda.

Barnett move to be made permanent?

The Express and Star are today reporting the Albion Defender Leon Barnett is likely to make his loan move to Coventry City permanent.

They report today that “Championship club Coventry are scrabbling around in a bid to raise the funds to sign on-loan Albion defender Leon Barnett permanently”.

Leon Barnett joined the Baggies from Luton for an initial £2.5million fee in July 2007.

At 6ft 2in, he is not the biggest centre-half at the Hawthorns, however, he signed a four-year contract, plus a year’s option in the club’s favour in 2007.

After helping the Baggies win promotion to the Premier League in 2008 his price raised by a further £250,000 and a further clause could see a further £250,000 being owed for him depending on appearances. A good reason to let him go sooner rather than later maybe?

After slipping down the Hawthorns pecking order he joined Coventry City on loan until January on November 4, 2009.

West Brom draw Plymouth or Newcastle in the FA Cup 4th round

After leaving it late to run out 2 nil winners at Huddersfield in yesterdays FA cup third round game, the Albions reward is a tie against Plymouth or Newcastle at home

West Brom were ball number 6 in the draw where Frank Skinner drew the away teams.

Goals from Dorrans and young Chris Woods secured the Baggies a place in today’s FA Cup 4th round draw.

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.

Chairman hides from Di Matteo

According to a report in the Express and Star today Roberto Di Matteo is quoted as saying “I have been to see the chairman and they are hiding from me as I am asking for some money. We have targets. I am not a manager who panics and rushes into decisions”.

The full report can be found here at the Express and Star website.

So, the Premiership is within the Baggies sites yet again, however, yet again Jeremy Peace is turning into the Hawthorns very own Scrooge again. Di Matteo looks like having to get the team promoted with the existing squad even though there are obvious weaknesses and any further injuries could result in team sheet shortages.

Although Albion’s books seem to stay in the black continually, many fans are getting sick and tired of the Chairman’s frugality, which many feel is stopping the Baggies getting a settled position in the country’s top flight.

So it looks like January being a quiet month for the Baggies, apart from maybe a loan or two. All down to the chairman’s belief that the January transfer window is not party to the January sales, he is a firm believer that there are no bargains to be had at this point in the season!

Perhaps this should have been mentioned to Di Matteo in the summer?

Cider Boys defeated as easy as crushing apples

In a game that threatened to put a stop to the Albions winning run, a match that pitted one of the best form teams in the division against  a bouyant Albion, the Baggies pointed out within 12 minutes that the winning streak was to continue.

West Brom massacared Bristol City 4-1 to climb above Newcastle at the Championship summit, although the Toon have a game in hand.

Much of the damage was done inside the first 12 minutes as Jerome Thomas and Chris Brunt both fired home.

A Louis Carey own goal and Simon Cox’s second Championship goal of the season then killed off any hope Bristol City had at the start of the second half, before Paul Hartley netted a consolation in the 83rd minute.

The teams were welcomed on the pitch by very typical British autumn weather, the Black Country was awash, with rain and wind swirling around The Hawthorns. The crowd of over 23,000 were kept warm if not dry by a very entertaining match, although 3,000 of them were doomed to a sad journey back to the cider fields of Bristol.

Gianni Zuiverloon had to clear Cole Skuse’s effort off the line in the 3rd minute, but a fresh Albion side counter atacked at speed and opened the scoring at the other end just 30 seconds later.

Thomas rounded off a sweeping move as he cut in from the left before firing a fierce shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Scott Carson was forced to tip Carey’s header over the crossbar before Brunt doubled West Brom’s lead with just 12 minutes gone.

Scotland midfielder Graham Dorrans found his Northern Irish team-mate with a great throughball and he rounded Dean Gerken before firing home from an acute angle to put the home side in control.

Chances

But Carson was soon called upon to deny the lively Nicky Maynard before Dorrans himself side-footed wide from close range when he really should have put the result beyond doubt.

Chances were coming at either end as City midfielder Hartley then lashed a free-kick inches wide and, with the visitors more than holding their own, the difference at the half-time interval proved to be Albion’s ability to take their chances.

But if the game was still somewhat in the balance at the break then it was all over just two minutes after the restart.

Cox picked up the ball and sent a shot goalwards, which appeared to be going wide, until Carey stepped in to intercept and could only fire the ball into his own net.

Albion were threatening a rout as they made it 4-0 just 53 seconds later – Cox sliding in to convert Marek Cech’s cross from close range and put his name on the scoresheet.

From then on in it was a case of going through the motions for Albion, with Zuiverloon failing to pull the trigger when in a great position to make it 5-0 while Danny Haynes wasted a good chance at the other end.

But the Robins did grab a consolation in the 83rd minute through Hartley’s stunning free-kick, which deserved to be worth more.

The Albion enjoyed a series of superb performances throughout the team – Brunt, Cox, Jara and Zuiverloon were all on top of their game, helping the Albion once again pull clear of the play-off contenders.

Joe Mattock was stretchered off before the break with a foot injury and will undergo xrays this evening to find out the extent of the injury.

Todays four goals took Albion’s total to 11 in three games and sees them top of the Coca-Cola Championship scoring table with 35 from 17 games.

ALBION (4-4-2): Carson, Zuiverloon, Meite, Olsson, Mattock (Cech 30), Brunt, Jara, Dorrans (Mulumbu 57), Thomas, Moore, Cox (Koren 78). Subs not used: Kiely, Wood, Martis, Teixeira.

CITY (3-5-2): Gerken, Carey, McCombe, Nyatanga, Skuse, Elliott (Johnson 78), Sno (Clarkson 78), Hartley, McAllister (Williams 17), Maynard, Haynes. Subs not used: Basso, Fontaine, Sproule, Saborio.

GOALS: ALBION – Thomas (3), Brunt (12), Cox (46, 48). CITY – Hartley (83).

BOOKINGS: ALBION – Cox (simulation 78).

Ref: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).

ATTENDANCE: 23,444.

Koren may be allowed an exit – Di Matteo

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo today revealed that he may have to let unsettled midfielder Robert Koren leave The Hawthorns in January.

Although Robbie is keen to keep the Slovenia captain in his squad, he admitted he can understand Koren’s frustration over a lack of first-team action.

Captain of his national team and at an age where first team football matters Koren is not being unfair in his request for a transfer.

Koren is losing ground in the race for the team sheet, even to young midfielder Dorrans and has stated in interview that he is not happy playing as a wide player either, which is where most of his Albion outings have found him.

He also stated in the interview that his agent has been in touch with the Albion management over the possibility of a move. Interest from the Premier League is imminent without doubt, expected interest will come from Bolton, Fulham and Birmingham. Fulham are likely to be in the front of the running as Zoltan Gera’s move to Craven Cottage was arranged by the same agents that manage Koren. Tony Mowbray will no doubt be amongst the managers sniffing around too and a bid from Celtic could also be in the midst!

Albion have a tendancy not to let players go unless they are surplus to requirements or in their last year of contract and although Robert Korens contract expires this coming summer, the Albion have a right to a further 12 months.

Koren throws Albion future in doubt

The Express and Star story regarding Korens future seems to be spot in and well founded, so here we offer you a glimpse of what they said.

Original Article

Albion midfielder Robert Koren has thrown his future at the club into doubt by claiming to have asked the Baggies about the chance of a move in January.

The Slovenia captain has revealed in an interview in his homeland that he might have to leave the Hawthorns to get regular football in his preferred central midfield role.

Koren, who was among the stars of the club’s Championship triumph two years ago, has fallen down the pecking order this season with Youssouf Mulumbu, Graham Dorrans and even Gonzalo Jara selected ahead of him.

The 29-year-old has started just one Championship game in a central position this season, scoring in the home win against Ipswich.

Now, in an interview ahead of Slovenia’s crucial World Cup qualifying play-off against Russia, Koren has called his future into question but denied any rift with head coach Roberto Di Matteo.

The player said: ”I never got a chance in the centre, but always in a wing position. This was from the outset of the season after the arrival of new coach. Even in friendly matches, I never got the opportunity in the middle.”

Koren also admitted his agent has contacted Albion officials to ask about the possibility of a January departure.

The player added he would be willing to move abroad to get regular action, although he would favour staying in England, after spending three years with the Baggies.

Such comments are likely to grab the attention of Premier League clubs, after Koren was linked during the summer with a move back to the top flight.

The former Lillestrom midfielder played down talk of a summer exit and reaffirmed his commitment to the Baggies in an interview with the Express & Star during the club’s pre-season tour of Slovenia.

But a lack of first-team action in the first three months of the season has left the midfielder frustrated, with the emergence of Dorrans as a key figure further adding to his problems.

Barnett sent to coventry

Leon Barnett has today joined Coca-Cola Championship local rivals Coventry City.

He has moved on an emergency loan deal that expires on Jan 31st next year. The deal includes a recall clause after the first 28 days for the player who celebrates his 24th birthday later this month. Having played just 2 games in the Championship as a sub this season, Barnett seems to be off Di Matteos radar at least for the near future.

Was his goal in the recent reserves 10 nil drubbing of Burton Albion the last for the Baggies? Time will tell, however, he can be classed as too old for being a loanee sent out to gain experience so may well be heading out of the Hawthorns permanently.

Albion Swansea game delayed and we have a female lineswoman

Tonights game has been delayed due to traffic congestion around the vicinity of the Hawthorns and will be underway very soon with a female lineswoman!

Albion play in the usual blue and white stripes with Swansea in red and black.